Rob Gronkowski names Kyler Murray as surprising MVP candidate

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Rob Gronkowski names Kyler Murray as surprising MVP candidate

By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Sep 3, 2026 10:30 AM ET

The Minnesota Vikings have a new starting quarterback this season: former No. 1 pick Kyler Murray.

The Vikings signed Murray after he was released by the Arizona Cardinals, and he won the job in camp over J.J. McCarthy and Carson Wentz. Murray had long been viewed as the favorite, and ultimately, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell decided to roll with the former Heisman Trophy winner to start the 2026 season.

Now, former star tight end Rob Gronkowski had a bold take on Murray, even pegging him as a dark horse NFL MVP candidate during an episode of the "Up & Adams" show.

"I'm going with Kyler Murray," Gronkowski said. "Kyler Murray has all the tools to be great; he has a great arm... This is kind of a prove-it season.

"Kyler Murray has the chance to shine and show what he's all about in Minnesota."

Kyler Murray for MVP?

4x SB Champ Rob Gronkowski on why the Vikings QB is his dark horse:@RobGronkowski | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/H1siZT16TN
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) September 3, 2026

Gronkowski said this is a big year for Murray, but all the pieces are there, with tight end T.J. Hockenson and wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as the leading options in Minnesota.

Can Kyler Murray compete for the NFL MVP award?

If Murray leads Minnesota to a playoff spot and plays well, there is certainly an argument to be made for him in the MVP discussion. Gronkowski isn't the only one who has Murray in the conversation. Dan Parr of NFL.com published a piece with dark horse MVP candidates, and Murray landed at No. 8 on that list.

Murray was a two-time Pro Bowler and won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year during his time in Arizona. If he finds his groove again, it could be a massive bounce-back season for Murray and the Vikings.

Matt Wadleigh

Matt Wadleigh is based in California and born and raised in the San Diego area. He studied print journalism at Fresno State for college and got to watch Paul George, Derek Carr and Davante Adams play in a Bulldogs uniform. His work has been featured at ClutchPoints, Sportscasting, Sporting News, and various USA Today sites, including UCLA Wire, where he was the first managing editor

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