Title: professional football player for the NFL
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Alma mater: Central Michigan University (Fire Up!)
On the job: As cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, my greatest contributions have been recording an interception in each of the three playoff games heading into the Super Bowl (tied Ed Reed for the record in the NFL), playing with Tom Brady (The Goat!), being recognized as a Top 5 defense team the last two years and becoming a Super Bowl champion in my second year in the NFL.
Giving back: I serve as president of Successful Jocks working alongside my mother, Kim Murphy, who is the chief executive director. Successful Jocks’ mission is to inspire, motivate and empower student athletes, equipping them with the tools, resources and support needed to become successful in the game of life. Fans recognize SMB as an acronym for my name, but for me it means so much more. Through our So Many Blessings program, my goal is to be active and visible in the Tampa Bay area communities spreading So Many Blessings. I have mentored young athletes, hosted field trips, sponsored shopping sprees and celebrated birthdays and Christmas with foster children and underserved youth. Last year, Successful Jocks awarded $10,000 in scholarships and provided Mac laptops to college-bound student athletes at Middleton High School. Through our So Many Blessings program, we partnered with the Tampa Bay Youth Football League and hosted an ultimate tailgate family fun day event with over 200 youth in attendance. We also partnered with a local charity, Celebrate Birthdays, and hosted a 25 days of Christmas dinner for families in need. Twenty-five families were invited to a Christmas party where they received dinner and gifts for the family.
When I’m not working, you can find me at home spending quality time with family and friends, playing video games, board games or just hanging out.
When I was a child I wanted to be a major league baseball player. I dreamed of being a Detroit Tiger.
My secret talent or skill is my athletic ability in three different sports. I’m pretty good in baseball and basketball. I also love music and consider that one of my secret talents.
My dream vacation is to tour Italy.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is: My mama always told me with God, love and hard work in your heart, the impossible is possible. Never let anyone tell you what you can’t do. You can do all things.
My favorite thing about Tampa is the warm, sunny weather and the wonderful people. The environment is so amazing and very uplifting.
My hero is God and my parents.
My inspiration is a tattoo of an eagle on my chest and eagle wings and the Bible scripture Isaiah 40:31 on my arm. Seeing these tattoos is a daily reminder that those who trust in the Lord will soar high on wings like eagles.
My pump-up song is “Nonstop” by Drake.
My most ambitious goal is to win, not just on the football field but in the game of life — to leave a legacy on and off the football field, inspiring, motivating and empowering others to create their own footsteps along the path.
The greatest adversity I’ve faced is always being the underdog with the constant need to prove myself — being rated as a two-star athlete coming out of high school with only one late (gray shirt) college scholarship offer, deciding to leave college early and enter the NFL draft when others didn’t believe in my athletic ability. When it comes to adversity, I use it to break records and not let it break me.
