The Seattle Seahawks face the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, which means it has been impossible this week to avoid the comparisons between the two teams' quarterbacks, Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray.
Both are dynamic playmakers who can make big plays with their arms and legs, both were incredibly productive college quarterbacks and were also accomplished baseball players who debated a future in that sport after being drafted by Major League teams, and yes, both are a little short for the position. Of course, Wilson, a six-time Pro Bowler with two Super Bowl appearances and six playoff seasons on his resume, is at a much different point in his career than Murray, the top pick in this year's draft, but it's hard not to focus on the similarities between the two.
"Dynamic athletes, great leaders and very confident in their abilities, playmakers," Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury said. "You can see those things, but I think their styles are a little bit different. Russell has been through it. I mean, he's won a Super Bowl, been in multiple Super Bowls, played a bunch of football. When you watch his style of play and how he's kind of perfected knowing when to make a spectacular play and knowing when the play is over and throwing it away; those are all things we're working through. He's a great guy to watch and learn from."
But perhaps more interesting than the similarities between Wilson and Murray is one of the big differences—where they were drafted.
When Wilson was coming out of Wisconsin in 2012, a common refrain from draft experts was that he was a nearly perfect prospect who would be a first-round pick… if only he were taller. Fast forward to the past two drafts, and height has been less of an issue, with the 6-foot-1 Baker Mayfield and the 5-foot-10 Murray going No. 1 overall in consecutive drafts. It's impossible not to wonder if either of those players, and particularly the sub-6-foot Murray, would have been drafted so highly if not for Wilson's success as a 5-foot-11 quarterback.
"I don't think it hurt, that's for sure," Kingsbury said. "You have a guy like him, you have a guy like Brees, who are lighting the world on fire. I think it definitely opens up some doors that hey, you don't have to be 6-5, 240 to play at a high level in this league."
Asked about his success and the perception of shorter quarterbacks, Wilson said, "I think I definitely helped it," but went on to point out that he's hardly the first undersized quarterback to succeed in the NFL.
"I think I had some people that came before me," Wilson said. "Drew Brees opened up the door for me. I think both of us obviously played in the Big Ten. I think both of us, being the height that we are, our ability to throw, move around, throw in the pocket, outside the pocket, do all that stuff. Obviously, him winning a Super Bowl was a big deal. I think there's quarterbacks before him, Doug Fluties of the world. Michael Vicks around the same too as Drew. There's been some other great quarterbacks. I think about all the amazing quarterbacks—Steve Young was a great example—not the biggest guy in the world, obviously won Super Bowls. I think that some people opened the door for me. I think Drew's obviously the closest comparison in the sense of our size and how we throw the ball and just different stuff. With me, I think definitely winning the Super Bowl my second year definitely would be able to open some doors for other guys. You see guys like Baker. You see guys like Kyler and others. Hopefully, that stays the case. Hopefully we can continue to break barriers to allow people to play the game. No matter what you look like. No matter what your size. No matter what your race is. No matter what the scenario is."
But while Wilson downplays his significance in Murray eventually becoming the No. 1 overall pick, citing previous undersized and/or mobile quarterbacks such as Brees, Vick and Young—Seahawks coach Pete Carroll goes even further back, mentioning Fran Tarkenton and George Mira—those examples don't quite line up with Wilson and Murray because they were either on the "right" side the 6-foot barrier (Brees, Young and Vick) or didn't have nearly as successful of NFL careers as Wilson (Flutie and Mira).
Wilson wasn't just a little undersized like Brees, who measured at just over 6-foot at the NFL scouting combine; he was more than an inch short of 6-foot, measuring 5-10 5/8. And at that height, he has not just made it as an NFL starter, but become unambiguously one of the best quarterbacks of his era.
So it's hardly a coincidence that with Wilson in his prime, NFL teams have drafted undersized playmaking quarterbacks with the No. 1 overall pick each of the past two years, with Cleveland taking Baker Mayfield last year, and Arizona selecting Murray this year.
"I don't know how it couldn't have influenced people," Carroll said. "… There just haven't been very many guys over the years. Russ broke through in such big fashion and was so obviously suited for the game. I think there's no question that he's had an influence people. Those guys are all grateful. They still would've been great players anyway. I think to be the first pick in the draft and have the confidence and all that, I think Russ has added to that thought. Now he's influenced the game in a big way."
And if there was any doubt that the Cardinals at least considered Wilson's success when drafting Murray, consider that Arizona general manager told The Athletic in May, "It goes back to what (general manager) John Schneider said about Russell: 'What's wrong with the guy other than the fact he's not 6-3?'"
The comparisons between Murray and Wilson aren't perfect. Their styles are a little different despite the physical similarities, they play in drastically different offenses, and obviously Wilson is much more accomplished at the NFL level. But when the Seahawks and Cardinals face off on Sunday afternoon in the first matchups of sub 6-foot starting quarterbacks since 1970, according to NFL Research, it will be impossible not to think that the No. 1 overall pick wearing a red jersey might have never been in that position if not for the former 75th overall pick changing the perception of short quarterbacks.
"It was good to see a guy my size doing it," Murray said of watching Wilson succeed with the Seahawks while he was in high school and college. "I think that helps any kid. We kind of have the same stature, so being able to see him do it in the league, winning Super Bowls, that gives you a confidence boost."
The Seahawks and the Cardinals will meet this Sunday at State Farm Stadium for the fourth game of the 2019 season. Take a look back at photos from past games between the two teams.
Seattle Seahawks running back Curt Warner (28) takes a handoff during an NFL game against the St. Louis Cardinals on November 13, 1983. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 33-28. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Phoenix Cardinals quarterback Gary Hogeboom can't find a receiver due to heavy defensive pressure from Seattle Seahawks (92) David Wyman and (72) Joe Nash during action in their pre-season game, Aug. 12, 1989 in Tempe, Arizona. The Seahawks proved too much for the Cardinals after the game went into overtime and lost 16-10. (AP Photo/Chad Surmick)
Running back Ron Moore (30) of the Phoenix Cardinals is held to a one yard gain as he is tackled by Cortez Kennedy (96) of the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter of their NFL game in Seattle, Washington, Dec. 19, 1993. Watching the play is Joe Wolf (68) of the Cardinals. Phoenix beat Seattle in overtime, 30-27. (AP Photo/Bill Chan)
Nose tackle Cortez Kennedy (96) of the Seattle Seahawks lines up against the Arizona Cardinals Oct. 29, 1995 in Phoenix. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Seattle Seahawks tight end Trey Junkin (83) runs a pass pattern during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals in Tempe, Oct. 29, 1995. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 20-14 at Sun Devil Stadium. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
Arizona Cardinals' Chris Gedney (84) takes in a pass while in the grasp of Seattle Seahawks' Fred Thomas (22) and goes for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, Sept. 13, 1998 in Seattle. The play went 23 yards but wasn't enough as Seattle won the game 33-14. (AP Photo/Jay Drowns)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) calls a play Nov. 10, 2002 at Sun Devil Stadium. in Tempe, Az. The Seahawks defeated the Arizona Cardinals 27 - 6. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Arizona Cardinals running back Marcel Shipp (31) is surrounded by Seattle Seahawks defenders November 10, 2002 at Sun Devils Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 27 - 6. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Trent Dilfer greets Arizona Cardinals cornerback Duane Starks following their game Sunday, Sept. 15, 2002, in the team's new stadium in Seattle. Arizona won, 24-13. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks defenders Rocky Bernard, left, Chike Okeafor (56) and Rashad Moore (95) celebrate Okeafor's sacking of Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh McCown (on ground) in the fourth quarter Sunday, Dec. 26, 2004, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks' Shaun Alexander changes directions on Arizona Cardinals' Ifeanyi Ohalete during the second quarter in Seattle Sunday Dec. 26, 2004. Alexander completed the day scoring three touchdowns and rushing for 145 yards in the 24-21 win for the Seahawks. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks' Ken Hamlin, left, stops Arizona Cardinals running back Emmitt Smith after a short gain in the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 24, 2004, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Seattle Seahawks' Chike Okeafor (56) strips the ball away from Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh McCown in the first quarter Sunday, Oct. 24, 2004, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) is hurried as Arizona Cardinals Chike Okeafor (56) and Darnell Dockett (90) pursue during the first quarter Sunday, Nov. 6, 2005 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Seattle Seahawks' Andre Dyson, rear, pulls down Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald after a short gain during the first quarter Sunday, Nov. 6, 2005, at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Grant Wistrom (98) celebrates with Kelly Herndon (31) after tackling Arizona Cardinals runningback J.J. Arrington (28) for a 2-yard loss during the second half in Seattle on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2005. Seattle won 37-12. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks safety Ken Hamlin, left, breaks up a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals' Anquan Boldin with Helly Herdon watching from the right during the first quarter in Seattle Sunday, Sept. 25, 2005. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks' Julian Peterson, left, hurries Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart (7) during the second quarter of their football game Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander (37) picks up a short gain against the Arizona Cardinals during their football game Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006 in Glendale, Ariz. Alexander ran for 76 yards in the Cardinals 27-21 win. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Seattle Seahawks' Michael Boulware (28) celebrates his interception with teammate Kelly Herndon of a pass from Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner during the first quarter of a football game in Seattle, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2006. (AP Photo//John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks' Maurice Morris (20) races ahead of Arizona Cardinals' Karlos Dansby on a third quarter 27 yard pass reception, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 21-10. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks' Deion Branch, right, catches a 17-yard touchdown as Arizona Cardinals' Oliver Celestin defends during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks' Shaun Alexander tries to sidestep Arizona Cardinals linebacker Calvin Pace during the first half of their football game in Seattle, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007. The Seahawks won 42-21. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks' Nate Burleson, center, splits Arizona Cardinals defenders Terrence Holt (42) and Eric Green (25) for a touchdown catch in the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona Cardinals' Matt Leinart, center, gets a pass off as he is hit by Seattle Seahawks' Patrick Kerney, left, and Darryl Tapp in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 23-20. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Seattle Seahawks' Maurice Morris (20) gets tackled by Arizona Cardinals' Chike Okeafor (56) in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 34-21. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Seneca Wallace (15) throws as Arizona Cardinals' Bertrand Berry (92) pursues during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Seattle Seahawks' Baraka Atkins (91) pursues Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner before Warner completed a pass in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Arizona Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald (11) in action against the Seattle Seahawks Brian Russell (25) on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Seattle Seahawks' Matt Hasselbeck, top, tries to guide his teammates before a play against the Arizona Cardinals in the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 31-20. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Seattle Seahawks running back Justin Forsett (20) celebrates his touchdown as Arizona Cardinals' Ali Highsmith (95) and Antrel Rolle (21) arrive late to defend in the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Seattle Seahawks' Roy Lewis (34) celebrates with teammates against the Arizona Cardinals during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Arizona Cardinals' Kurt Warner pitches to Beanie Wells (26) as Seattle Seahawks' Brandon Mebane (92) looks on during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch takes off down the sideline during a game on October 24, 2010. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 22-10.
Seattle Seahawks defenders stop an Arizona Cardinals rush during a game on October 24, 2010. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 22-10.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Mike Williams (17) pulls in a pass over Arizona Cardinals cornerback Greg Toler during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors, File)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck looks to throw down the field during a game on November 14, 2010. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 36-18.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson takes off down the field during a game on September 25, 2011. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 13-10.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Sidney Rice attempts to make a diving catch on the sideline during a game on September 25, 2011. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 13-10.
Seattle Seahawks tight end Cameron Morrah catches a pass down the field during a game on January 1, 2012. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 23-20.
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Alan Branch prepares to sack Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Skelton during a game on January 1, 2012. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 23-20.
Seattle Seahawks defenders Richard Sherman, Bobby Wagner, and K.J. Wright celebrate an Arizona Cardinals turnover during a game on September 9, 2012. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 20-16.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Sidney Rice pulls down a reception during a game on September 9, 2012. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 20-16.
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner runs back an Arizona Cardinals turnover during a game on December 9, 2012. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 58-0.
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch makes a diving touchdown during a game on December 9, 2012. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 58-0.
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Tony McDaniel tackles Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer during a game on October 17, 2013. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 34-22.
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch delivers a stiff arm to an Arizona Cardinals defender during a game on October 17, 2013. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 34-22.
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Malcolm Smith returns an Arizona turnover during a game on December 22, 2013. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 17-10.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin makes a catch near the Seattle sideline during a game on December 22, 2013. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 17-10.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson prepares to hand the ball off to running back Marshawn Lynch during a game on November 23, 2014. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 19-3.
Seattle Seahawks tight end Cooper Helfet dives into the end zone for a touchdown during a game on November 23, 2014. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 19-3.
Seattle Seahawks tight end Luke Willson pulls in a touchdown reception during a game on December 21, 2014. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 35-6.
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner takes back a Cardinals turnover for a touchdown during a game on November 15, 2015. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 39-32.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin pulls in a reception over Arizona defenders during a game on November 15, 2015. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 39-32.
Seattle Seahawks wider receiver Tyler Lockett pulls in a reception during a game on January 3, 2016. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 36-6.
Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman breaks up a pass during a game on January 3, 2016. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 36-6.
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril celebrates on the field during a game on October 23, 2016. The Seahawks tied with the Cardinals 6-6.
Seattle Seahawks running back Christine Michael bursts through an open lane and takes off down the field during a game on October 23, 2016. The Seahawks tied with the Cardinals 6-6.
Seattle Seahawks wider receiver Jermaine Kearse high points the football and pulls down a touchdown reception during a game on December 24, 2016. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 34-31.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Paul Richardson takes a bow after grabbing a touchdown reception during a game on December 24, 2016. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 34-31.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson sets up to pass during a game on November 9, 2017. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 22-16.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson embraces Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald following a game on November 9, 2017. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 22-16.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver finds a gap in the kickoff coverage and takes off down the field during a game on December 31, 2017. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 26-24.
Seattle Seahawks defenders wrap up Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton during a game on December 31, 2017. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 26-24.
Seattle Seahawks running back Mike Davis dives over a Arizona Cardinals defender for a touchdown during a game on September 30, 2018. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 20-17.
Seattle Seahawks kicker Sebastian Janikowski all smiles after hitting a 54 yard game winning field goal against Arizona during a game on September 30, 2018. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 20-17.
Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner eyes down Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen prior to the snap of the ball during a game on December 30, 2018. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 27-24.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett strikes a pose in the end zone after scoring a touchdown during a game on December 30, 2018. The Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 27-24.
