Adrian Murrell facts for kids
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| Position: | Running back | ||||||
| Personal information | |||||||
| Born: | October 16, 1970 Fayetteville, North Carolina, U.S. |
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| Height: | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | ||||||
| Weight: | 210 lb (95 kg) | ||||||
| Career information | |||||||
| High school: | Leilehua (Wahiawa, Hawaii) | ||||||
| College: | West Virginia | ||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1993 / Round: 5 / Pick: 120 | ||||||
| Career history | |||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||
Adrian Byran Murrell, born on October 16, 1970, is a former American football player. He played as a running back in the National Football League (NFL). The New York Jets picked him in the fifth round of the 1993 NFL draft. Before that, he played college football for the West Virginia Mountaineers. Murrell played in the NFL for nine seasons, from 1993 to 2000, and then again in 2003. He was known for his strong running and ability to gain many yards.
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Adrian Murrell's Early Life
Adrian Murrell grew up in Hawaii. He went to Leilehua High School in Wahiawa. This is where he first showed his talent for football.
College Football Journey
Adrian Murrell started playing college football at West Virginia University in 1990. He joined the Mountaineers team. In his first year, he played a limited amount. He rushed for 48 yards in seven attempts.
Becoming a Star Player
In 1991, his second year, Murrell became a starter. He rushed for 904 yards and scored seven touchdowns. He also caught passes for 100 receiving yards. The Mountaineers team improved their record that season.
His junior year in 1992 was his best college season. Murrell rushed for 1,145 yards and six touchdowns. He also had 244 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. He became a nationally recognized player. Murrell is also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
Playing in the NFL
Adrian Murrell decided to leave college after his junior year. He was then chosen by the New York Jets in the 1993 NFL Draft. This was the start of his professional football career.
New York Jets Years
In his first two seasons with the Jets (1993 and 1994), Murrell played a smaller role. He rushed for a total of 317 yards and one touchdown.
In 1995, Murrell started to shine. He rushed for 795 yards and scored a touchdown. He also caught passes for 495 yards and two receiving touchdowns. The next year, 1996, was his best professional season. He rushed for an amazing 1,249 yards. This was one of the top rushing totals in the league. He also scored six rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown.
In 1997, Murrell continued his strong performance. He rushed for 1,086 yards and seven touchdowns. He also caught two receiving touchdowns.
Time with the Arizona Cardinals
After the 1997 season, Murrell was traded to the Arizona Cardinals. In 1998, he gained 1,042 yards and scored eight touchdowns. He played in all 16 games that year.
He helped the Cardinals win a playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys. This was Arizona's first playoff win since 1947. In 1999, he rushed for 553 yards. He also caught 49 passes for 335 yards.
Other NFL Teams
After his time with the Cardinals, Murrell played for other teams. In 2000, he joined the Washington Redskins. He had limited playing time and rushed for 50 yards.
In 2001, he signed with the Carolina Panthers. However, he was cut from the team before the season began. After a two-year break, Murrell returned to the NFL in 2003. He played his final professional season with the Dallas Cowboys. He rushed for 107 yards that year.
Adrian Murrell's Family
Adrian Murrell's younger brother, Marques Murrell, also played football. Marques was a defensive end for the Appalachian State University team. He later signed a contract with the New York Jets in 2007. Adrian's father was a career soldier. Adrian is married to Tonia Peck Murrell, and they have three children.
