Kyler Murray had big reason for signing with Vikings beyond being their starter

After weeks of speculation, the Minnesota Vikings were finally able to confirm on Thursday that they had signed former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray to a team-friendly one-year contract. 

Later in the day, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell suggested that Murray and 2024 first-round draft pick J.J. McCarthy will compete for the starting job this summer. It turns out Murray wanted to join the Vikings for reasons that go beyond how much playing time he could receive. 

Kyler Murray has a history with the Vikings? 

While speaking with reporters at his introductory news conference, Murray revealed that he was a Vikings fan as a child. 

"Ever since I started playing tackle football — I was seven years old," Murray explained, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. "Genuine fandom. . . . Vikings gear through and through. A lot of purple in my household." 

As noted by Rob Kleifield and Lindsey Young of the Vikings' website, Murray admitted that he "cried real tears" when then-Minnesota quarterback Brett Favre famously threw a costly interception late in the 2010 NFC Championship Game versus the New Orleans Saints. The Saints ultimately went on to win that contest and the Super Bowl. 

"Never in a million years," Murray said about whether or not he thought he would ever be on the Vikings' roster. "Never in a million years did I think this was going to come around full circle. Never even a thought in my head. But the opportunity presented itself."

What Kyler Murray likes about the current Vikings

Despite O'Connell's comments, most expect Murray will open the 2026 regular season atop Minnesota's depth chart. Murray sounds eager to start learning O'Connell's offense once springtime workouts get underway next month. 

"Watching from afar what K.O. has been able to do with quarterbacks, offense, the guys in place here, B-Flo's (Brian Flores) defense," Murray added during his comments. "I think it's a great fit, and like I said, I'm thankful. I'm thankful for the opportunity, and I can't wait to get to work."

If this proves to be a great fit for both Murray and the Vikings, McCarthy could soon become surplus to requirements in Minnesota.