Kyler Murray, the young and talented quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals, has always been known for his confident and optimistic mindset. He once said, “My confidence will never waver in myself at all. That’s what it is.” These words not only reflect his unwavering belief in himself, but also showcase the impact of the legendary martial artist Bruce Lee on his life.
Lee’s philosophy of “Be Water,” which emphasizes the importance of flexibility and adaptability, has deeply resonated with Murray’s life challenges. In December 2022, when Murray was a sophomore at the University of Oklahoma, he faced a tough decision. He had to choose between pursuing a career in football or baseball. Despite being a highly sought-after quarterback, Murray was also a talented baseball player and had been drafted by the Oakland Athletics.
It was a difficult choice for Murray, but he turned to Lee’s philosophy for guidance. He understood that in order to succeed in either sport, he needed to be like water – fluid and adaptable. He needed to be able to flow and adapt to any situation, just like water takes the shape of its container.
Murray ultimately chose to pursue a career in football, and it has proven to be the right decision. He went on to become the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft and has since established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the league. But his journey to success has not been without its challenges.
In his rookie season, Murray faced criticism and doubts from the media and fans. Many questioned whether he was too small and too inexperienced to succeed in the NFL. But Murray remained unfazed. He stayed true to his belief in himself and his abilities, just like Lee’s philosophy teaches. He adapted to the demands of the NFL and proved all his doubters wrong.
In his second season, Murray continued to impress and improve, leading the Cardinals to their first playoff appearance since 2015. But it was in the playoffs that Murray truly showed the world the impact of Lee’s philosophy on his life. In the wild-card round against the Los Angeles Rams, Murray and the Cardinals were down by 18 points in the third quarter. Many teams would have given up, but not Murray. He remained calm and focused, just like water, and led his team to an incredible comeback victory.
After the game, Murray was asked about his mindset during the comeback. He simply replied, “Be water.” His two-word message not only reflected his confidence in his abilities, but also showed the influence of Lee’s philosophy on his life.
But it’s not just on the field where Murray’s confidence and adaptability shine. In his personal life, he has faced challenges and criticism as well. In 2020, he faced backlash for his decision to kneel during the national anthem in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. But Murray stood firm in his beliefs and refused to let the negativity affect him. He remained true to himself and continued to be a vocal advocate for social justice.
Murray’s unwavering confidence and adaptability have not only helped him overcome challenges, but they have also inspired countless others. He has become a role model for young athletes, showing them that with hard work, determination, and a “Be Water” mindset, anything is possible.
Recently, Murray’s words and actions have also inspired another athlete – UFC fighter Dustin Poirier. After Poirier’s loss to Max Holloway in January 2022, many fans and media outlets speculated that he would retire from the sport. But Poirier, a fan of Murray and his mindset, took to social media to share a video of himself training and included the caption, “Be Water.”
Poirier’s message not only showed his determination to bounce back from the loss, but it also highlighted the impact of Murray’s “Be Water” philosophy on his life. Just like Murray, Poirier understands the importance of staying flexible and adaptable in the face of challenges.
In conclusion, Kyler Murray’s unwavering confidence and adaptability, inspired by Bruce Lee’s philosophy of “Be Water,” have not only helped him succeed in football but have also made him a role model for others. His positive mindset and determination to overcome challenges have not only impacted his own life but have also inspired others to do the same. As Murray continues to make his mark in the NFL, he will undoubtedly continue to spread the message of “Be Water” and motivate others
