Kyler Murray Takes a Turn for Some Backlash from Fans

Last week, J.J. McCarthy surprised fans with his candor about the Minnesota Vikings quarterback battle this summer, and on Tuesday, his teammate Kyler Murray — also a part of the quarterback battle — took a turn. Murray stated his feelings about adjusting to the Vikings’ offense with limited snaps; some fans were not impressed.

It’s the latest in what promises to be a long summer if each quarterback is scrutinized daily for telling the truth.

Why Murray’s Minicamp Comments Drew Attention

Kyler Murray celebrates after the Cardinals defeated the Las Vegas Raiders in overtime at Allegiant Stadium. — Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray celebrates after a comeback victory over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. On Sept. 18, 2022, Murray helped engineer one of the league’s most memorable rallies, leading Arizona to an overtime win while showcasing the athleticism and playmaking ability that defined his early NFL career. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports.

Murray on Adjusting to the Vikings’ Offense

A reporter asked Murray about the most challenging aspect of adjusting to the Vikings’ offense. He replied, “I was in Arizona for seven years. I know I had two different offensive systems there, but at the same time, you’re getting all those reps. Now I have these split reps. It’s me already being behind, not getting the amount of reps that you would typically want a guy to get learning an offense. That’s probably the toughest part.”

“I’ve kind of just went full head of steam and embraced the part of being uncomfortable. I haven’t been in this position much, but now being in it, why not make the most of it? Obviously, there’s times I’m out there thinking and stuff like that where I wouldn’t be thinking usually, but it’s part of the process, and this is the time where we’re all getting better.”

All things considered, it was a pretty point-blank, truthful response.

Reactions on Social Media

Then, the heat came, especially on social media.

Andres Wood tweeted, “Mans got replaced by Jacoby Brissett in the year 2026 and thinks he deserves to automatically start on an NFL roster lmao.”

Anthony Thesing: “Baby quarterback not smart enough to figure it out? I figured a 7 year veteran that is allegedly good even though a team is paying him 36 million to go away wouldn’t have a problem picking it up quick. Put the Playstation controller down Kyler.”

A man named Dan Morgan wasn’t shy: “Cardinals haven’t made the playoffs in five years and he got benched for a career journeyman last season. I think he can suck it up and compete with a guy who has played 12 games total. He’s not a scared cow.”

@wolfsolosflow: “This is not what you want to hear from your leader. You don’t air your frustrations. You put those on you to get right and praise your teammates and coaches. JJ may not be the guy but people may be too bullish on Kyler.”

@82babes: “Maybe if you did your job in AZ you wouldn’t be splitting reps in MN! I saw what you looked like there with FULL reps. He’s a veteran he better do like Flacco!”

Chuck Harris chimed in: “Wasted no time in passive aggressively call out of his coaches because he has to split reps in a QB competition🤣🤣🤣.”

Joey Franchise offered one counterpoint: “He’s right btw. There’s just such limited time in the off seasons these days. You can’t really have a full split reps QB battle when one of the guys is brand new to the offense and is going to win the ‘battle’ anyway. Time to trade JJMC or start giving him only 2nd team reps.”

… What Else Was He Supposed to Say

Here’s the strange part of the backlash to Murray’s comment: the reporter specifically asked what was challenging about adjusting to a new team. Murray did not launch into a tirade about his teammate or role without provocation. Instead, someone asked him a question — and he answered it.

Kyler Murray throws passes during pregame warmups before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. — Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray participates in pregame warm-ups before a road matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. On Nov. 21, 2021, Murray prepared for an NFC West showdown at Lumen Field, continuing his role as Arizona’s franchise quarterback during a season that featured playoff aspirations. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports.

If you were a chef at a new restaurant, and a customer ordered an omelet, if you were forced to make the omelet with a partner for the first time, would that not be a bit of an adjustment when you’re accustomed to flying solo on omelet duty?

Murray may have been better off lying or walking away from the microphone, given the public’s reaction to his honest reply.

McCarthy Winning the Day on the Field

Not for nothing, for the first time at Vikings organized team activities or minicamp, McCarthy looked better than Murray on the field. Murray tossed an interception while McCarthy displayed no major gaffes.

J.J. McCarthy addresses reporters following a Vikings OTA practice at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan. Kyler Murray — Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy speaks with reporters after an OTA practice session at team headquarters in Eagan. On May 27, 2026, McCarthy discussed quarterback room dynamics, offseason development, and building chemistry with veteran Kyler Murray as Minnesota continued preparations during organized team activities. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.

It was a much-needed showing for McCarthy, who, according to oddsmakers, is the heavy underdog to win the QB1 job when the dust settles.

It’s also worth noting that both times McCarthy and Murray have addressed the media in recent weeks, angry listeners have come out of the woodwork to chide their words. It’s been a long time since the Vikings hosted a genuine summer camp battle. Fans are evidently rusty.