Cardinals QB Kyler Murray needs to clean up his language on HBO's 'Hard Knocks'
The HBO series “Hard Knocks: In Season the Arizona Cardinals” is giving us a glimpse into the personality of Kyler Murray.
He comes off as foul-mouthed, immature and volatile.
It’s not flattering, but it’s also not final.
The first look we get comes as Cussin’ Kyler is walking off the field with his head down after yet another loss. The first sound we get is him yelling “(expletive)” Then we see him slam his helmet down in frustration.
It gets a lot worse.
On film study: “Oh, (expletive)! He’s open.”
On the rain: “This is that (expletive) that gets you sick. In Texas, you get sick off of this (expletive).”
On encouraging teammates: “Hey, bruh, you just win. I don’t give a (expletive) how you do it. You just do it.”
On making a tough play in practice: “That (expletive) is slippery as (expletive). That (expletive) almost slipped out of my hand.”
On making a great throw: “(expletive)-ing excellent.”
On a hamstring injury: “Tweaked my, (expletive).”
He should try cleaning it up.
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Consider this a gentle challenge, rather than some holier-than-thou admonishment. (expletive), anybody who knows me, knows that I can toss around swear words like most people toss salt on french fries.
This also isn’t meant to be moralistic, paternalistic or Pollyannish. Murray certainly isn’t the only guy to cuss on the show. Nor is he the youngest. Nor is he in any way out of the norm in a football setting.
This isn’t even about setting a good example for kids. We all know they’ll get exposed to foul language in music, movies, social media, television, friends, and, yes, parents.
Cussing isn’t even necessarily bad. There have been a ton of studies that suggest cursing is a sign of intelligence and a command of vocabulary, even if that seems counterintuitive.
For me, I learned to cuss to prove I was cool, a bad boy even. I did. I cursed early, often and pretty (expletive)-ing well.
With that said, I’m willing to take up the challenge I’m offering to Murray (who has been my favorite player to watch since Barry Sanders, and it’s not especially close.)
Let’s try to clean up our speech as a show of leadership, self-discipline and growth.
If it was good enough for John Wooden, who won national championships the way Hallmark sells cards, then it’s good enough for us.
Also, Murray needs to learn to hold his head up — regardless of the circumstances. He’s too good to let himself get down. His teammates see that. If he’s frustrated, as talented as he is, what hope is there for any of them? For me, I’ll be working on this one, too. Talentwise, I’m no Kyler Murray. But I’ve spent so much time alone, that I’ve rarely considered my body language or what it might convey.
Finally, he’s got to learn to keep his cool. No more slamming helmets. That kind of thing makes you a target. Opponents know that if they can frustrate you, they can beat you. Take that away from them, and you’re unstoppable. I say this as a Black man who is passionate by nature. Always have been. Even if I did spend years pretending to be the mild-mannered Carlton Banks, mixed with Will Smith, mixed with Theo Huxtable. Being fake like that was going to kill me. This is a reminder that there’s a way to harness a natural fire without allowing it to burn down any homes.
Kyler Murray will always be one of the most talented. One of the hardest working. One of the most accomplished.
And now, he has an opportunity to show self-discipline and leadership with his speech and mannerisms that can translate to other areas of his life. To show that he has the highest capacity for growth.
To (expletive) with it. I’ll take the challenge. Wish me luck.