DeMarco Murray: News, Personal Life, Eagles Story, Stats & Legacy

DeMarco Murray — once an NFL powerhouse at running back and now carving a path in coaching — remains one of the most talked-about figures in American football. From dominating the league in 2014 to captivating fans with his on-field grit and off-field life, Murray’s story is one of talent, resilience, and evolution.

In this deep dive we explore everything you want to know: the latest news around him, his wife and family, his brief time with the Eagles, the quirky spray tan meme, his jaw-dropping stats and contract details, and life after playing.

Who Is DeMarco Murray? Early Life & College Career

Born February 12, 1988 in Las Vegas, Nevada, DeMarco Murray grew up as a multi-sport star before focusing firmly on football. He attended Bishop Gorman High School and then played collegiately at the University of Oklahoma, where he became one of the most prolific running backs in school history — setting records for all-purpose yards and touchdowns before going pro.

At Oklahoma, Murray was known for his combination of power, vision, and receiving ability, making him a dual threat on the ground and through the air — a trait not every running back brings.

NFL Draft & Breakout with the Cowboys

Murray entered the NFL in 2011, drafted in the third round (71st overall) by the Dallas Cowboys. His impact was immediate — he quickly became one of the offense’s featured weapons.

2014: MVP-Caliber Season

The defining chapter of Murray’s NFL playing career came in 2014. That year, he:

• Led the NFL in rushing yards with an eye-popping 1,845 yards;

• hauled in 13 rushing touchdowns;

• Was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year (first time a Cowboy had won the award in a decade).

This historic performance solidified Murray as one of the league’s elite backs and put him on the radar of every contender in free agency.

Contract Saga: From Dallas to the Eagles

After the 2014 season, Murray became one of the most sought-after free agents in the league. The Dallas Cowboys had an opportunity to keep him, but contract talks didn’t align with Murray’s expectations — and that opened the door for a new chapter.

Murray signed a 5-year, $42 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015, including roughly $18 million guaranteed — a significant payday that reflected his value after his belt-breaking 2014 season.

However, his time in Philadelphia didn’t go as planned. Under head coach Chip Kelly, the offense struggled and Murray’s production dipped relative to expectations. Still, he contributed and remained a steady rotational weapon before being traded.

Tennessee Titans & Road to Retirement

In 2016, the Eagles traded Murray (along with a fourth-round pick) to the Tennessee Titans. He enjoyed a resurgence in Tennessee, rushing for 1,287 yards and 9 touchdowns that season — proving he hadn’t lost his elite edge.

Murray played two seasons in Tennessee before injuries and the rise of younger backs led him to step away from playing. He retired in 2018, ending a career that spanned seven NFL seasons.

Murray’s Career Stats

Here’s a look at Murray’s official rushing statistics across his NFL career:

Those numbers reflect a player who was a consistent force and could be relied on year after year.

Latest NEWS: Coaching & Career After Playing

Fast-forward to 2025-2026 offseason news, Murray is making headlines not as a player, but as a coach. Reports indicate that he’s been hired as the running backs coach for the Kansas City Chiefs, marking his first official NFL coaching role after years in college football coaching.

Before that, he had a stint as a running backs coach at his alma mater, Oklahoma, shaping young talent and learning the ropes of coaching.

His journey from elite player to coach signals a new era — and one that many NFL fans are watching closely to see how his leadership influences the next generation.

Personal Life: Wife & Family

Off the field, DeMarco Murray’s life has been just as rich — though more private.

In 2015, he married actress Heidi Mueller, whom he had been dating for years. The couple has been together through ups and downs in his football journey and has two children together.

Mueller, known for her acting background, and Murray have kept much of their family life relatively low-key, but they’re frequently highlighted as one of the more grounded NFL couples — balancing pro athletics with family priorities.

The “Spray Tan” Meme: Football Humor Online

You might have seen Murray’s name pop up in meme culture — particularly in NFL fan circles where phrases like “spray tan” get attached to him (often playfully). That stems from a light-hearted fan joke online, not an official player attribute or public lifestyle brand.

It’s a reminder that beyond stats and contracts, athletes like Murray often take on a life of their own in digital fandom — sometimes quirky, meme-edgy, and often fun.

Contract Summary (Player Days)

While Murray’s most lucrative NFL contract came from his free agency pact with the Eagles (5 years, ~$42M), his overall earnings included:

• Cowboys rookie deal + extensions;

• Eagles free agent deal with significant guarantees;

• Shorter stints with the Titans before retirement.

Though not as massive as modern running back market deals, Murray’s contracts reflected his peak performance and league value at the time.

Legacy: Where Does Murray Rank Among Running Backs?

Ask NFL fans and analysts, and DeMarco Murray’s legacy usually includes:

• One of the best rushing seasons in 2014 NFL history;

• Consistent top-tier performance across multiple teams;

• Transition to influential coach;

• A career that spanned both elite play and leadership development.

Whether in Cowboys lore or Titans fan bases, Murray is remembered for his hard-nosed running style and ability to take over games — a hallmark of a true NFL workhorse back.

FAQs About DeMarco Murray

1. Is DeMarco Murray still playing in the NFL?

No — Murray retired from active playing in 2018 after seven NFL seasons with the Cowboys, Eagles, and Titans.

2. What teams did DeMarco Murray play for?

He played for:

• Dallas Cowboys

• Philadelphia Eagles

• Tennessee Titans

3. Who is DeMarco Murray’s wife?

Murray’s wife is actress Heidi Mueller; they married in 2015 and have two children together.

4. What is DeMarco Murray’s coaching role now?

Reports show he is becoming the running backs coach for the Kansas City Chiefs starting in the 2026 season.

5. What was Murray’s best NFL season?

His best season was 2014 with the Cowboys when he led the league in rushing yards and was named Offensive Player of the Year.

6. Why is “spray tan” associated with him online?

It appears to be a fan meme from internet football communities, not directly linked to his professional career. Fan culture often attaches playful tags like this to players. (Derived from social chatter)