EAGAN, Minn. — Kyler Murray posted two photos and a one-word caption to his Instagram profile.

Skol.

A simple statement but one that speaks volumes for the QB who first donned a jersey with the name "Vikings" across the front two decades ago.

Murray joined a virtual call with Twin Cities media members shortly after inking his deal with Minnesota — and taking to Instagram — to answer questions about joining the team he grew up rooting for.

"I was 7 years old," Murray said. "Genuine, genuine fandom that ran deep. Vikings gear, through and through, a lot of Purple in my household."

The 2019 No. 1 overall pick noted he "cried real tears" when the 2009 Vikings lost to New Orleans in the NFC Championship Game and fell short of the Super Bowl. Little could Murray have imagined he'd one day sign with Minnesota.

"Never in a million years," he emphasized. "Never in a million years did I think this was going to come around full circle. Never even a thought in my head. But the opportunity presented itself."

Murray reflected on a whirlwind day at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center, where he "met a lot of genuine, real people" who showed him "nothing but great respect and love."

"I'm very appreciative of how today went, and I cannot wait to get [in the locker room], compete and just represent the Vikings," he said.

Murray will reunite with former Cardinals teammate Byron Murphy, Jr., a draft classmate who played with Murray in Arizona from 2019-22 before signing with Minnesota as a free agent in 2023.

"Murph' hit me up earlier; it's been a great day," Murray said of the cornerback who commented on the Instagram post, "Let's get it Brudda 🤟🏽"

Vikings Executive Vice President of Football Operations Rob Brzezinski noted Murray's enthusiasm throughout the afternoon.

"He couldn't have been more excited to be here, and that was so awesome to see," Brzezinski said. "It's exciting. I mean, we're all fans, too. We're excited to see this team continue to be built and get it ready for the fall."

Part of Murray's energy revolves around playing for Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell.

"Watching from afar what K.O. has been able to do with quarterbacks, offense, the guys in place here, B-Flo's (Brian Flores) defense," Murray said. "I think it's a great fit, and like I said, I'm thankful. I'm thankful for the opportunity, and I can't wait to get to work."

His relationship with the Vikings coach dates to Murray's sensational prep career at Allen High School in Texas where he compiled a perfect 43-0 record and participated in the lofty Elite 11 quarterback camp.

"Me and K.O. go back to the Elite 11 days," Murray shared, before recalling an anecdote in the leadup to his selection by the Cardinals. "I remember during the combine, I did … had an interview with [Washington] and he was with them, and he pulled me aside after my meeting with them, and ever since then, our relationship, he's always made sure to check in on me, whether it was after a game, things like that, so I always respected that, always appreciated his opinion of me and the support that he's given me. (And) so, now, getting to play for him and have that relationship with him means the world [to me]. Obviously, [we're] quarterbacks, different quarterbacks, and he's one of the best offensive minds in the game, so I'm looking forward to going to work with him."

Murray answered questions about "starting" like a seven-year pro, communicating his gratitude for the opportunity to come in and learn the offense under O'Connell and compete.

While Murray was limited to five games last season due to a foot injury — he went 2-3 and didn't play after Oct. 5 — he said "I take extreme pride in my health" and sounded confident he'll be readily available.

And once he's on the field, competing with J.J. McCarthy, who started 10 games for the Vikings in 2025, and is building rapport with the guys, Murray knows he has one of, if not the best, receivers on his side.

"I'm sure I'll talk to him here pretty soon," Murray said when he was asked about his kinship with four-time Pro Bowl WR Justin Jefferson. "My last real interaction with Jettas was at the Pro Bowl. … Everybody knows what type of talent he is, what type of player he is, and his ability is through the roof.

"I'm just super excited to get to work with him; be able to call him a teammate," Murray added.

In Murray's mind, it'd be wrong to put a ceiling on expectations with him under O'Connell, who has played a big hand in maximizing the performance of veteran QBs, namely Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold.

"I don't want to put any limitations on what that looks like," he stated. "I know he's had a tremendous amount of success with multiple different quarterbacks. I know [what] my skill set brings to the game. I know what I'm capable of, and I think that, again, like I said, I'm ready to come in and compete. I can't wait to be under his tutelage."

Asked if he viewed this contract as a "prove-it" deal before 2027 free agency, Murray explained his goal every year is to go and prove himself "every time I step between those white lines." He said, "I take pride in how I play the game, what I bring to the game. And I just want my teammates to know that I'm riding for them regardless of the circumstances, and that they can count on me. So contractually, [the details don't] matter to me. I'm gonna give this organization everything I got."

O'Connell said he's had good dialogue throughout the offseason with McCarthy, who has been going through offseason workouts in California. The fifth-year coach envisions an environment among the quarterbacks that will elevate the room and team.

"Today was really something that I thoroughly enjoyed, getting to spend a good amount of time with him, getting him around some of our other coaches and some of the folks that are so impactful to our players' success in this building," O'Connell said. "It was a really productive day that culminated with Kyler signing a contract to be a quarterback on our team.

"We accomplished a goal, which was to add a really talented player with some experience in that room and something that I'm really excited about as we set out to … elevate that quarterbacks room and the situation in that quarterbacks room being very competitive," O'Connell said. "Each player, whether it's J.J. or Max [Brosmer] or Kyler, attacking it every day and really being a driving force behind not only our offense's improvement for the '26 season, but our entire football team."

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