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Murray: No hurt feelings over business
September, 11, 2014
By Tim MacMahon | ESPNDallas.com
IRVING, Texas -- Left tackle Tyron Smith got his rich contract extension. Receiver Dez Bryant had extensive one-on-one discussions with Jerry Jones about a new deal.
Running back DeMarco Murray, the Dallas Cowboys' other Pro Bowler in the final year of his rookie contract, got nothing but a promise to talk about a new deal after this one expires.
You will hear no complaints from Murray, who rushed for 118 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries in the season opener.
"It is a business, so you can’t get [upset] over things like that," Murray said. "You guys know what I mean. You got to have thick skin, I would say. Like I’ve said before, I love being here. I love playing with 9, 82 and 88. I love playing for coach [Jason] Garrett and this organization as a whole, so it’s something I’ll continue to strive for, continue to work hard for. Hopefully it happens. We’ll see."
Some of the main factors in Murray’s future contract discussions, such as the declining value of running backs around the league, are completely out of his control. He can also only do so much regarding the Cowboys’ concerns about his durability.
But if Murray has the kind of season he did last season -- rushing for 1,121 yards (5.2 per carry) and nine touchdowns and catching 53 passes for 350 yards and another score -- it’s hard to envision the Cowboys letting him leave in free agency.
Murray doesn’t anticipate having another season like that. He expects to be better this season.
"I definitely feel like it was a stepping stone," Murray said. "It was an OK year. It’s definitely not what we wanted as far as a team. Individually, not nearly what I think I can do."
Murray says he still has a lot to prove to himself. He sees that mentality in nine-time Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten and patterns his approach after it, believing he can get better in every facet of his game.
However, Murray doesn’t think he has much to prove to the Cowboys' front office.
"I wouldn’t say [anything] in general," Murray said. "As a team, I think we need to prove that we can win games and win Super Bowls here. That’s what it’s all about. That’s what they care about. I think 99 percent of the guys in this locker room, that’s what they care about.
"I wouldn’t say I’m trying to prove anything to anyone in particular, but to these guys in this locker room that, 'Hey, we got a chance to do some special things this year, and it starts every day.'"
Murray's contract negotiations will start after the season. He plans to give the Cowboys plenty of reason to want to keep him.
September, 11, 2014
By Tim MacMahon | ESPNDallas.com
IRVING, Texas -- Left tackle Tyron Smith got his rich contract extension. Receiver Dez Bryant had extensive one-on-one discussions with Jerry Jones about a new deal.
Running back DeMarco Murray, the Dallas Cowboys' other Pro Bowler in the final year of his rookie contract, got nothing but a promise to talk about a new deal after this one expires.
You will hear no complaints from Murray, who rushed for 118 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries in the season opener.
"It is a business, so you can’t get [upset] over things like that," Murray said. "You guys know what I mean. You got to have thick skin, I would say. Like I’ve said before, I love being here. I love playing with 9, 82 and 88. I love playing for coach [Jason] Garrett and this organization as a whole, so it’s something I’ll continue to strive for, continue to work hard for. Hopefully it happens. We’ll see."
Some of the main factors in Murray’s future contract discussions, such as the declining value of running backs around the league, are completely out of his control. He can also only do so much regarding the Cowboys’ concerns about his durability.
But if Murray has the kind of season he did last season -- rushing for 1,121 yards (5.2 per carry) and nine touchdowns and catching 53 passes for 350 yards and another score -- it’s hard to envision the Cowboys letting him leave in free agency.
Murray doesn’t anticipate having another season like that. He expects to be better this season.
"I definitely feel like it was a stepping stone," Murray said. "It was an OK year. It’s definitely not what we wanted as far as a team. Individually, not nearly what I think I can do."
Murray says he still has a lot to prove to himself. He sees that mentality in nine-time Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten and patterns his approach after it, believing he can get better in every facet of his game.
However, Murray doesn’t think he has much to prove to the Cowboys' front office.
"I wouldn’t say [anything] in general," Murray said. "As a team, I think we need to prove that we can win games and win Super Bowls here. That’s what it’s all about. That’s what they care about. I think 99 percent of the guys in this locker room, that’s what they care about.
"I wouldn’t say I’m trying to prove anything to anyone in particular, but to these guys in this locker room that, 'Hey, we got a chance to do some special things this year, and it starts every day.'"
Murray's contract negotiations will start after the season. He plans to give the Cowboys plenty of reason to want to keep him.
