For Dallas Cowboys fans, the name DeMarco Murray conjures images of a bruising running back powering through defenders, churning out yards, and leaving it all on the field. His time in Dallas was a masterclass in grit, talent, and leadership, culminating in a 2014 season that still has fans buzzing. But Murray’s story is more than just highlight reels and record-breaking runs. From his Las Vegas roots to his days as a Sooner and his transformative years with the Cowboys, let’s dive into the life of a player who became a cornerstone of Cowboys lore.
Born on February 12, 1988, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Murray grew up in a city known for its bright lights and high stakes. At Bishop Gorman High School, he was a multi-sport star, dominating in football, basketball, and track. Football, though, was where he shined brightest. His speed, power, and vision on the gridiron made him a standout, setting the stage for a journey that would eventually lead to the NFL. Murray’s high school days weren’t just about racking up stats; they were about forging the work ethic and toughness that would define his career.
Murray took his talents to the University of Oklahoma, where he became one of the most decorated players in Sooners history. Over four years, he racked up 3,685 rushing yards, 1,571 receiving yards, and a school-record 65 touchdowns. His versatility was uncanny—whether he was bursting through the line, catching passes out of the backfield, or returning kickoffs, Murray was a threat every time he touched the ball. In 2010, he earned first-team All-Big 12 honors, rushing for 1,214 yards and 15 touchdowns while hauling in 71 catches for 594 yards and five more scores. Those numbers weren’t just impressive; they were a preview of the dynamic playmaker the Cowboys would soon unleash.
In 2011, the Cowboys selected Murray in the third round of the NFL Draft, 71st overall. For a fan base hungry for a spark in the backfield, his arrival felt like a gift. Murray started as the third-string running back behind Felix Jones and Tashard Choice, but it didn’t take long for him to seize the spotlight. On October 23, 2011, against the St. Louis Rams, he erupted for 253 rushing yards, including a touchdown, shattering Emmitt Smith’s single-game Cowboys rushing record. That performance wasn’t just a breakout; it was a statement. Murray had arrived, and the NFL was on notice.
His rookie season showed flashes of brilliance, with 897 yards in 13 games, but injuries—like a fractured ankle—kept him from fully unleashing his potential. In 2012, despite missing six games with a sprained MCL, Murray still managed 663 yards and four touchdowns, proving his resilience. Then came 2013, when he truly hit his stride. Murray ran for 1,121 yards, punched in nine touchdowns, and earned his first Pro Bowl nod. His synergy with quarterback Tony Romo and an improving offensive line was electric, setting the stage for what would become a historic 2014 campaign.
If there’s one season that defines Murray’s legacy in Dallas, it’s 2014. He wasn’t just good; he was unstoppable. Murray led the NFL with 1,845 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, breaking Emmitt Smith’s single-season Cowboys rushing record. He added 416 receiving yards on 57 catches, totaling 2,261 yards from scrimmage—an offensive output that ranked among the best in league history at the time. Murray started the season with eight straight 100-yard games, an NFL record, and his punishing running style wore down defenses week after week. The Cowboys went 12-4, and Murray’s dominance was the engine. He was named first-team All-Pro, earned his second Pro Bowl selection, and took home the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. For Cowboys fans, watching Murray bulldoze through tacklers behind a stellar offensive line was like witnessing a throwback to the glory days of smashmouth football.
But Murray’s impact went beyond the stat sheet. He was the heart of the team, a leader who set the tone with his physicality and work ethic. His connection with Romo was special—when Murray got 20 or more carries, Romo’s passer rating averaged 112.0, and the Cowboys were nearly unbeatable. That synergy reminded fans of the great quarterback-running back duos in NFL history, like Aikman and Smith. Murray’s toughness, especially playing through a full 16-game season for the first time in 2014, showed a player betting on himself and delivering in a contract year.
After that magical 2014 season, Murray’s departure to the Philadelphia Eagles stung Cowboys fans. The Cowboys offered him a four-year, $24 million deal, but Philadelphia’s five-year, $42 million contract was too much to match, especially with the team needing to re-sign Dez Bryant. In Philly, Murray struggled behind a less dominant offensive line, managing just 702 yards in 15 games. He bounced back with the Tennessee Titans in 2016, rushing for 1,287 yards and earning his third Pro Bowl nod, but injuries in 2017 limited him to 659 yards. At age 30, Murray retired, closing the book on a seven-year career that saw him amass 7,174 rushing yards, 2,165 receiving yards, and 55 touchdowns.
Retirement didn’t slow Murray down. He returned to Oklahoma as the Sooners’ running backs coach, bringing his NFL experience to one of college football’s premier programs. His coaching résumé is already impressive, mentoring young talent and helping maintain Oklahoma’s reputation for producing elite running backs. Murray also founded the DeMarco Murray Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families with seriously and chronically ill children. Through daily encouragement and life-changing experiences, the foundation reflects Murray’s commitment to giving back, showing the same heart he displayed on the field.
For Cowboys fans, Murray’s legacy is etched in the record books and the memories of that 2014 season. His 4,526 rushing yards rank sixth in franchise history, and his single-season and single-game rushing records still stand. But it’s not just the numbers that make him special. Murray played with a fire that embodied what it means to be a Cowboy—tough, relentless, and all-in for the team. Whether he was stiff-arming a defender, diving for a touchdown, or rallying his teammates, Murray gave Dallas everything he had.
Now, as he shapes the next generation of running backs at Oklahoma, there’s talk of Murray potentially returning to Dallas as a coach. Recent rumors suggest he’s a candidate for the Cowboys’ running backs coach role, a move that would bring his story full circle. Imagine Murray on the sidelines, instilling that same tenacity in a new crop of Dallas backs. For fans, it’s a tantalizing thought—a chance to see a Cowboys legend continue to shape the team’s future.
DeMarco Murray’s life is a testament to what happens when talent meets determination. From the fields of Las Vegas to the hallowed turf of AT&T Stadium, he carved out a career that Cowboys fans will never forget. His 2014 season wasn’t just a highlight; it was a love letter to the game, written in sweat and yards. And as he continues to inspire, whether through coaching or his foundation, Murray remains a shining example of what it means to live with purpose and passion. For Dallas fans, he’ll always be No. 29, the back who ran hard and loved harder, leaving an indelible mark on the star.
