The running back who wore a jersey for a fallen friend
In short: Latavius Murray’s journey to the NFL wasn't a straight line. From a redshirt year and a torn ACL to becoming a Pro Bowler, his career is defined by resilience. But his most poignant choice was a jersey number—one chosen not for personal branding, but as a tribute to a lost friend.
Latavius Murray's path to professional football was marked by significant physical setbacks. After a freshman year at the University of Central Florida, where he recorded 132 yards and three touchdowns, Murray suffered a torn ACL while playing basketball. This injury forced him to redshirt in 2009, delaying his collegiate progression.
Murray eventually became a standout for the Knights, earning the Conference USA Championship MVP and AutoZone Liberty Bowl MVP honors. Despite being regarded as a sixth to seventh round selection by scouts, he impressed at the 2013 Pro Day with a 4.38-second 40-yard dash and a 36-inch vertical jump. The Oakland Raiders chose him during the sixth round, agreeing to a four-year deal worth $2.26 million.
His NFL career saw him navigate various roles, from being placed on injured reserve in his rookie season to becoming the first Raider to reach 1,000 rushing yards since 2010. In 2015, he earned Pro Bowl honors, a testament to his growth as a primary ball carrier.
The most personal chapter of his career began in 2017. Upon signing with the Minnesota Vikings, Murray faced a choice regarding his jersey number. He explicitly declined the No. 28 out of respect for Adrian Peterson. Instead, he chose to wear No. 25 to honor his best friend, who passed away in 2016. This move highlighted a career defined by both athletic perseverance and personal loyalty.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Latavius Murray
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