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'I was raised to play QB': Kyler Murray chooses NFL over baseball

Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray has chosen the NFL. Michael Reaves/Getty Images
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Kyler Murray is sticking with football.

The Heisman-winner from Oklahoma announced his decision on Monday with a statement, ending speculation as to whether he would choose to pursue football or baseball professionally.

"Moving forward, I am firmly and fully committing my life to becoming an NFL quarterback," Murray said.

He continued:

"Football has been my love and passion my entire life. I was raised to play QB, and I very much look forward to dedicating 100% of myself to being the best QB possible and winning NFL championships. I have started an extensive training program to further prepare myself for upcoming NFL workouts and interviews. I eagerly await the opportunity to continue to prove the NFL decision makers that I am the franchise QB in this draft."

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Kyler Murray

Murray was drafted by the Oakland Athletics with the ninth overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft but was allowed to return to Oklahoma to play his final season of football before beginning his major league career.

Murray then carried the Sooners to an appearance in the College Football Playoff, throwing for 4,053 yards during the 2018 regular season and going on to win the Heisman trophy.

It was tough to believe that Murray would give up the sport after showing how high his potential was, and many began to speculate that he would choose football over baseball.

Read more: Heisman-winner Kyler Murray is reportedly expected to enter the NFL Draft, and there is buzz that new Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury could take him with the top pick

ESPN's Todd McShay has Murray projected as a first-round draft pick, predicting the Miami Dolphins to select him with the 13th overall pick.

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Tyler Lauletta is a sports reporter for Business Insider covering everything from the latest in NFL trades to the NBA playoff race to that weird rugby highlight you don't quite understand but know to be impressive. Hailing from Philadelphia, he is a known Truster of The Process. He graduated from Temple University. You can contact him at tlauletta@jkmperu.com with your questions, pitches, or if you ever feel like gloating after your favorite team beat the Philadelphia 76ers.