Kyler Murray responds to 'homework' contract clause after team removed it
GLENDALE — Kyler Murray wasn't scheduled to speak to reporters Thursday at Cardinals training camp. But he clearly had a lot on his mind and wanted to respond to critics of the curious addendum that was originally in his new contract, the one that requires four hours of "independent study" per week starting after the end of training camp.
People across football from media types to agents to fans weighed on the section of the contract, which was made public by NFL Media on Monday. Then, after Murray's comments Wednesday, an NFL.com report surfaced saying the Cardinals had removed the clause Tuesday, with a statement explaining why.
"After seeing the distraction it created, we removed the addendum from the contract. It was clearly perceived in ways that were never intended. Our confidence in Kyler Murray is as high as it’s ever been and nothing demonstrates our belief in his ability to lead this team more than the commitment reflected in this contract," the Cardinals' statement said.
"To think that I can accomplish everything that I've accomplished in my career, and not be a student of the game and not have that passion and not take this serious is disrespectful," Murray said. "And it's almost a joke. To me, I'm flattered... that you all think that at my size, I can go out there and not prepare for the game and not take it serious. It's disrespectful, I feel like, to my peers, to all the great athletes and great players that are in this league. This game is too hard to play the position that I play in this league. It's too hard."
Related: NFL community reacts to Kyler Murray's 'Independent Study' contract clause with Cardinals
Murray, a Heisman Trophy winner and two-time Pro Bowler, went on to list his career achievements from high school to college to the pros to reinforce his point. He'd never made much of an issue of his 5-foot-10 height being a challenge to overcome, but he brought that up Thursday in his remarks.
"I'm not 6-7, 230 (pounds). I don't throw the ball 85 yards. I'm already behind the eight ball. And I can't afford to take any shortcuts, no pun intended. But those things you can't accomplish if you don't take the game serious, if you don't prepare the right way. And, you know, it's like I said, it's laughable.," Murray said.
He went on to say he watches film on his own and enjoys breaking down game tape with teammates and coaches. Then he continued his own defense.
"I refuse to let my work ethic, my preparation be questioned. I've put an incomprehensible amount of time and blood, sweat, tears and work into what I do," Murray said. "To those of you out there that believe that I'd be standing here today in front of you all without having a work ethic ... I'm honored that you think that, but it doesn't exist. It's not possible."
Somers: Making Kyler Murray contractually obligated to do homework is a terrible idea
Murray hasn't been so outspoken in the past, but said with the confidence put in him by the organization — as shown in his big contract extension — he isn't holding back. He's heard criticism about himself and his play before, and said if all of the negativity about the contract clause been around three years ago when he was a rookie, he'd have reacted the same way.
Murray declined to answer further questions about his own feelings about the contract clause, but did respond to a few football-related questions.
For subscribers: Cardinals training camp: Examining the offense with Kyler Murray, without DeAndre Hopkins
Quick outs
• Left tackle D.J. Humphries was under the weather on Thursday and did not participate in any camp activities, having also not taken part in Wednesday's session. Coach Kliff Kingsbury said he’s hoping Humphries will be able to return by Saturday for the team’s “Back Together Saturday” practice at State Farm Stadium or by early next week at the latest.
• Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, meanwhile, was given a veteran’s day off on Thursday, Kingsbury said.
• Kingsbury said it’s more than likely the Cardinals will be adding another cornerback through free agency at some point during the preseason.
“We’re going to continue to work with the group we have and see what’s out there,” he said. “There’s some real good players still out there trying to find homes and we’ll be in that market definitely.”
• DE J.J. Watt is no fan of the thick waffle-pattered "Guardian" caps players around the NFL are wearing over the crown of their helmets in training camp. The product is meant to reduce the amount of impact from contact involving the head.
"I think you know what I think of the guardian caps we're wearing," Watt said. "To keep you safe, sometimes. I don't know. Whatever. You feel like a bobblehead. You're going to fall over. After a while you get used to it, it doesn't matter. But yeah, there is a difference."
Get in touch with Jose Romero at Jose.Romero@gannett.com. Find him on Twitter at @RomeroJoseM.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cardinals' Kyler Murray: 'Refuse to let my work ethic be questioned'
