Jordan Murray Bio
Jordan Murray is an American professional football tight end who currently plays in the National Football League. Born on April 20, 2000, in Kansas City, Missouri, Murray has built a career marked by persistence and adaptability across multiple NFL organizations. After an impressive collegiate career that earned him first-team FCS All-American honors, Murray entered the 2023 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent. He has since navigated the challenging landscape of professional football, signing with five different franchises including the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, and currently the Chicago Bears. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 255 pounds, Murray brings significant size and physicality to the tight end position.
Early Life and Background
Jordan Murray grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, with an older brother and sister. His football journey began at Summit Christian High School, where he played his freshman and sophomore years. During that time, he showcased his versatility by earning all-conference recognition as both a wide receiver and defensive back. His athletic potential was evident early, demonstrating the dual-threat capabilities that would define his playing style.
For his junior and senior years, Murray transferred to Lee’s Summit North High School, where he continued to develop as a two-sport athlete, also competing in basketball. On the football field, he transitioned primarily to tight end and defensive end, starting at both positions for two seasons. His performance earned him all-conference honors at tight end during his junior season, and he garnered Suburban Big Seven all-conference honorable mention recognition. These accomplishments laid the foundation for his transition to collegiate football.
Path to American Football
Following his standout high school career at Lee’s Summit North, Murray initially chose to stay close to home by attending Missouri State University. His freshman season proved to be a breakthrough, as he immediately made an impact at the Division I FCS level. Murray was named to the Division I FCS Freshman All-America first team by Phil Steele, earned All-MVFC honorable mention selection, and was named to the MVFC All-Newcomer Team. He averaged 11.5 yards per reception and set a Missouri State rookie record with 33 catches for 378 yards and 4 touchdowns. His 378 receiving yards rank third in program history for a freshman, demonstrating his ability to contribute immediately at the collegiate level.
After three seasons with the Missouri State Bears, Murray transferred to the University of Hawaii to play for the Rainbow Warriors for his senior year. This move exposed him to a different style of play and conference competition. His cumulative collegiate performance, particularly his exceptional freshman season, earned him first-team FCS All-American honors in 2018. This achievement cemented his reputation as a productive pass-catcher with the skills to compete at the professional level, setting the stage for his entry into the NFL.
Jordan Murray Career
Early Career (2023)
Despite not hearing his name called during the 2023 NFL Draft, Jordan Murray’s professional dreams were far from over. On May 17, 2023, he signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent. The Texans gave him his first opportunity to learn the professional game and compete against established NFL talent. Murray’s tenure with Houston was brief, as he was waived on August 29, 2023, during final roster cuts. This early setback is common for undrafted players, many of whom must demonstrate their value through practice squad opportunities.
Undeterred by his release, Murray quickly found a new opportunity with the Indianapolis Colts. On September 12, 2023, he joined the Colts practice squad, where he could continue developing his skills while adapting to NFL schemes and expectations. His performance throughout the 2023 season impressed coaches enough that he signed a reserve/future contract on January 8, 2024, securing his spot on the Colts roster heading into the 2024 campaign.
Journeyman Years (2024)
The 2024 season proved to be a transitional year for Murray. He began the season with the Indianapolis Colts but was waived on August 27, 2024. Rather than giving up on his NFL aspirations, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals practice squad on August 29, 2024. Murray spent time with the Cardinals developing his craft, though he was released on October 15. His resilience remained evident as he continued seeking opportunities to contribute at the sport’s highest level.
On November 20, 2024, Murray signed with the New York Giants practice squad. This marked another chapter in his journeyman career, as he worked to refine his abilities with yet another organization. The experience of adapting to different coaching staffs, playbooks, and team cultures has shaped Murray into a versatile player capable of fitting into various systems. His ability to remain in the league despite multiple transactions speaks to his determination and football IQ.
Chicago Bears Era (2025–Present)
On January 7, 2025, Murray signed a reserve/future contract with the Chicago Bears, marking his fifth NFL franchise. This opportunity represented a significant chance to establish himself with a storied franchise known for its passionate fan base. The Bears saw potential in Murray’s size, collegiate production, and the resilience he demonstrated throughout his first two professional seasons.
However, the 2025 season presented immediate challenges. Murray was waived/injured on August 6, 2025, and subsequently placed on injured reserve. He was then waived by the Bears on August 16, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure with the organization. Despite this setback, Murray’s trajectory demonstrates the unpredictable nature of professional football, where players must continually prove their value and recover from adversity to maintain their NFL standing.
Playing Style and Strengths
Jordan Murray brings a combination of size and athleticism to the tight end position. At 6 feet 4 inches and 255 pounds, he presents a significant target in the passing game and offers versatility as both a receiver and blocker. His collegiate career at Missouri State showcased his ability to create separation and secure receptions, with his 378-yard freshman season demonstrating his immediate impact potential. His experience across multiple NFL organizations indicates adaptability and the football intelligence necessary to learn various offensive systems quickly.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Murray’s most significant accomplishments is his first-team FCS All-American selection in 2018, an honor that recognized him among the top players at the Football Championship Subdivision level. His record-setting freshman season at Missouri State, where he set the program rookie reception record with 33 catches, established him as a prospect worth watching. Surviving multiple roster transactions while remaining in the NFL through practice squad opportunities and reserve contracts represents another form of achievement, highlighting the mental toughness required to maintain a professional career in such a competitive league.
Jordan Murray Career Summary
Throughout his professional career, Jordan Murray has demonstrated remarkable persistence in pursuing his NFL dreams despite facing numerous obstacles. From going undrafted in 2023 to signing with five different franchises in just over two years, Murray has accumulated valuable experience in diverse offensive systems. His journey exemplifies the challenging path many undrafted players face as they work to establish themselves in the league. While his NFL career statistics remain limited, his continued employment across multiple organizations reflects the trust coaches and scouts have placed in his abilities and work ethic.
Collegiate Highlights
Murray’s collegiate career at Missouri State served as the foundation for his professional aspirations. Beyond his first-team FCS All-American honor, his 33 receptions for 378 yards and 4 touchdowns as a true freshman demonstrated his ability to contribute immediately at the collegiate level. The 378 receiving yards rank third in Missouri State history for a freshman season, a testament to his early production and talent. His subsequent transfer to Hawaii for his senior season showed his willingness to embrace new challenges and continue developing his game against different competition.
Jordan Murray Family
Family Background
Jordan Murray was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, where he grew up alongside an older brother and sister. His family provided support during his formative years as he developed his athletic abilities at Summit Christian High School and later Lee’s Summit North High School. While detailed information about his parents or extended family is not widely available, his continued pursuit of a professional football career despite numerous challenges suggests a strong personal drive and family support system.
Personal Life
As a professional athlete focused on his career, Murray maintains a relatively private personal life. He has not publicly disclosed information about a spouse or children. His primary focus remains on football, as evidenced by his persistent efforts to remain in the NFL despite multiple roster moves. The demands of being a professional athlete, particularly one navigating the uncertain waters of an undrafted career with frequent team changes, require significant dedication and sacrifice that Murray appears willing to make.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with Jordan Murray’s signing to the Chicago Bears roster through a reserve/future contract in January. This represented an opportunity to compete for a spot on an NFL roster with one of the league’s historic franchises. The Bears coaching staff saw potential in Murray’s size and collegiate production, providing him with a chance to demonstrate his abilities during offseason activities, training camp, and preseason competitions.
However, the 2025 campaign brought immediate difficulties for Murray. He was waived/injured on August 6 and placed on injured reserve, a significant setback that ended his ability to compete for a roster spot. The subsequent waiver on August 16 concluded his Bears tenure after less than eight months. This experience underscores the precarious nature of professional football careers, particularly for players without guaranteed contracts. Murray faces the challenge of recovering from injury while seeking another opportunity to continue his NFL journey.