Let's be honest.
It's safe to say that the majority of the Minnesota Vikings fan base was not keeping a close eye on the Arizona Cardinals during Kyler Murray's last seven years with the franchise.
So, anything that most Vikings fans have heard about Murray during his time in the NFL has come from the national talking heads on TV, who are typically just looking for ways to increase attention on themselves and whatever show they're on.
These being the main sources of information about Murray for many Minnesota fans has led to some concerns arising within the fan base about the quarterback's work ethic, leadership abilities, and general demeanor.
But in a recent interview with Casino Guru's Kyle Odegard, former Cardinals running back Chase Edmonds, who was with Murray in Arizona for three years from 2019 to 2021, fired back at anyone who is worried about his ex-teammate's work ethic on and off the football field.
"Look, I have never once questioned Kyler Murray’s work ethic. I know the work he puts in day in and day out to be prepared at the highest level.
...When Kyler was younger, I do think he could have been helped, put in better positions, to really understand the grind it may take to play the quarterback position. I do. But I don’t think that’s all on him, bro.
To me, that’s from the top of the organization on down.
When you draft a franchise player like that, you need to figure out how to mold him. Put people around him that are truly going to push him and help him grow.
But in terms of work ethic? I’ve never questioned that."
Chase Edmonds believes the Minnesota Vikings are about to get the best version of Kyler Murray
In addition to pushing back against the concerns about Murray's work ethic, Edmonds shared how he thinks the Pro Bowl quarterback could be heading into one of the best seasons of his NFL career with the Vikings.
"For the Minnesota fans, I would just say that they are going to get the best version of Kyler Murray, one the NFL has not seen.
When Kyler Murray first entered the NFL, he never experienced adversity. When you finally experience that adversity this late in your career?
This version of Kyler, he’s going to be more motivated than he’s ever been in his entire life.
...I think [the Vikings] can win the NFC North, and I’m going to be real: I think Kyler Murray is going to win Comeback Player of the Year. I think he gets back to the Pro Bowl.
I think he really reminds people of just how talented he is."
Minnesota fans would be ecstatic if all of that came true for Murray in a purple and gold uniform next season.
Of course, success like that would also mean that Murray's price tag for the Vikings to re-sign him in 2027 would go up significantly.
However, Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell has reportedly already mentioned to the veteran quarterback that the team is hoping he becomes a long-term option for them. So, maybe they wouldn't even care how much it would cost to keep him around?
At this point, Vikings fans would just like the team to have a reliable quarterback who can get the ball in the hands of Justin Jefferson, not turn the ball over multiple times per game, and help the team's offense run at its full capabilities.
That doesn't seem like too much to ask, but for Minnesota last year, it actually was.