After watching Kyler Murray put on an absolute clinic on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, it is clear his athletic capabilities range further than football. Dual sports athletes challenge themselves both physically and mentally through various modalities that include individual and team-based play. These athletes have multiple interests that lead them into different athletic categories. Dual Sport Athlete Kyler Murray played both football and baseball, even being offered to play both professionally.
One benefit of being a dual-sport athlete is the ability for an individual to master two completely different skill sets by practicing seemingly unrelated activities or hobbies until they become second nature. Kyler Murray played both football and baseball while attending the University of Oklahoma. While playing these two separate sports, he improved his physical abilities by utilizing the training techniques of one sport in another. Dual sports athletes are skilled in more than just one discipline, so they can combine their skillsets when necessary, whether that is during practice or game time; this is how dual-sport athlete Kyler Murray has found success on the field in both sports.
This past weekend, Murray demonstrated the athleticism and poise being a dual-sport athlete brings. While under intense pressure from the Viking’s Defense, Murray scrambled back in the pocket and, throwing side-arm, heaved an incredible pass 35 yards to wide receiver Christian Kirk. The pass would lead to a Cardinal’s touchdown. Ultimately, the Arizona Cardinals would beat the Minnesota Vikings by just 1 point.
It is understandable why athletes today spend so much time dedicated to just one sport. Recruiting and competition to play at the next level is at an all-time high. However, the prospects of playing multiple sports, especially at the high school level, could pay dividends later on. And if you don’t believe Kyler or us, Vanderbilt Head Baseball Coach Tim Corbin has been known notoriously for recruiting dual-sport athletes for their “athletic” capabilities and prowess.
