Running Back DeMarco Murray, who was drafted by the Cowboys and played his first four years in Dallas, will announce his retirement from the NFL today according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
That Offensive Player of the Year award came in 2014, when Murray set the Cowboys single-season rushing record with 1,845 yards. DeMarco’s big season included 13 rushing touchdowns and 57 catches for 416 receiving yards.
Murray looked to capitalize on that big year in free agency in 2015, and the Cowboys were not willing to meet his asking price. DeMarco would go on to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles and have a frustrating time in Chip Kelly’s offense.
Despite his short time in Dallas, Murray ranks sixth all-time in franchise rushing yardage. You can probably guess the names he’s behind: Emmitt Smith, Tony Dorsett, Don Perkins, Calvin Hill, and Robert Newhouse.
DeMarco didn’t get off to a fast start with the Cowboys, but he was also here before they put together their great offensive line. Murray was a third-round pick in 2011, which was the same draft that Dallas added Tyron Smith in the first round.
Murray was a key part of one of the most exciting Cowboys seasons of the last 20 years, their 2014 campaign which ended tragically with the “Dez caught it” fiasco. If not for that refereeing blunder, he might have had a Super Bowl ring on top of the other accolades.
DeMarco Murray gave us some great times, and we wish him the best as he enters into the next chapter of his life.
