The Dallas Cowboys made a multitude of new additions late in the first week of free agency. One of which was linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr., although news of him being traded by the Tennessee Titans to Big D has stirred some unhappiness from Cowboys fans who are pessimistic the first-round bust will make much of an impact.
That said, Murray shared his excitement about coming to Dallas during his introductory press conference with the team on Monday.
According to The Athletic's Jon Machota, Murray shared, "I've always loved the Cowboys. I grew up a Cowboys fan. My whole family are Cowboys fans. So this is definitely a dream for me playing here." While Cowboys fans are used to hearing statements like these, Murray truly means it.
New Cowboys LB Kenneth Murray Jr.: "I've always loved the Cowboys. I grew up a Cowboys fan. My whole family are Cowboys fans. So this is definitely a dream for me playing here."
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) March 17, 2025
On how surprised he was about the trade: "I'm not gonna lie, it was extremely surprising for me, just…
Kenneth Murray Jr. Shares his Shock and Excitement for Becoming a Cowboy
The Missouri City, Texas, native and his family grew up only 26 minutes away from Houston. Yet, Murray and his entire family are Cowboys fans. Although it's not extremely shocking, given the Houston Texans are a newer franchise, it is still a nice tidbit about a new member of the organization.
Murray continued his interview by talking about the shock he felt when the Tennessee Titans traded him. The 26-year-old said, "I'm not gonna lie, it was extremely surprising for me, just because I wasn't expecting it." He added, "I'm excited to be able to come here, bring my brand of football and just fly around and make plays."
Murray began his career with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020. The former 23rd overall pick recorded 321 tackles, 21 TFLs, 10 pass deflections, five sacks, two interceptions and one forced fumble in four seasons with the Chargers. That production earned him a two-year $15.5 million contract with the Titans last offseason.
In one season with Tennessee, Murray recorded 95 tackles, 8 TFLs, 3,5 sacks, two pass deflections, one interception and one forced fumble. After a season with above-average productivity, it's no wonder why Murray was caught off guard by the trade.
Given both of these factors, it's not hard to imagine that the 26-year-old won't play with a fire lit under him in 2025.