Sean Murphy-Bunting

Sean Murphy-Bunting Bio

Sean Murphy-Bunting is an American professional football cornerback who currently plays for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 19, 1997, in Macomb, Michigan, he attended Chippewa Valley High School before playing college football for the Central Michigan Chippewas from 2016 to 2018. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Murphy-Bunting in the second round with the 39th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft. Throughout his professional career, he has established himself as a versatile and playmaking cornerback, earning recognition including PFWA All-Rookie Team honors in 2019 and becoming a Super Bowl champion with the Buccaneers following the 2020 season. Murphy-Bunting has also played for the Tennessee Titans before joining the Cardinals in 2024.

Early Life and Background

Sean Murphy-Bunting grew up in Macomb, Michigan, and attended Chippewa Valley High School in Clinton Township. During his high school career, he played football and developed the defensive instincts that would define his future career. His upbringing in the Detroit suburbs provided him with access to competitive football programs in Michigan, a state known for producing talented football players.

Raised in a large family with multiple brothers, Murphy-Bunting has cited his familial connections as an important influence throughout his life. His experiences growing up in Michigan helped shape his work ethic and determination to succeed at the highest levels of football. After graduating from Chippewa Valley High School, he set his sights on playing at the collegiate level.

Path to Professional Football

Murphy-Bunting chose to continue his football career at Central Michigan University, joining the Chippewas program in 2016. He spent three seasons with the program, where he developed into one of the top cornerback prospects in the country. His sophomore season proved particularly impressive, as he recorded five interceptions, which ranked second in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). This breakout performance announced his arrival as a defensive playmaker at the collegiate level.

During his junior season in 2018, Murphy-Bunting continued to demonstrate his ball skills and coverage ability, recording 37 tackles and two interceptions. His consistent performances earned him first-team All-MAC honors, solidifying his status as one of the top defensive backs in the conference. Following this successful campaign, he made the decision to forgo his final year of collegiate eligibility and enter the 2019 NFL Draft. Pro Football Focus and Scout Inc. ranked him as the 10th best cornerback prospect in the draft, while Sports Illustrated placed him 17th among cornerbacks. Most NFL draft analysts projected him as a second-round selection.

Sean Murphy-Bunting Career

Rookie Season with Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Sean Murphy-Bunting with the 39th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, making him the fourth cornerback drafted that year. He signed a four-year contract worth $7.37 million with $4.21 million guaranteed. Throughout training camp, he competed for a role at starting cornerback against established players including Vernon Hargreaves, Ryan Smith, and Jamel Dean. Head coach Bruce Arians named him a backup to begin the season and listed him as the fifth cornerback on the depth chart.

Murphy-Bunting made his professional regular season debut on September 8, 2019, against the San Francisco 49ers, appearing mainly on special teams. He earned his first career start in Week 6 as a nickelback against the Carolina Panthers. He recorded his first career interception on October 6, 2019, picking off a pass by Teddy Bridgewater intended for Alvin Kamara in a game against the New Orleans Saints. By midseason, he had overtaken Vernon Hargreaves for a starting role at cornerback. He finished his rookie season with 44 combined tackles, eight pass deflections, three interceptions, one touchdown, one sack, and one forced fumble while appearing in all 16 games with ten starts. His performance earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

Breakthrough Season (2020)

Entering his second NFL season, Murphy-Bunting retained his role as a starting cornerback under defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. He elected to change his jersey number from No. 26 to No. 23, citing his admiration for NBA legend Michael Jordan and a nod to his family of multiple brothers. He and Carlton Davis formed the starting cornerback tandem for the Buccaneers to open the regular season.

On November 20, 2020, Murphy-Bunting recorded his first interception of the season off a pass by Daniel Jones in a win against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. He finished the 2020 season with 70 combined tackles, one interception, two passes defended, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery in 16 games and 13 starts. The Buccaneers finished 11-5 and earned a Wildcard berth. In the playoffs, Murphy-Bunting became the first player since Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed to record an interception in each of his first three career playoff games. He intercepted passes from Taylor Heinicke, Drew Brees, and Aaron Rodgers during the Wild Card Round, Divisional Round, and NFC Championship Game respectively. On February 7, 2021, he started in Super Bowl LV and recorded six combined tackles and a pass deflection as the Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9, earning his first Super Bowl championship.

Tennessee Titans Era (2023)

On March 20, 2023, the Tennessee Titans signed Murphy-Bunting to a one-year contract worth $3.50 million fully guaranteed. He became the first player in Titans history to wear the No. 0 jersey after the NFL allowed the number beginning in the 2023 season. Throughout training camp, he competed for a starting role against Roger McCreary, and head coach Mike Vrabel named him and Kristian Fulton the starting cornerbacks to begin the season.

Murphy-Bunting started in the Titans’ season-opener against the New Orleans Saints and recorded six combined tackles and forced a fumble in a narrow loss. He set a career-high with three pass deflections in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers. He missed two games in Weeks 10-11 due to a thumb injury but returned to make a season-high seven solo tackles in Week 14 against the Houston Texans. On January 7, 2024, he collected a season-high eight combined tackles and intercepted a pass by Trevor Lawrence in a victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In his lone season with the Titans, he recorded 57 combined tackles, eight pass deflections, and two interceptions in 14 games and 14 starts.

Arizona Cardinals Era (2024-Present)

On March 14, 2024, the Arizona Cardinals signed Murphy-Bunting to a three-year contract worth $25.50 million with $17.39 million guaranteed. Upon joining the Cardinals, he became the apparent No. 1 cornerback on the depth chart as the only experienced veteran among a young group that included Garrett Williams, Kei’Trel Clark, Starling Thomas V, and rookies Max Melton, Elijah Jones, and Jaden Davis. Head coach Jonathan Gannon listed Murphy-Bunting and Garrett Williams as the starting cornerbacks to begin the season.

In Week 3 of the 2024 season, he collected a season-high seven combined tackles in a game against the Detroit Lions. He was inactive for two games in Weeks 8-9 due to a neck injury. On December 14, 2024, Murphy-Bunting made his first interception with the Cardinals, picking off a pass by Drake Maye in a victory against the New England Patriots. He finished the 2024 season with 52 combined tackles, five pass deflections, and a career-high three interceptions in 15 games and 15 starts. On May 22, 2025, the Cardinals placed him on the reserve/non-football injury list, ending his 2025 season.

Playing Style and Strengths

Murphy-Bunting is known for his versatility as a cornerback, capable of playing both outside and inside coverage. His press coverage ability and man-to-man skills have been highlighted by NFL analysts. He demonstrates strong ball skills and instincts, evident in his interception totals throughout his career. His ability to read quarterbacks and anticipate routes has allowed him to make plays on the ball consistently. His tackling ability in space and physicality against the run have also been notable aspects of his defensive profile.

Notable Performances and Milestones

Murphy-Bunting’s playoff performances during the 2020 season stand out as career-defining moments. His streak of recording an interception in three consecutive playoff games, matching a feat last accomplished by Ed Reed, showcased his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His Super Bowl LV appearance and championship victory represent the pinnacle of his professional achievements. The career-high three interceptions he recorded during the 2024 season with the Cardinals demonstrated his continued ability to make plays on the ball entering his later seasons.

Sean Murphy-Bunting Career Statistics

Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2019 to present, Sean Murphy-Bunting has established himself as a productive defensive player with significant contributions in both the regular season and playoffs. His ability to create turnovers and make clutch plays has been a consistent theme throughout his professional career.

Regular Season Highlights

In NFL regular season play, Murphy-Bunting has accumulated 297 total tackles, one sack, eight forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 34 pass deflections, and 11 interceptions across his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, and Arizona Cardinals. His career-high three interceptions came during the 2024 season with Arizona. He has also recorded one defensive touchdown, which occurred during his rookie season in 2019 when he returned an interception 70 yards for a score against the Detroit Lions. His ability to create turnovers has been a defining characteristic of his defensive play throughout his career.

Postseason Success

Murphy-Bunting’s postseason performances have been particularly impressive. During the 2020 playoffs, he recorded three interceptions across three games, becoming the first player since Ed Reed to achieve consecutive playoff interceptions to start a career. He contributed to the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV championship victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, recording six combined tackles in the game. His playoff interception totals include picks against Taylor Heinicke (Wild Card), Drew Brees (Divisional Round), and Aaron Rodgers (NFC Championship) during the Buccaneers’ championship run.

Sean Murphy-Bunting Personal Life

Background and Family

Sean Murphy-Bunting grew up in Macomb, Michigan, as part of a large family with multiple brothers. His family has been an important influence throughout his football career, and he has cited them as motivation throughout his professional journey. The number change from No. 26 to No. 23 upon joining the Buccaneers was partially inspired by his large family, representing his two younger brothers and three older brothers. He attended Chippewa Valley High School in Clinton Township, Michigan, before pursuing his college football career at Central Michigan University.

Professional Career and Public Profile

Throughout his NFL career, Murphy-Bunting has maintained a public presence with active social media accounts including Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). He has been recognized for his leadership qualities and infectious personality, with Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht noting his exceptional locker room presence and teammates qualities. His transition from Michigan to Florida and later to Tennessee and Arizona has been documented throughout his professional journey. In 2023, he made history by becoming the first player to wear the No. 0 jersey in Tennessee Titans franchise history following the NFL’s approval of single-digit numbers for players.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 NFL season began with Sean Murphy-Bunting entering his second year with the Arizona Cardinals following his $25.50 million contract signed in March 2024. He was expected to continue his role as a starting cornerback and defensive leader for a young Cardinals secondary. However, on May 22, 2025, the Cardinals placed Murphy-Bunting on the reserve/non-football injury list, which ended his 2025 season before it could begin. This unexpected development marked a significant setback in his career trajectory and left the Cardinals needing to adjust their defensive plans for the upcoming season. The move placed Murphy-Bunting’s future availability and recovery timeline into question as he worked through whatever injury or personal situation caused the placement on the reserve list.