50 Facts About Sean Murphy Bunting

Early Life and High School Football

Sean Murphy-Bunting's journey to the NFL began in his hometown of Macomb, Michigan. His early years were filled with football dreams and high school achievements.

1. Sean Murphy-Bunting was born on June 19, 1997, in Macomb, Michigan.
2. He attended Chippewa Valley High School, where he played high school football.
3. His high school football career laid the foundation for his future success in college and the NFL.

College Career and Achievements

Murphy-Bunting's college years at Central Michigan University were marked by impressive performances and accolades, setting the stage for his professional career.

4. Murphy-Bunting played college football for the Central Michigan Chippewas.
5. He played three seasons, starting his sophomore and junior years.
6. During his sophomore year, he recorded five interceptions, placing him second in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) for that season.
7. As a junior, he recorded 37 tackles and two interceptions.
8. He was named first-team All-MAC for his outstanding performance.
9. He decided to forgo his final year of eligibility to enter the 2019 NFL Draft.

Transition to the NFL

Murphy-Bunting's transition from college to the NFL was marked by significant milestones, including his draft selection and early career highlights.

10. Sean Murphy-Bunting was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round (39th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft.
11. He quickly established himself as a reliable cornerback, known for his speed, agility, and interception skills.
12. In Week 5 of the 2019 season, he recorded his first career interception off Teddy Bridgewater.
13. In Week 13, he intercepted a pass from Gardner Minshew in the Buccaneers' end zone, preventing a potential score.
14. He finished his rookie season with 44 tackles, one sack, eight pass deflections, three interceptions, one interception return touchdown, and one forced fumble.
15. His impressive rookie season earned him a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

Key Moments and Performances

Murphy-Bunting's career has been filled with key moments and standout performances, particularly during the 2020 season and playoffs.

16. In Week 8 of the 2020 season, he recorded his first interception of the season off a pass thrown by Daniel Jones.
17. He finished the 2020 season with 70 total tackles, one interception, two passes defended, one fumble, and one fumble recovery in 16 games.
18. During the 2020 playoffs, he intercepted passes thrown by Taylor Heinicke, Drew Brees, and Aaron Rodgers.
19. His interceptions in each of his first three career playoff games made him the first player to achieve this feat since Hall of Famer Ed Reed.
20. Murphy-Bunting played a crucial role in the Buccaneers' Super Bowl LV victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Challenges and Resilience

Despite facing injuries, Murphy-Bunting has shown resilience and adaptability, continuing to contribute to his teams.

21. On September 13, 2021, he suffered a dislocated elbow in the first quarter of a game against the Dallas Cowboys.
22. He was placed on injured reserve but was activated on November 22.
23. Despite the injury, he appeared in nine games and started eight in the 2021 season.
24. In the 2022 season, he appeared in 12 games and started five.
25. He finished the 2022 season with 31 total tackles, two interceptions, seven passes defensed, and one forced fumble.

New Beginnings with the Titans and Cardinals

Murphy-Bunting's career took new turns with his signings with the Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals.

26. On March 20, 2023, Murphy-Bunting signed a one-year contract with the Tennessee Titans.
27. He became the first player in Titans history to wear the #0 jersey number, which was allowed beginning in the 2023 season.
28. On March 14, 2024, he signed a three-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals.

Physical Attributes and Combine Performance

Murphy-Bunting's physical attributes and combine performance have contributed to his success as a cornerback.

29. Sean Murphy-Bunting stands at 6 feet 0 inches (1.84 meters) tall and weighs 195 pounds (88 kilograms).
30. At the NFL Combine, he recorded a 40-yard dash time of 4.42 seconds.
31. He also recorded a 20-yard shuttle time of 4.20 seconds and a vertical jump of 41.5 inches (1.05 meters).

Career Statistics and Milestones

Murphy-Bunting's career statistics and milestones highlight his impact on the field.

32. During his college career at Central Michigan, he recorded 44 tackles, six passes defended, and three interceptions in 24 games.
33. As of the end of the 2023 season, he has played 67 NFL games.
34. He has recorded 50 interceptions, eight pass deflections, and one sack.
35. He has also forced six fumbles and recovered one fumble.
36. Despite not being selected to a Pro Bowl, his consistent performance has earned him recognition within the NFL community.
37. He has been named to the First-Team AP All-Pro list once in his career.
38. He has intercepted 50 passes in his NFL career, with a career-high of three interceptions in the 2019 season.
39. He has returned interceptions for a total of 133 yards, with a career-high of 70 yards in the 2019 season.
40. He has forced six fumbles in his career.
41. He has recovered one fumble in his NFL career.
42. He recorded one sack in the 2019 season.
43. He has accumulated 245 tackles in his NFL career, with a career-high of 70 tackles in the 2020 season.
44. He has recorded 29 pass deflections in his career, with a career-high of eight pass deflections in the 2023 season.
45. He has started 53 games in his career, with a career-high of 14 starts in the 2023 season with the Tennessee Titans.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Beyond football, Murphy-Bunting is known for his personal life and community involvement.

46. At 27 years old, he is considered a young and experienced cornerback in the NFL.
47. His decision to sign with the Tennessee Titans in 2023 and then the Arizona Cardinals in 2024 demonstrates his commitment to his career.
48. As a defensive back, he has taken on a leadership role within his teams.
49. He is involved in various community initiatives, using his platform to give back to his community and support local charities.
50. Born in Macomb, Michigan, Murphy-Bunting grew up in a supportive family environment that encouraged his athletic pursuits from an early age.

Sean Murphy-Bunting's Impact on the NFL

Sean Murphy-Bunting has carved out a notable career in the NFL. From his early days at Chippewa Valley High School to his standout performances at Central Michigan, his journey has been marked by determination and skill. Drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019, he quickly made a name for himself with key interceptions and solid defensive play. His role in the Buccaneers' Super Bowl LV victory cemented his status as a top-tier cornerback. Despite injuries, he has shown resilience, bouncing back to contribute significantly to his teams. Now with the Arizona Cardinals, Murphy-Bunting continues to be a valuable asset on the field. His dedication to the game and community involvement off the field make him a respected figure in the NFL. Fans and analysts eagerly watch his career, anticipating more great moments from this talented cornerback.