Kenneth Rogers Murray Jr. (born November 16, 1998) is an American professional football linebacker for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners and was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft. He signed with the Tennessee Titans in 2024 before being traded to the Cowboys in 2025.
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Early life
Murray attended Elkins High School in Missouri City, Texas. He committed to the University of Oklahoma to play college football.
College career
As a freshman at Oklahoma in 2017, Murray started all 14 games, recording 78 tackles and one sack and was named the co-Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year. He again started all 14 games his sophomore year in 2018, recording 155 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Following a junior year where he was named to the First-team All-Big 12. Murray announced that he would forgo his senior season to declare for the 2020 NFL draft.
Professional career
Los Angeles Chargers
Murray was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the first round with the 23rd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Chargers moved up from their second and third round selections in a trade with the New England Patriots to acquire the pick used to select Murray.
In Week 13 against the Patriots, Murray led the team with 14 tackles (12 solo) and recorded his first career sack on Cam Newton during the 45–0 loss. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
On October 4, 2021, Murray was placed on injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury in practice. He was activated on November 13.
On April 28, 2023, the Chargers opted to decline the fifth-year option of Murray's contract, making him a free agent in 2024.
Tennessee Titans
On March 14, 2024, Murray signed a two-year contract with the Tennessee Titans. Murray was named a team captain ahead of the 2024 season, and played 14 games as a starting inside linebacker before sustaining a wrist injury in a Week 16 game against the Indianapolis Colts. He was placed on injured reserve on December 25, ending his season. He finished the season with 95 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, and an interception.
Dallas Cowboys
On March 12, 2025, Murray and a seventh-round draft selection (#239-Phil Mafah) was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a sixth-round draft selection (#188-Kalel Mullings). He was the primary starter at middle linebacker, but struggled significantly to adapt to the defensive scheme and failed to make much of an impact. His workload was reduced after Logan Wilson was acquired from the Cincinnati Bengals at the trade deadline. Murray registered 16 starts, 86 tackles (led the team), 3 tackles for loss, one sack, 8 quarterback hurries, 2 passes defended and one fumble recovery. He was not re-signed after the season.
Houston Texans
On September 16, 2026, Murray was signed to the Houston Texans practice squad. He was released on October 15, but re-signed a week later.