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Kyler Murray: Football Star or Baseball Pro?
4 Mar
Summary
- Murray was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 2018.
- He chose football, becoming the 2018 Heisman Trophy winner.
- The Athletics still own Murray's MLB rights as of 2026.

Before achieving NFL starting quarterback status, Kyler Murray faced a significant crossroads between professional baseball and football. While at Oklahoma, Murray excelled in both sports. He was a prominent baseball player, even earning All-Big 12 honors in 2018, and was selected by the Oakland Athletics as the ninth overall pick in the 2018 MLB draft.
However, Murray's breakout football season in 2018 saw him win the Heisman Trophy. This led to him entering the 2019 NFL draft, where he was the first overall pick. The Arizona Cardinals offered him a substantial contract, a path that has since included a significant contract extension.
As of 2026, the Oakland Athletics still retain Murray's Major League Baseball rights. This situation stems from his initial contract, which included a signing bonus that he reportedly repaid a portion of upon choosing football. His decision to pursue football has led to immediate financial rewards and a prominent NFL career, making a return to baseball highly unlikely given his age and focus on football.




