The Pittsburgh Steelers' newest linebacker, Tyler Murray, has one of the most unusual and heartwarming stories you've ever heard. Earlier this week, Murray was working for Amazon, yes that Amazon, when he got the call that the Steelers wanted him to come and practice with them. It is no secret that the Steelers are pretty thin at the linebacker position, especially on the inside, and a former overlooked AFC North gem might be the answer to their prayers.
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New Steelers ILB Tyler Murray played college football at several schools including UNC-C.
Murray told Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that he was in his Amazon uniform and all when the call came in. He said he had to go to his boss at Amazon and let them know that he was going to have to take off early. I bet the Amazon bosses don't hear that excuse a lot.
"I was working at Amazon... and my agent called me and said, 'We've got a workout for you with the Steelers," shared Murray.
He said he was granted the time off and was on the next flight he could get to Pittsburgh. Now the Steelers have signed Murray and he couldn't be more thrilled.
"I just wanna start out by saying that I thank God for the opportunity Pittsburgh has given me. It's just a blessing. I am so happy to be here."
Murray, who played college football for several schools, began his journey at Troy. He started out as a cornerback recruit. He moved to linebacker after two seasons there and then transferred to the University of North Carolina - Charlotte and ultimately Memphis. He said that he isn't a traditional linebacker.
"I am probably a quick linebacker since I transferred from DB to inside the box, so I can say I am a ballhawk and my stats in college were very good. I just am noticeable in that so I can just say I am versatile as a linebacker now and I can read a lot of stuff."
An undrafted free agent at the start of the 2023 season, Murray was signed by the Cincinnati Bengals, but was released prior to the start of the season. In the small world that is the AFC North, Murray was ironically released to make room for the Bengals to sign former Steelers tight end, Zach Gentry.
The Steelers Sure Do Need Tyler Murray's Help
While Murray might be getting the opportunity of a lifetime, the Steelers aren't just being generous. They are spread so thin at inside linebacker, they are see-through. Both Kwon Alexander and Cole Holcomb, who were considered the Steelers' top players on the inside, are out for the rest of the season with injuries. However, Murray being signed to the practice squad means that he has a very real shot at making the team.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers have been decimated at inside linebacker including the season-ending knee injury sustained by Cole Holcomb.
Holcomb was injured during the Week 9 victory over the Tennessee Titans. He suffered what was called, "a significant knee injury" and had to undergo surgery to repair it. Alexander was hurt during the Week 10 win over the Green Bay Packers. He sustained a torn Achilles tendon.
Murray is just another solid player in an impressive line of Steelers with ties to UNC-Charlotte. Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi both played for the UNC-C 49ers. Ogunjobi made history as the first 49ers player to ever make the NFL. In addition, inside linebackers coach Aaron Curry, coached the defensive line at UNC-C.
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A UNC-C reunion in Pittsburgh, (left to right) Alex Highsmith, Aaron Curry and Larry Ogunjobi.
As of now, Murray is only signed to the Steelers practice squad, but every player's journey has to start somewhere. Murray certainly isn't going to be lacking opportunities in Pittsburgh with their many injuries. He knows this and told Adamski he plans to make the best out of the chance he has been given.
"I just want to help the team the best I can - special teams, the practice squad, whatever I've got to do. I am sorry for the linebackers that got hurt. I hope I can meet them to learn from them and what they know already, so just being here to learn all I can and do the best I can to help this team out."
While no one wants to be without Alexander and Holcomb, it isn't hard to find yourself cheering for this young man. His humility and eagerness are impressive and his story makes everyone feel good. It should serve as a reminder, that if you work hard enough and never give up, your dreams really can come true! Good luck Murray!
Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers veteran Kwon Alexander proved to be worth every penny so far in 2023, but an injury in Week 10 will force him to miss the remainder of the season.
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