6-Time Pro Bowler Reignites Beef with Kyler Murray

Former NFL RB Lesean McCoy in Las Vegas in 2024
Feb 9, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Former running back LeSean McCoy speaks during the Legends NFL Party. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images.

Former NFL running back LeSean McCoy is not a fan of Kyler Murray, reigniting his beef with the Minnesota Vikings quarterback this week by saying Murray isn’t good enough to be cocky.

McCoy has a long, documented history of ripping Murray; his recent comments were merely the latest chapter in the saga.

McCoy’s Latest Murray Criticism Adds Heat to Vikings QB Race

Kyler Murray put on his helmet during the Vikings' first organized team activities session in Eagan.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray wears his helmet during the opening day of organized team activities at team headquarters in Eagan. On May 26, 2026, Murray participated in Minnesota’s first OTA session, beginning offseason installation work and taking early steps toward establishing himself within the Vikings’ revamped quarterback room. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.

McCoy: Murray Isn’t Good Enough to Be Arrogant

Chatting on the Speakeasy podcast, McCoy was not shy about unloading his latest Murray take, saying, “But you know what I hate? I hate a super cocky, arrogant player that’s not that good. That’s a little above average. That is Kyler Murray.”

“He plays like high school Texas football. He runs around and back there just trying to make plays like this high school football stuff.”

McCoy last played in the NFL in 2020, is a two-time Super Bowl champion, and isn’t unafraid to uncork juicy takes on the internet.

Past Comments from McCoy

A couple of years ago, Murray mentioned his 43-0 career in high school, touting the accomplishment because he played ball in Texas. McCoy replied on social media, “lol and what has that gotten u ??? Mid NFL career??? What we talking bout?”

In 2022, McCoy went on another Murray-related rant, saying, “He’s trash. Overhyped. Overrated. He plays like a high school player. Runs around, runs backward, he does a circle, the ballerina circle, then goes left, goes right, turns all the way around again, then looks for a wide receiver. That’s not how you play quarterback.”

“He ain’t Mahomes. Let me tell you about Mahomes real quick: the majority of Mahomes’ passes are based on timing. Third step, hit, boom, ball’s out. Fifth step, boom, ball’s out. Now sometimes he goes off script, we all can do that but not every pass!”

McCoy flat-out doesn’t like the guy. He says the same thing about Murray every time he talks about him.

“Every pass, Murray is holding the ball, let’s make a miracle. Every game he’s played. Watch him play. It’s really embarrassing, to be honest. Like, who’s coaching this kid? He ain’t reading no coverages,” he continued his tirade and crusade.

“When a quarterback is running around like that all day, all night, all game, that’s because he’s not reading any coverages.”

Murray Not Universally Loved

Murray isn’t for everybody. When the Arizona Cardinals baked in a “study hall clause” into his contract — later removed — many determined he was a lazy, no-good video game player. The narrative died down thereafter but never truly vanished.

Kyler Murray takes the snap during the Arizona Cardinals' game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray takes a snap during a road game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. On Dec. 3, 2023, Murray directed Arizona’s offense while continuing his return to action, showcasing the mobility and playmaking skills that have defined his NFL career. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports.

He’s also never won a playoff game, so when his ardor for video games is mentioned, the assertion is that he doesn’t love football as much as his peers and spends too much time on other hobbies. Ask a casual fan about Murray, and there’s a decent chance they mock for a) his height b) video games c) his attitude.

The guy probably needs a playoff win or two to dull the perception.

A Change of Scenery in 2026

Thankfully for Murray’s sake, he’ll get a bit of a clean slate this season. Murray will work alongside a “quarterback whispering” head coach and playmakers like Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, T.J. Hockenson, Aaron Jones, and Jordan Mason. He’ll also have a Top 3 defense from the last two seasons at his back, led by Brian Flores.

Murray has never quite had a setup like this.

Our Cole Smith noted on Murray in May, “He was selected to back-to-back Pro Bowls in 2020 and 2021 after throwing for a combined 48 touchdowns, rushing for another 16, while completing 68.1% of his passes for 7,758 yards. Murray hasn’t been the same since, only starting 41 of 64 games in that time. But he believes Kevin O’Connell can help him return to Pro Bowl form.”

“O’Connell has confidence in Murray, but what is the quarterback’s own level of confidence in this new environment? The bigger question remains what the on-field product will look like. Reporters were able to look upon practice on Wednesday and saw a glimpse of what this offense can look like with Murray.”

Murray looked wonderful at organized team activities.

Kyler Murray scans the field during a home game against the Washington Commanders at State Farm Stadium.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray surveys the field during a home contest against the Washington Commanders at State Farm Stadium. On Sept. 29, 2024, Murray guided Arizona’s offense in an early-season matchup, working through progressions and directing drives as the Cardinals evaluated their offensive identity. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Smith added, “There could have been plenty of excuses made for why Murray didn’t execute the play. Instead, he avoided disaster and made the defense pay. Murray said his confidence is unshakeable. He displayed that on and off the field in his first action in front of reporters.”

“If he can continue stacking days like this throughout the summer, there will likely be no question about how the quarterback competition ends.”

But according to McCoy, he’s just too arrogant and cocky to make it work.


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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is ... More about Dustin Baker