Kyler Murray Parents: Who Are Kevin and Missy Murray, the Minnesota Vikings Quarterback’s Mother and Father?

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray missed the team’s November 9, 2026, game against the Buffalo Bills because of a hamstring strain. Head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed that Carson Wentz would start in his place, with Murray considered week-to-week. The injury has brought renewed attention to the quarterback’s career and family background, particularly his parents, Kevin Murray and Misun “Missy” Murray, who have supported his football journey since childhood.

Murray, who previously played for the Arizona Cardinals, grew up in Allen, Texas, as the youngest of three children. His father was a successful college quarterback at Texas A&M, while his mother played an important role in his personal development and connection to his Korean heritage.

Who Are Kyler Murray’s Parents?

Kyler Murray was born on August 7, 1997, in Bedford, Texas, to Kevin Murray and Misun Henderson Murray, commonly known as Missy.

His father is African American, while his mother has Korean and American ancestry. His maternal grandmother was born in South Korea, making Murray a third-generation Korean American.

Kevin and Missy raised three children: daughter Precious and sons Kevin Jr. and Kyler.

The family lived in the Dallas area, where Kyler developed an interest in football, baseball, and other competitive activities.

Both parents were closely involved in his development. Kevin provided technical football instruction, while Missy helped manage family responsibilities and encouraged her son’s educational and athletic ambitions.

Kyler Murray’s Father Kevin Murray

Kevin Murray was a standout quarterback at North Dallas High School before playing college football at Texas A&M University.

He competed for the Aggies from 1983 to 1986 and finished his college career with 6,506 passing yards and 48 touchdown passes.

Kevin was also selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 11th round of the 1982 Major League Baseball Draft.

After college, he signed as a free agent with the San Francisco 49ers and later spent time with the Calgary Stampeders. However, injuries prevented him from establishing a long professional playing career.

He subsequently became a quarterback coach and established the Air 14 Quarterback Academy, where he trained young athletes.

Kevin began teaching Kyler how to throw a football when his son was seven years old.

During his 2018 Heisman Trophy acceptance speech, Kyler acknowledged his father’s influence.

“You taught me everything that I know about this game, and I honestly feel like you should be up here with me, because I really wouldn’t be up here if it weren’t for you introducing me to this game,” Murray said.

Kevin also worked as a quarterbacks coach at Parish Episcopal School in Dallas.

Kyler Murray’s Mother Missy Murray

Misun “Missy” Murray has played an important role in her son’s career and personal life.

Her mother was born in South Korea, while her father, Carl W. Henderson Jr., served in the United States military.

Missy previously worked in corporate positions with companies including Verizon, DHL, and TEOCO.

She later became president of the Kyler Murray Foundation, which supports charitable initiatives and community programs.

In October 2025, she announced a partnership between the foundation and IdentiFreed, a Phoenix-based organization working to combat human trafficking.

Missy has also encouraged Kyler to understand his Korean ancestry.

During his 2018 Heisman Trophy acceptance speech, Murray publicly thanked his mother.

“To my mom, you’re my best friend,” he said. “I could be up here all day talking about you, but for me, I’m just thankful that you’re my mother, and I love you.”

Kyler Murray’s Korean Heritage and Family Trip to Seoul

Murray traveled to South Korea with his family in March 2025, visiting the country of his maternal grandmother’s birth for the first time.

The trip gave him an opportunity to explore his Korean heritage and meet local football supporters.

During an interview in Seoul, Murray discussed how his mother encouraged him to embrace his background while growing up in Texas.

“I’m proud to be Korean,” he said. “There’s not many of us doing it in the NFL or at the highest level in sports in general in America.”

He also explained that Korean food, television programs, and family traditions were part of his childhood.

Murray has displayed the South Korean national flag on his NFL helmet alongside the American flag.

His visit to Seoul included promotional activities aimed at introducing American football to more Korean fans.

Kyler Murray’s Siblings and Athletic Family

Kyler Murray has two older siblings, Kevin Murray Jr. and Precious Murray.

His family also includes relatives with professional sporting backgrounds.

His uncle, Calvin Murray, played Major League Baseball for the San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers, and Chicago Cubs.

Murray is also related to NFL wide receiver Devin Duvernay, who is his cousin.

The family’s sporting connections influenced his early development in both football and baseball.

Murray attended Allen High School in Texas, where he became one of the country’s most successful high school quarterbacks.

He later played college football at Texas A&M before transferring to Oklahoma, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 2018.

The Arizona Cardinals selected him with the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

He had previously been selected ninth overall by the Oakland Athletics in the 2018 MLB Draft, becoming the first athlete chosen in the first round of both drafts.

Kyler Murray’s Parents and His Career With the Vikings

After beginning his professional football career with Arizona, Murray joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2026.

His father continued working in quarterback development, while his mother remained involved in charitable activities through the Kyler Murray Foundation.

Murray’s transition to Minnesota brought a new stage in his professional career after several seasons with the Cardinals.

He suffered a hamstring injury during the Vikings’ Week 8 loss to the Detroit Lions, leading to his absence against Buffalo on November 9.

The Vikings have not announced a confirmed return date. Murray remains week-to-week, with the team’s November 15 game against the Green Bay Packers identified as a possible opportunity for his return, depending on his recovery.