EAGAN, Minn. — Kyler Murray feels great getting back on the football field.

Though he's new to the Vikings locker room, he's in his element slinging the football … and a practice in near-90-degree weather likely didn't hurt, either, for the QB who is from Texas and spent his first seven pro seasons in Arizona.

Murray met in person with Twin Cities media members for the first time following Minnesota's Organized Team Activity practice Wednesday afternoon.

"This is what I love to do. Ever since I was a little kid," he said.

"Being out here with the guys in a new environment, getting acclimated to Minnesota and the system — and all the guys have been welcoming me," Murray added. "It's been great. It's been awesome."

All four of the Vikings quarterbacks — Murray, J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer — participated in the practice that included ample reps with receivers, and some 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 work, among other drills.

"I don't know how you can't love that room," Murray said of Minnesota's receivers. "Obviously you've got the best receiver in the league [in Justin Jefferson] and then J.A. (Jordan Addison) and the guys, Jauan [Jennings], all the young guys who have the talent and ability that are hungry to go prove it."

He went on to add Minnesota's "skill positions in general" are top tier, from tight ends T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver to running backs Aaron Jones, Sr., and Jordan Mason.

McCarthy is grateful for those teammates, as well.

The 23-year-old appreciated another spring of connecting with Jefferson, Addison and others in preparation for the upcoming season. He noted "focusing on processing, focusing on making great decisions and ball placement" as principal points of emphasis this offseason.

"Every single offseason, in-season, I'm going to work my tail off," McCarthy said. "It doesn't matter what the situation is around me, I'm going to control what I can control and do the best things I can for this team.

"It matters what I do out here every single day, and that's the only thing I'm focused on," he said, later adding, "I have a drive that's been driving me since fifth grade when I decided to be at this level and perform really well at this level — and that's the same drive that's running through me today."

Murray told media members he's happy to pass along experience he's gained along the way to McCarthy, while also soaking up all he can from the quarterbacks room as he acclimates to a new offense.

Murray acknowledged the learning curve but expressed excitement in tackling different aspects of it, including learning verbiage of a whole new system.

"It's really wordy, but I think it's just reps," Murray said. "Doing it over and over again at the house in the morning, on the way into the facility, on the way home, whatever it is. Whatever I need to do to get ready for the next day."

He's also getting down timing with receivers and running backs, building camaraderie with teammates off the field, and working with Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell, Offensive Coordinator Wes Phillips and the rest of the coaching staff.

Not to mention practicing against Brian Flores' defense, even though he quipped about "having some success" against a group led by the coordinator. In 2020, Murray completed 21 of 26 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns for a 150.5 passer rating against the Dolphins. In 2024, Murray's Cardinals visited the Vikings, who limited the QB to 31-of-45 for 260 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.

"But, I'm glad to be on his side now," Murray added with a grin. "I'm really glad to be on his side. Obviously he's known around the league as one of the best DCs, so to finally be able to see it, break it down and ask him questions, pick things off him, I feel great about it."

As McCarthy and Murray look ahead to the remainder of OTAs, minicamp and Vikings training camp, they each are dialed in and intending to play their best football.

"It's new territory for me. Never really expected to be [with a new team]," Murray said. "Obviously things happen in the NFL, but now that I am here, I feel like you can't draw it up any better. I was a fan of the Vikings growing up and the fact that I'm here now … I can't wait to put the [game] jersey on. I can't wait to continue to embrace this whole situation.

"Regardless of what happens day to day, I know the next day I'm coming out here to give my best effort, put my best foot forward and give whatever the team needs," he added. "So that's what you're getting with me."

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