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“Refused at Times to Run the Ball”: Ex-NFL GM Makes Shocking Revelation About Kyler Murray During Cardinal Run

In 2006, Michael Vick became the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. Defensive coordinators spent entire game weeks trying to solve one problem: what happens when the quarterback decides to leave the pocket?…

By Nilaav Ranjan Gogoi · Essentially Sports

Published: Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 6:25 PM

Key Things to Know

Former Cardinals GM Steve Keim revealed Kyler Murray refused at times to run designed plays in Arizona.
Keim stated Murray told coaches he was uncomfortable running and wanted to avoid harm's way.
Murray was drafted first overall in 2019 after posting 1,001 rushing yards during his final college season.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Arizona Cardinals general manager Steve Keim revealed that quarterback Kyler Murray sometimes refused to run designed plays during his Cardinals tenure. Speaking on the Inside Football show, Keim stated that despite Murray's elite mobility being a primary reason for drafting him first overall in 2019, Murray voiced discomfort with running and expressed a desire to avoid putting himself in harm's way.

Murray experienced various injuries throughout his career, including a torn ACL in 2022 and a midfoot sprain that cost him 12 games in 2025. While Murray has emphasized his ability to protect himself on the field, Keim noted that the quarterback is now adapting to Kevin O'Connell's offensive system.

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