Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray made waves on Monday by unveiling the latest face of the iconic video game Call of Duty. The announcement, just in time for Black Ops 6’s highly anticipated October 25 release, has been praised due to the high-profile partnership and Murray’s humorous response to some of his online critics.

A two-time Pro Bowler, Murray took to social media with a lighthearted tone, stating that his ‘trolls who memed me into a bag’ were behind this exciting collaboration. Murray’s gaming habits, particularly his love for Call of Duty, are the focus of many memes that have emerged recently, and the quip refers to them. Despite the online chatter, Murray has turned this narrative into a lucrative deal, cementing his official connection to the franchise.

 

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A Controversial History with Gaming

Murray’s love for video games, especially Call of Duty, has been well-known, but it hasn’t been without controversy. An unusual clause caught the headlines during the signing of the quarterback’s massive five-year, $230.5 million contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals in 2022. The contract included a ‘homework clause,’ requiring Murray to spend additional time outside practice studying game film for at least six games per season. The clause was speculated to directly respond to concerns about his off-field distractions, specifically his gaming habits.

Despite public backlash, the debate about Murray’s focus and commitment to the team remained hot. Critics and fans alike question whether his gaming affects his performance on the field, especially during stretches where the Cardinals struggled. Memes quickly followed, with many indicating that his love for Call of Duty could be a potential distraction.

From Memes to Money

Murray’s charisma allowed him to embrace the meme culture that once mocked him, turning it into a success for his brand. The quarterback balances his passion for gaming and his football career in a full-circle moment with Call of Duty.

Murray’s announcement comes at the perfect time as he prepares for another NFL season, demonstrating his complete focus and readiness to lead the Cardinals. His critics, who once saw his gaming habits as a distraction, now see the irony in Murray’s ability to leverage memes and online trolling into a substantial brand deal.

A Litmus Test for Murray?

Murray’s involvement with Black Ops 6 as it prepares for its release adds an intriguing dimension to the ongoing narrative surrounding his career. This season, the quarterback’s balance between on-field responsibilities and off-field passions will be closely watched.

The Cardinals signal-caller seems ready to make a strong comeback after an offseason filled with recovery and preparation. However, new questions come to mind regarding the Call of Duty deal. Is Murray dedicated to leading the Cardinals to success this season, or will his off-field pursuits continue to spark controversy? He appears to be on the right path, having spent the offseason rehabbing and recalibrating.

Murray’s gaming habits have certainly been scrutinized, but his Call of Duty partnership demonstrates that he’s not afraid to embrace the very thing that caused the controversy. The athlete and his critics will have to see if Murray can seamlessly integrate his love for gaming with his responsibilities as an NFL quarterback, which will likely serve as a litmus test.

Despite the ongoing debates, Kyler Murray has clearly positioned himself as more than just a football star. By embracing his dual passions—football and gaming —he’s demonstrating that athletes can create football in both worlds.

 

As Murray himself might say, his trolls “memed him into a bag.” Now, it’s up to him to show that his focus on football remains stronger than ever while enjoying his new Call of Duty partnership.