Grayson Murphy is an American professional football linebacker born on October 13, 2000, in Dallas, Texas. He played college football for the North Texas Mean Green and the UCLA Bruins before signing with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in May 2024. Murphy enters the 2025 season seeking to establish himself at the professional level after a rookie campaign interrupted by injury.
Grayson Murphy Bio
Grayson Murphy developed his football skills in the Dallas-Fort Worth area before rising through the collegiate ranks at two Division I programs. His journey from Bishop Lynch High School to the NFL reflects persistence and steady development as a defensive player. Murphy brings size and length to the linebacker position, standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 255 pounds. His collegiate career spanned five seasons across two programs, where he demonstrated consistent production as a pass rusher and run defender.
Early Life and Background
Grayson Murphy grew up in Dallas, Texas, where he attended Bishop Lynch High School. During his high school years, Murphy established himself as a talented defensive player, catching the attention of college scouts with his performance on the field. His high school career laid the foundation for his future in football, providing him with the competitive experience needed to transition to the collegiate level. After completing his senior season at Bishop Lynch, Murphy received interest from multiple programs and ultimately chose to continue his football career closer to home.
Path to American Football
Following his graduation from Bishop Lynch High School, Grayson Murphy committed to play college football at the University of North Texas. The decision allowed him to remain in Texas while beginning his development at the Division I level. Murphy arrived at North Texas ready to compete for playing time in the Mean Green defense. His combination of size and athleticism gave him the tools to contribute early in his collegiate career.
Grayson Murphy Career
College Career (2019–2023)
Grayson Murphy began his college career at North Texas, where he played as a linebacker and defensive end from 2019 to 2021. Over three seasons with the Mean Green, he started 14 of 25 games and recorded 57 tackles along with 11.5 sacks. His sophomore and junior seasons showed steady improvement, with Murphy emerging as a consistent presence in the opposing backfield. After the 2021 season, he entered the transfer portal seeking a new opportunity at a program competing at a higher level.
Murphy transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for the 2022 season. The move to the Pac-12 presented new challenges and greater competition. In his first season at UCLA, Murphy started all 13 games and recorded 27 tackles with five sacks. The 2023 season saw him appear in a more limited role, starting two games while accumulating 33 tackles and 5.5 sacks. His five seasons of collegiate experience provided him with a well-rounded skill set heading into professional football.
Professional Career
Despite going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Grayson Murphy earned an opportunity with the Miami Dolphins. He signed as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2024, joining a Dolphins organization looking to add depth to their linebacker corps. Murphy reported to rookie minicamp with a chance to prove he belonged at the professional level. However, his rookie season faced an early setback when he was placed on injured reserve on August 12, 2024, ending his first year before it truly began.
Grayson Murphy Career Timeline
Murphy began the 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins, working to recover from his injury and earn a roster spot during training camp. On August 26, 2025, the Dolphins waived Murphy as part of final roster cuts, bringing his tenure with the team to an end. The release came as teams finalized their 53-man rosters ahead of the regular season. Following his departure from Miami, Murphy sought opportunities to continue his professional career.
Orlando Storm (2026)
On January 14, 2026, Grayson Murphy was selected by the Orlando Storm in the UFL Draft. The selection gave him a fresh start with a spring football league team. The UFL provides an alternative pathway for players seeking to develop their skills and showcase their abilities for NFL and other professional opportunities. Murphy joins a Storm franchise building its roster for the upcoming season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Grayson Murphy brings size and length to the linebacker position, allowing him to engage with offensive linemen and disrupt running plays. His collegiate production as a pass rusher demonstrates his ability to pressure the quarterback from multiple alignments. Murphy’s experience playing both linebacker and defensive end provides versatility in defensive schemes. His five seasons of high-level college competition prepared him to handle the speed and physicality of professional football.
Notable Events and Milestones
Murphy’s draft-day journey from North Texas and UCLA to signing with an NFL team represented the culmination of years of development. His selection by the Orlando Storm in the 2026 UFL Draft marked a new chapter in his professional career. The ability to earn opportunities with multiple organizations reflects his persistence in pursuing a football career despite early obstacles.
Grayson Murphy Career Statistics
Grayson Murphy built his collegiate reputation through consistent production across five seasons at two programs. His sack totals accumulated steadily throughout his career, demonstrating his reliability as a disruptive force on defense. The transition from the Big 12 to the Pac-12 tested his abilities against diverse offensive schemes and competition levels.
College Highlights
Murphy’s most productive stretch came during his three seasons at North Texas, where he accumulated 11.5 sacks while starting over half his games. His first full season as a starter came in 2020, establishing him as a key piece of the Mean Green defense. At UCLA, he maintained his sack production despite facing higher-caliber opponents in Pac-12 play. His combined 10.5 sacks across two seasons with the Bruins solidified his reputation as a reliable pass rusher at the Power Five level.
Professional Timeline
Murphy signed his first professional contract with the Miami Dolphins in May 2024 following the undrafted free agency period. His time with the Dolphins lasted approximately 15 months before he was released in August 2025. The Orlando Storm selected him in the UFL Draft in January 2026, providing an opportunity to continue his development in spring football.
| Competition Level | Seasons | Tackles | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Texas (2019–2021) | 3 | 57 | 11.5 |
| UCLA (2022–2023) | 2 | 60 | 10.5 |
Grayson Murphy Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Grayson Murphy comes from a football family with a unique connection to the sport. His identical twin brother, Gabriel Murphy, followed a parallel path throughout their football careers. The brothers played together at both North Texas and UCLA, providing mutual support and competition throughout their development. Growing up as twins in Dallas gave them shared experiences that shaped their approaches to the game.
Personal Life
Gabriel Murphy currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL, having earned a roster spot through his own development and perseverance. The Murphy twins represent an example of sibling athletes who reached the professional level through dedication to their craft. Their journeys demonstrate how family support and shared competitive drive can fuel athletic achievement at the highest levels of football.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a pivotal year for Grayson Murphy as he worked to establish himself with the Miami Dolphins organization. After spending his rookie season on injured reserve, Murphy entered training camp with a clean slate and an opportunity to prove his value. The competition for roster spots pushed him to perform at his best during the preseason. His release in late August ended his Dolphins tenure but opened doors to other opportunities in professional football.