IFL Bay Area Panthers

Quarterback Cory Murphy Rejoins Panthers

Published on April 4, 2023 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bay Area Panthers News Release


Cory Murphy was ready to move on to the next stage of his life. He began last season as the starting quarterback for the Panthers and was released after playing five games of the challenging 1-15 season. Murphy is now selling solar heating systems and was closing deal when the phone rang last Thursday afternoon.

"I was at work and they called and asked, 'Are you ready?' I'm like 'Yeah' and they said, 'Great. We're leaving tomorrow morning."

Murphy explained to his family it wasn't an April Fools' prank and his career was being resuscitated. He packed and left Stockton to arrive in Morgan Hill before 6 a.m.

The former Wilcox High and Delaware State standout kept himself on the radar by showing up at the team's open tryout in February while the team already had three quarterbacks committed to training camp. He knew the odds were against him but just wanted to relay the message that he'd be ready if called.

"With that workout I wanted to show that I still had it and that I'm the same guy you thought I was," said Murphy. "I love to compete and wanted to show what I've still got. I'm thankful and grateful to have an opportunity."

The roster spot opened up when D'Angelo Fulford moved on to the XFL and the team needed a quarterback. Murphy was still top of mind and has experience with offensive coordinator Dixie Wooten. In 2021, Murphy went 4-1 as a starter for a Tucson Sugar Skulls team coached by Wooten. That experience removes the challenge of having to learn a new system.

"That's another thing that aligns with the opportunity," said Murphy. "I played for Dixie before and we had great success together. He still uses the same verbiage so it's just like riding a bike. I'm ready and if anything happens, I'm prepared for it."

Chasing a football dream requires talent, work ethic and in the case of Murphy exceptional time management.

"I have a day planner and try to be as effective as possible with my time management," said Murphy. Besides the solar and real estate, I have a fundraiser job I do for local sports...I block off my time and am very intentional. That's whether it's time with my daughter, my job or working out."

Murphy made his season debut against Massachusetts last Sunday but he wasn't under center. Eager to make any contribution, Murphy was on kickoff coverage playing special teams.

"I love this game. I love it so much," said Murphy. "Even at the tryout I left saying that I miss competing. I had a couple opportunities to play other places but I started to transition with a life in sales. My mindset was like Bruce Lee's and be like water. If you situation changes then you have to change with it and be fluid in that change."

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