Byron Murphy II: ‘My dog mentality, it comes from having doubters’

Seattle Seahawks first-round pick Byron Murphy II is using the criticism he has received over the years as motivation. While speaking with The Athletic, Murphy talked about his ability being doubted and proving his haters wrong.

“My dog mentality, it comes from having doubters,” Murphy said. “I’ve been doubted all my life. I feel like that’s what started the dog mentality. My mentality when I’m out there on the field is to kill. I don’t care who’s in front of me or what they say about you. I believe you have to show yourself. Also part of my mindset is you won’t stop me. You have to show me that you can stop me. Even if you know what I’m doing on this play, you still have to show me because I’m coming. And I’m coming hard every play.”

The Seahawks selected the former Texas Longhorns defensive lineman at No. 16 overall after being named Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2023. Despite adding Dre’Mont Jones last offseason and Leonard Williams earlier this year, the Seahawks looked at Murphy as too talented of a player not to draft.

“Obviously everybody’s very excited,” Seahawks general manager John Schneider said after drafting Murphy, per the team’s official website. “We had him graded as the best defensive player in the draft… High motor, high effort, great individual. He’s 21 years old, got his degree in three years. Up and down the line of scrimmage, pass rusher, TFLs, you name it. A lot of utility, a lot of variety. To sit here and think when we started that we’d be able to acquire him, we’d be lying to you.”

Byron Murphy II brings a lot to Seattle Seahawks

In 2023, Murphy was named a second-team All-American by multiple outlets after tallying 29 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and seven quarterback hurries in 14 games. He helped the team win the Big 12 title and reach the College Football Playoff semifinal game.

“He plays our style of football, and he’s so talented,” Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said. “Versatility along the front, he’s such an aggressive player, plays violently, heavy hands for a guy with a shorter stature, flexible, pass-rush flexibility, you name it. We’re just really excited to have him… This is just a great opportunity for our team to get better. He’s going to provide great competition and he’s our type of guy. He’s a Seahawk through and through.”