Kyler Murray No. 1, but most had him in their top five. Murray, after all, is one of 44 quarterbacks from Texas to start in the NFL since 1993….. See more

Kyler Murray, despite being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, is part of a rich tradition of football talent from Texas. Most analysts and scouts had him in their top five players of that draft, making him one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks of his generation. His success and prominence, however, are part of a much larger picture—Texas has long been a hotbed for football talent, and Murray is merely the latest in a long line of quarterbacks to emerge from the Lone Star State.

Since 1993, there have been 44 quarterbacks from Texas who have started in the NFL, a remarkable figure that underscores the state’s importance as a breeding ground for football talent. This list includes some of the most prominent names in the history of the league, from the legendary Drew Brees to Super Bowl MVPs like Nick Foles and Patrick Mahomes. Texas has consistently produced quarterbacks capable of succeeding at the highest levels, and Murray, with his exceptional athleticism and unique skill set, fits comfortably into this lineage.

Murray’s rise to prominence began in high school, where he was one of the top recruits in the country. He played at Allen High School, which has produced a number of top-tier football prospects over the years. His performance at the University of Oklahoma only cemented his status as one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, as he led the Sooners to the College Football Playoff and won the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2018. His combination of speed, arm strength, and vision made him a dual-threat quarterback capable of taking over games both with his legs and his arm.

The transition to the NFL, however, was not without its challenges. The NFL is notorious for being a league where success is hard to come by for young quarterbacks, but Murray has shown that he has the tools to thrive. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make throws on the move has been a significant advantage. Additionally, his leadership and poise under pressure have allowed him to grow as a quarterback despite being relatively young.

Murray’s success story reflects the deep football culture in Texas, where the sport is not just a pastime but a way of life. With a legacy of success, he stands as an example of the state’s dominance in producing top-tier quarterbacks, a tradition that continues to shape the NFL to this day.