Seven years in, Kyler Murray – who will turn 28 in August – believes he is reaching his prime as an NFL quarterback.
What, Murray was asked Tuesday following the Cardinals' first minicamp practice, would your prime look like?
"Ring," Murray said bluntly, before quickly adding, "Ri-ings."
It wasn't a prediction. Murray isn't about that. In fact, when asked about his drive to make the postseason this year, the QB made it clear he was working much more day to day and not giving thought to the playoffs. Since being taken as the No. 1 overall pick in 2019, Murray has never once shied from the idea that the ultimate goal was a championship, and so why would his "prime" objective be different?
The circumstances around him are different, however. The roster is in its best shape since 2021. The defense has been overhauled, the offense building upon itself within the playbook and the personnel. Expectations are higher than they've been in a few years.
As the quarterback with six years already with the team, Murray will feel that spotlight hotter than most, not that it should make an impact.
"That would be an external factor to me," said coach Jonathan Gannon, "and we're trained not to let external factors dictate how you think or feel or perform."
Murray has talked about being in that position before and being built to deal with it, dating all the way back to his pee wee days when he played above his age to his starring role in Texas high school football and its "cult-type of following."
"My Pops groomed me in the sense of when you play this position, this is what it comes with," Murray said. "I think every quarterback knows that. It comes with it. I just try and stay out of the media as much as possible (and) do the right things."
The right things are prepping for the football season, which at least at this time of year ends this week. The Cardinals have two more minicamp practices before their break before camp, a notion that Murray called "unfortunate" because the players are just getting into a groove.
There will be some group work between now and camp – Murray said he was looking forward to getting together with the pass catchers again like he did last July – but other than spending a few days with family in Texas, Murray is going to find some way to work out.
Images from the Arizona Cardinals' 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33), Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) and Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (31) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hayden Conner (58) , Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman McClendon Curtis (66) , Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Valentin Senn (69) , Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jake Curhan (64) and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jeremiah Byers (67) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) and Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Oscar Cardenas (45) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. (70) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Sincere Haynesworth (61) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Tejhaun Palmer (83) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Owen Pappoe (44) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Quez Watkins (16) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland (38) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Tip Reiman (87) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Andre Baccellia (82) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune (15) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (72) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (4) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum (68) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Owen Pappoe (44) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Sincere Haynesworth (61) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals wide receivers during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mykal Walker (43) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Josiah Deguara (47) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Darren Hall (30) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Starling Thomas V (24) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Calais Campbell (93) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Baron Browning (5) , Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) , Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins (25) and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Xavier Thomas (54) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Max Melton (16) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Dragonfly and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
The Arizona Cardinals during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek (81) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (27) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Darren Hall (30) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back DeeJay Dallas (20) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Jake Curhan (64) and Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Royce Newman (71) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson (34) , Arizona Cardinals cornerback Denzel Burke (29) , Arizona Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams (21) , Arizona Cardinals safety Dadrion "Rabbit" Taylor-Demerson (42) and Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (31) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Andre Baccellia (82) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (6) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jaden Davis (39) and Arizona Cardinals safety Joey Blount (32) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek (81) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter (22) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins (84) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Josh Sweat (10) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (27), Arizona Cardinals linebacker Vi Jones (53), Arizona Cardinals linebacker J.J. Russell (51), Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2), Arizona Cardinals Linebackers Coach Cristian Garcia, Arizona Cardinals linebacker Owen Pappoe (44) and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mykal Walker (43) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Joey Blount (32), Arizona Cardinals cornerback Darren Hall (30) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Elijah Jones (28) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) and Arizona Cardinals Tight Ends Coach Ben Steele during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Darius Robinson (56) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Kei'Trel Clark (13) and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Elijah Jones (28) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during 2025 Minicamp at the Dignity Health Training Facility on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in Tempe, AZ.
"Two days go by (without a workout), I don't feel right," Murray said. "That's kind of the max for me. I love what I do. You have to listen to your body because you don't want to go too crazy but you have to callus your body. It's a long season with 300-pounds guys … I have to be ready for whatever comes during the season."
The biggest change on offense has turned out to be the physical transformation of wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. – "The picture, I thought it was AI," Murray joked – and Murray himself had suggested pre-draft that the Cardinals would do well to draft defensive tackle Walter Nolen III in the first round, which the organization did.
Murray was asked if the front office making few changes to the offense showed a belief in what was already in place.
"I think we were able to put up points last year but I think there was a lot of things left out there that we as an offense knew could be 10 times better," Murray said. "It's irritating. But looking at the whole team, I think they did the right thing by attacking what they thought was necessary to make the team better."
Belief in Murray hasn't changed. Gannon emphasizes that every time he's asked. Tight end Trey McBride said he has the confidence Murray can throw for as many yards as he wants to. Harrison has raved about the relationship he and Murray have developed.
"He's just a great guy to be around and he knows when to put the serious switch on and when it's time to go to work on the field," Harrison said.
Murray should be primed to be in his prime. How that looks won't be known until the fall.
"We have the guys," Murray said. "We just have to execute."
