Kyler Murray visits Korea for the first time, honors heritage

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has embarked on his first trip to South Korea, a long-awaited journey to connect with his heritage. According to sources close to the 27-year-old NFL star, Murray arrived in the country on Sunday and will stay until March 20. His itinerary includes television appearances, a visit to Jeju Island, and a charitable donation event at Severance Hospital in Seoul on March 14, where he will contribute funds to support children with rare diseases, as described by The Korea Times.

Murray, a third-generation Korean American, has always expressed pride in his heritage. His maternal grandmother is Korean, and his mother, who is of mixed African American and Korean descent, played a significant role in fostering his cultural identity. He often wears the Taegeukgi, the South Korean national flag, on the back of his helmet and has spoken out against anti-Asian hate crimes in the U.S. In 2023, he donated $15,000 to support William Cho, a six-year-old Korean American boy who lost his family in a mass shooting in Texas, according to The Korea Times.

His trip to Korea comes after a strong 2024 season, where he led the Cardinals to an 8–9 finish. Murray, who signed a $230.5 million contract extension in 2022, is coming off his first fully healthy season since 2020, posting 3,800 passing yards, 26 total touchdowns, and a career-best 66.8 QBR, as mentioned in Sports Illustrated. As he takes time to embrace his roots, his presence in Korea has generated immense excitement among local fans.

Murray has also hinted at the possibility of representing Korea in flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, calling it an “awesome experience” if given the opportunity. His journey reflects both a personal and cultural milestone, bringing him full circle as he connects with the land of his ancestors while continuing his path as an NFL star.