Kyler Murray discusses relationship with Oklahoma head coach Skip Johnson

Kyler Murray may be four years removed from his involvement with the Oklahoma baseball program but the relationships are still there. Specifically with head coach Skip Johnson, who had led the Sooners to the College World Series for the first time in 12 years.

Johnson had a huge impact on Murray when he played baseball in college and still does to this day. The current Arizona Cardinals quarterback discussed their relationship during an interview on Friday afternoon, calling Johnson “a father figure.”

“Skip is like family to me,” Murray said. “Truly, truly like an uncle or even a father figure. Someone who was on me a lot. Stayed on me and made sure he got the best out of me and I always had that respect for him to get my best. Nothing but love for Skip. Glad he’s here. I’m really happy that he’s got the guys to the College World Series.”

When Murray played for Oklahoma during the 2017 season, Johnson was an assistant on the team before being promoted the following year. There, Murray had 10 home runs and had an OPS of above .950 as the Sooners, while keeping a 99.1 fielding percentage.

Now, he is back supporting his former coach in Omaha at the College World Series. The 2022 NFL season may be coming closer but Murray is still making time to support Johnson and his program.

Kyler Murray shares pregame message to Oklahoma baseball

Whenever the score against Virginia Tech got out of hand in the Super Regional, Murray made sure to get his affairs in order and make it to Omaha. He knew Oklahoma getting to the CWS was a special moment and did not want to miss seeing them play live.

“I told the coaches if we win in Virginia Tech, I got to come,” Murray said. “As soon as I saw the score kind of got out of hand, we booked the flights and got it done.”

Murray also gave a speech to the team on Thursday night to get them fired up for their matchup against Texas A&M. While he did not give away anything too specific, he made sure the Sooners knew to just go out there and be themselves.

“I can’t give you the full scoop,” said Murray. “It was pretty aggressive but I just let them know — seize the moment. Huge opportunity. There’s tons of kids here watching wishing they were in their shoes. Understand the opportunity and just let it all hang. Don’t feel the pressure, don’t play nervous. Just go out there and do your thing.”