Caleb Murphy Bio
Caleb Murphy (born December 15, 1999) is an American professional football linebacker who currently plays for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). Murphy was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2023 as an undrafted free agent and has since played for three additional NFL franchises. Prior to his professional career, Murphy was a dominant defensive player at the NCAA Division II level, where he set records and earned prestigious national awards at Ferris State University.
Early Life and Background
Caleb Murphy grew up in Dowagiac, Michigan, where he attended Dowagiac Union High School. During his high school career, Murphy was a multi-sport athlete, participating in football, basketball, wrestling, baseball, and track and field. His versatility and athletic ability were evident from an early age as he excelled across multiple sports programs at the school.
On the football field, Murphy established himself as an exceptional defensive player. As a junior, he earned first-team All-State honors after recording 86 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 15 sacks in a single season. He continued his dominant performance during his senior year, repeating as a first-team All-State selection with 97 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks. These impressive statistics highlighted his potential as a future college prospect.
Path to American Football
After graduating from Dowagiac Union High School, Murphy continued his football career at the collegiate level. He began at Grand Valley State University, joining the Lakers program in 2018. Murphy redshirted his true freshman season before appearing in eight games during the 2019 season, where he recorded 13 tackles and one sack while showcasing his developing skills as a defensive end.
Following his redshirt freshman year at Grand Valley State, Murphy transferred to Ferris State University to continue his academic and athletic career. His first season at Ferris State was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he returned in 2021 with renewed determination. That year, he made an immediate impact by earning GLIAC Defensive Lineman of the Year and first-team All-GLIAC honors after recording 63 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss, and five forced fumbles while helping the Bulldogs win the NCAA Division II Football Championship.
Caleb Murphy Career
Ferris State Breakthrough (2021–2022)
The 2022 season became the defining chapter of Murphy’s college career. He set the NCAA Division II single-season record with 25.5 sacks while also tying the NCAA record with 39 tackles for loss. His exceptional performance helped Ferris State repeat as national champions, cementing his legacy as one of the most dominant defensive players in small-college football history.
Murphy’s standout season earned him several prestigious awards. He became the first non-FBS player to win the Ted Hendricks Award, presented annually to the nation’s best defensive end. Additionally, he was named GLIAC Player of the Year, won the Gene Upshaw Award as the top lineman in NCAA Division II, and received the Cliff Harris Award as the nation’s best small college defensive player. These accolades solidified his reputation as an elite pass rusher heading into the NFL draft.
Tennessee Titans (2023–2024)
Murphy entered the 2023 NFL Draft but went undrafted. Despite not being selected, his collegiate achievements attracted attention from NFL teams. On April 29, 2023, shortly after the draft concluded, Murphy was signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent. He joined the franchise with high expectations from coaches who viewed his dominant college production as translatable to the professional level.
During his time with the Titans, Murphy appeared in five games across the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He worked to adapt his skills from the Division II level to the faster, more physical NFL game while learning under the guidance of defensive coaches. On October 26, 2024, Murphy was waived by the Titans, ending his tenure with the franchise.
Los Angeles Chargers (2024–2025)
Shortly after being released by the Titans, Murphy joined another AFC team. On October 30, 2024, he was signed to the Los Angeles Chargers practice squad, providing him an opportunity to continue developing his craft. His performance during practice sessions earned him a reserve/future contract with the Chargers on January 13, 2025.
Murphy appeared in six games with the Chargers, recording 12 combined tackles and half of a sack. His limited playing time reflected the competitive nature of the Chargers’ linebacker rotation, but he continued to work on his technique and NFL-level execution. On October 18, 2025, Murphy was waived by the Chargers, becoming available for other teams to claim.
New England Patriots (2025)
Murphy’s NFL journey continued when he was claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots on October 20, 2025. Joining a Patriots defense in transition, Murphy brought his disruptive pass-rushing ability to a new environment. He had a brief stint with the franchise, appearing in games while contributing on special teams and defensive packages. However, his time in New England ended when he was waived on December 15, 2025.
New York Giants (2025–Present)
Murphy’s career took a positive turn when he was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants on December 16, 2025. Joining the Giants’ defense, Murphy provided depth at the linebacker position while continuing to develop under the guidance of New York’s coaching staff. His arrival coincided with the Giants’ preparations for the remainder of the season and beyond.
On March 10, 2026, Murphy re-signed with the Giants, signaling the team’s commitment to his development. This contract extension represented a vote of confidence in his potential to contribute as a valuable member of the Giants’ defense. His combination of size, speed, and collegiate production made him an intriguing prospect for a Giants team looking to strengthen their defensive unit.
Playing Style and Strengths
Murphy’s game is defined by his exceptional ability to pressure the quarterback. At 6 feet 3 inches and 254 pounds, he possesses the size and length typical of NFL edge rushers. His standout collegiate production, including a record-setting 25.5-sack season at Ferris State, demonstrates his capacity to disruptive passes and create negative plays for opposing offenses. Murphy’s hand technique, combined with his pursuit of ball carriers, made him a complete defender at the Division II level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Murphy’s career has been marked by several significant achievements. Winning the Ted Hendricks Award in 2022 as the first non-FBS player to do so represented a landmark accomplishment that highlighted his transcendent talent regardless of competition level. His back-to-back Division II national championships with Ferris State showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stages. His transition to the NFL, though still in early stages, represents the continuation of a career built on relentless effort and consistent production.
Caleb Murphy Career Achievements
Throughout his football career, Murphy has accumulated numerous individual awards and team championships at both the high school and collegiate levels. His success at Ferris State University stands as the centerpiece of his athletic achievements.
Ferris State University Highlights
At Ferris State, Murphy established himself as one of the most decorated players in program history. He was a two-time Division II national champion, winning championships in 2021 and 2022 while serving as a cornerstone of the Bulldogs’ dominant defense. His 25.5-sack season in 2022 set a new NCAA Division II single-season record and remains a testament to his disruptive ability. Murphy finished his Ferris State career with an impressive collection of awards, including the Ted Hendricks Award, Cliff Harris Award, Gene Upshaw Award, GLIAC Player of the Year, and GLIAC Defensive Lineman of the Year. He was also a two-time first-team All-GLIAC selection and a two-time All-American.
Other Achievements
Murphy’s high school career at Dowagiac Union High School laid the foundation for his future success. He earned first-team All-State honors in both his junior and senior seasons, demonstrating the consistency that would define his career. His multi-sport participation in basketball, wrestling, baseball, and track and field contributed to his well-rounded athleticism.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a year of transition for Murphy in the NFL. After beginning the year with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he appeared in six games and recorded 12 tackles and half a sack, he was claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots in late October. His time with the Patriots was brief, ending when he was waived in mid-December before joining the New York Giants later that same day.
Despite the roster changes, Murphy demonstrated persistence and adaptability throughout the season. His ability to contribute on special teams and provide depth at the linebacker position made him a valuable addition for teams seeking roster flexibility. The Giants’ decision to claim him and later re-sign him in March 2026 indicated their belief in his long-term potential.
Looking ahead, Murphy enters the 2026 season with the New York Giants with an opportunity to establish himself as a consistent contributor. His collegiate track record of continuous improvement suggests he has the work ethic and determination to develop into a more impactful NFL player. The Giants’ investment in re-signing him provides a stable environment for him to refine his skills and compete for increased playing time in their defensive scheme.