It cost him a chance to play in the Gray Cup game but the Alouettes’ Najee Murray is grateful the injury that ended his season happened when it did.
Murray’s 2023 campaign ended on July 30 when he suffered a torn pectoral muscle during Montreal’s 25-18 win over Calgary. Surgery was necessary.
The defensive end had to be absent during the march to the title. On the other hand, it allowed him to be with his 52-year-old mother when she was admitted to the hospital in Steubenville, Ohio, for an autoimmune disease.
It was also around this time that Murray and his wife learned they were going to become parents for the first time. The expected due date is April 14.
I would say that everything happens for a reason. My injury gave me the opportunity to be with my mother, which I wouldn’t necessarily have had if I had been playing. And then my wife and I found out that she is pregnant.
Najee Murray
“(Watching the Gray Cup game) was without a doubt the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. But I’m a spiritual person and I think everything fell into place. »
His mother’s condition is slowly improving.
“I was able to help take care of her at the hospital, which was one of the best things that could have happened,” he said. An injury is never desirable, but I’m grateful it happened at this time.
“My mother is better. She needs to continue to build her strength, but we both believe in the saying ‘1% better every day’. »
Murray was off to a strong start in 2023 with 33 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in six games, before his injury.
Murray was on the sidelines when the Alouettes won 28-24 against Winnipeg in the Gray Cup, securing their first CFL title since 2010.
In five seasons with Montreal, Murray started 30 of 39 regular season games, accumulating 119 tackles, six special teams tackles, seven interceptions (including two touchdown returns), two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
The 29-year-old signed a new contract with Montreal in January.
“I can’t wait to see the guys, the assistants, the (head) coach (Jason) Maas. We will have to show that we are still this champion team, but (Maas) is an excellent coach. He knows how to motivate us and get the most out of us. »