DeMarco Murray Is Far From Your Normal NFL Player

All eyes are on running back DeMarco Murray this season as he transitions from being a key element of the Dallas Cowboys' offensive attack to the main man in the Philadelphia Eagles' system.  If Murray had his wish, then he would rather you focus your attention elsewhere.  The former third round pick of the 2011 NFL Draft and leader in rushing yards during the 2014 NFL season with a total of 1,845 on the ground is a reserved, quiet guy.  He does not want to be the center of attention unlike many of his colleagues who jump at the first opportunity to get their name mentioned by the media.  Murray is definitely not your normal NFL player.

"[Tony] Romo, [Jason] Witten and Dez [Bryant] took some attention off of me.  Now being with the Eagles, I feel like I’m the guy," said Murray.  "I have to embrace being the number 1 guy."

Yet, Murray told me that he is not going to let anybody change him now that he finds himself in a new role with the Eagles.  He added that no one is going to be able to take him out of his comfort zone.  That goes for his attitude on the field, in the locker room and his endeavors away from the game.

"A lot has been offered off the field and I say no," added Murray.  "It is often out of my comfort zone or something I am not passionate about."

However, Murray has still managed to build a respectable portfolio of endorsements during his short stint in the NFL.  He has deals in place with EAS Sports Nutrition, FanPrint, PocketGM, Uniliver, Bose , Hublot and a new deal with ACME Markets.  Murray has an investment in FanPrint and PocketGM (a fantasy football app startup) and his arrangement with Unilever is a scale deal with a focus on retail activation.  This Fall, Murray will be seen in advertisements for Dove Men Care, Axe and Degree (all owned by Unilver).

Murray was partnered with Albertsons , which owns ACME Markets; he signed a multi-year deal with ACME Markets after a successful relationship with Albertsons while in Dallas.  According to Murray's marketing agent Dave Maryles of The Legacy Agency, Murray is finishing up 3 or 4 other deals that will come into play very soon.

"He’s one of these guys who really cares about his marketing. He’s not all about himself; he’s not a showy guy," said Maryles.  "He’s the biggest and best player with Adidas .  [He] will have a national commercial with them."

The endorsement list keeps running for the running back who seems fine with staying away from the spotlight.  Murray recently revealed a new partnership with Men's Wearhouse for the company's National Suit Drive, which lasts until July 31 in an effort to collect donations of gently-used professional attire and donate items to unemployed Americans.

Try to reconcile the mysterious Murray.  He is quiet and reserved, but has a laundry list of endorsements.  He is confident and edgy, but has no interest in flaunting his wealth .

"I've lived my life basically on a college budget.  I'm just a frugal guy," Murray told me.  "Even though I have money, I’m not out there buying cars and jewelry.  You hang out with different guys who are spending because they can, and sometimes you feel pressure to spend a lot of money and buy nice cars.  You have to be true to yourself and be smart about what you’re spending.  It can be hard at times."

Murray recognizes the statistics concerning players going broke and has no plans to contribute to the depressing state of athlete spending and saving.

"A lot of guys in our shoes are not getting to experience the sort of lifestyle that we are.  I can’t stand the way some guys are spending," said Murray.  "You hear about and read about stuff.  For me, I don’t want to be part of that statistic of being broke after you retire.  I want to relax, golf, go to Italy and drink a bunch of wine."

"He’s one of these guys who made a commitment that he will hopefully live off his marketing," added Maryles.  "He’s tight with his money not in a cheap way, but he’s not going to buy a $125,000 Range Rover.  He’s walked away from deals because there are other guys involved that he doesn’t want to be associated with."

This story about Murray has much more information than he probably wants to reach the public.  A few more details: Murray loves to experience great restaurants, is a big Food Network guy, has a 2 year old daughter and travels quite often.  He also thinks that you should select him high in your fantasy football draft based on his stats from the last 2 years and that he has been "1 of the best running backs on the planet."

"I want them to know as much as they already know.  I’m a very private guy.  What they already know…I’m not giving them any more," concluded Murray.

Darren Heitner is a lawyer and the Founder of South Florida-based HEITNER LEGAL, P.L.L.C., which has a focus on Sports Law and Entertainment Law.

Follow @DarrenHeitner