WETHERSFIELD - Former Wethersfield High School football star Tyler Murphy will get his chance in the National Football League. He was projected to be a possible late-round selection in the NFL draft, but he went undrafted before signing a rookie free agent deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

       Murphy played collegiately at the University of Florida before transferring to Boston College prior to his senior season. The 6’2 quarterback had a fantastic senior season for the Screaming Eagle, throwing for 1623 yards and 13 touchdowns. The gifted athlete also broke the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) record for most rushing yards by a quarterback with 1084 and added 11 more scores on the ground.

       The Steel City is a great landing spot for the former Eagle. The Steelers have had a history of turning versatile college quarterbacks into productive NFL players. Kordell Stewart was known as Slash in Pittsburgh and played seven seasons as a quarterback and wide receiver, leading the team to an AFC Championship in 2001 as the team’s starting signal caller. Antwaan Randle El was an electrifying quarterback at Indiana University before playing receiver and returning kicks in Pittsburgh for five of his nine-year pro career. Randle El helped the Steelers win their fifth Lombardi Trophy and is the only receiver in league history to throw a touchdown pass in a Super Bowl.

       Murphy’s numerous abilities on the gridiron allow him an opportunity to join Stewart and Randle El in the annals of Pittsburgh’s storied history. He will get his first chance to impress his new employers when the team opens rookie mini camp May 8. We wish Tyler the best of luck during his NFL journey.