Kyler Murray was part of the more than 200 athletes to join the NFL’s international diversity initiative last season. The Arizona Cardinals quarterback sported a South Korean flag decal alongside an American one on his helmet.
Murray’s decision to take part in the initiative was to honor his Asian heritage. Murray is one-quarter Korean. His father is Black and his mother is half Korean.
“I’m proud to play with the flag of South Korea on my helmet. It’s a great way to honor my mom, honor my heritage and highlight the diverse backgrounds that make up the NFL,” Murray said, via the Cardinals official website.
An outspoken advocate amid violence toward Asian community
More than 11,000 acts of hate against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been reported since March 2020 and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Stop AAPI Hate.
Murray’s been outspoken about his Asian roots and an ally for the community.
The Cardinals quarterback posted a message on social media in 2021 amid a string of violence toward the Asian American community.
“I don’t understand the hate,” Murray said on Twitter.
Most recently, Murray donated $15,000 to William Cho after the tragic loss of his family in the Allen, Texas mass shooting.
Murray’s gestures have caught the attention of many fans, including Nancy Bae.
“To have an amazing star quarterback who is also Asian to denounce anti-Asian behaviors and to promote love among all groups means so much to the Asian community,” Bae said to USA TODAY Sports. “Kyler is an inspiration not only to Asian athletes but to all athletes.”
Bae believes Murray has helped break barriers and shattered stereotypes associated with the Asian community.
“For those Asian youth who want to pursue sports as their career, Kyler is a role model. For those who are already in sports, Kyler is a reminder that he is a result of hard work, focus, and determination,” Bae said. “Kyler is breaking the typical stereotypes of Asians that many associate us with. We are not simply driven academicians, but we are multifaceted.”
Asian Americans in the NFL
According to the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport, just 0.1% of NFL players identify as Asian American.
Murray, who is currently recovering from a knee injury, is entering his fifth NFL season. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler and won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2019. He has 13,848 passing yards, 84 touchdown passes, 2,204 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns in 57 career regular-season games.
The Cardinals quarterback is one of the highest-paid players in the NFL. He signed a five-year extension worth $230.5 million, including $160 million guaranteed in July of 2022.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on Twitter @TheTylerDragon.
