ESPN2 minute read
Former Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum offered a pointed assessment of Kyler Murray during a recent radio interview, saying the star quarterback ‘has to grow up a bit’ to lead. franchise.
Beachum, a free agent after spending the last three seasons protecting Murray as one of Arizona’s starting offensive linemen, was asked about the leadership abilities of the first pick in the 2019 draft on Wednesday during a an interview with Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.
“Grow up,” Beachum replied when asked what Murray should do. “Be a man and grow.”
Murray’s maturity and leadership ability came under intense scrutiny last year when his lucrative deal with the Cardinals included an addendum that required the quarterback to study film for four hours a week during the season.
The Cardinals ultimately removed the clause from Murray’s contract and said in a statement that the $230.5 million deal “demonstrates our belief in his ability to lead this team.” But according to Beachum, Murray still has work to do as a leader.
“It’s not a finished process,” Beachum said in the interview. “I didn’t say he lacked leadership, I just think he needs to grow a bit. I think if he has the ability and the will to grow he will be fine.
“(The Cardinals) paid him for a reason – they paid him because of his talent. He has the ability to lead. When you’re in that position, we need you to lead more. You’re the face of the franchise…you have to lead at every level.”
Murray, 25, is recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee, and the Cardinals have not offered a timeline for the return of the two-time Pro Bowler.
Newly hired Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said last month Murray was “on schedule” with his rehab, and freshman offensive coordinator Drew Petzing said Murray was “extremely committed.” in their initial conversations.
Gannon and Petzing have also both stressed that their offense will be structured around Murray, but Beachum reiterated that he believes the 2018 Heisman Trophy winner still needs to grow as a leader.
“Kyler is his own individual, he’s his own person, he beats to his own drum, which made him who he is today,” Beachum said. “But, at the end of the day, you have to be able to lead an entire organization, you have to lead a team.”