Could the next Bo Jackson light it up during the college football season but never play a game after?
College Football is in for a new look with Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray due to replace first overall pick Baker Mayfield next season. Not only is Murray a new face for the championship-caliber program, but it’ll likely be his last year playing football.
The two-sport athlete was selected ninth overall in the MLB Amateur Draft by the Oakland Athletics on Monday evening.
Two days later, he’s agreed to a deal with $5 million guaranteed with Oakland that will allow him to play college football for Oklahoma next season.
Kyler Murray and the A's have a deal that guarantees him close to $5M and allows him to play football (he's a QB and could be Baker Mayfield's replacement) at Oklahoma for 1 year.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) June 6, 2018
Murray started his baseball and football career at Texas A&M, but transferred after the 2015 season. Playing behind Mayfield last year Murray still saw action, going 8-21 with three touchdowns in seven games and rushing for 142 yards on 10 attempts.
This situation is unchartered territory, and likely the first time a college athlete will be getting paid to play one sport while competing collegiately in another. Oakland wouldn’t have drafted Murray, let alone sign him to a deal, if they hadn’t discussed the scenario with the NCAA.
Endorsement deals aren’t likely for Murray as a baseball player, and would likely be something Oklahoma and the NCAA will keep a watchful eye on. Minor league baseball players don’t get the types of endorsement deals first round football players get even before they’re drafted.
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Regardless, it’s a unique situation fans will keep an eye on and flock towards if Murray dominates with Oklahoma this year and leaves the door open to play professional football down the road.