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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — **DeMarco Murray doesn't like to dwell on the past – good or bad.
"2014 was 2014, and last year was last year,'' said the new Titans running back, who was introduced at a press conference at Saint Thomas Sports Park on Thursday. "I am definitely looking forward to this year and starting a new tradition with the team. I am excited about a new, fresh start, and ready to get things going."
The Titans and Eagles completed a trade on Wednesday for the 2014 NFL's Offensive Player of the Year.
On Thursday, Titans general manager Jon Robinson and coach Mike Mularkey, with Murray sitting between them, discussed the move with enthusiasm.
"We've been talking about team-first, tough, dependable, coachable-type players and we've added one here in the last 24 hours that embodies all of the characteristics that we're looking for in a Titan,'' Robinson said. "I couldn't be more excited for what DeMarco is going to bring to this football team on the field and as a man off the field."
Mularkey called Murray a perfect fit in the offense.
"I am thrilled to have DeMarco here in this offense, in this style of offense,'' Mularkey said. "He fits it, exactly what we are looking for in the run and the pass game. And not just that, but the character and leadership he's going to bring to this locker room it is not measurable."
A third-round draft pick out of Oklahoma in 2011, Murray was named the league's Offensive Player of the Year after leading the NFL and setting Cowboys franchise records in rushing yards (1,845), and scrimmage yards (2,261) in 2014. Murray scored 13 touchdowns on 392 carries in 2014, an average of 115.3 yards per game. He posted 12 100-yard games in 2014.
In his lone season with the Eagles, Murray ran for 702 yards and six touchdowns on just 193 carries.
Murray said he wants to be a workhorse for the Titans, and said he has plenty of gas left in the tank. He plans to play with a chip on his shoulder, he said.
"I feel great, and I don't think I am old. I am a young guy,'' said Murray, who's 28. "I am still young. I am just looking forward to getting things going here, working extremely hard, and competing at a high level. I can't wait to get around the guys. I feel good, I feel fresh, and I feel ready to go."
Robinson said the Titans did their homework on Murray, and believe he's up for the task.
In his career, the six-year veteran has rushed for 5,228 yards and 34 touchdowns, for an average of 4.6 yards per carry. He has 215 receptions for 1,522 yards and two touchdowns.
"Our medical staff did an extensive evaluation of him medically and he came out fine," Robinson said of Murray. "I think that there's more than enough tread left on his tires, so to speak."
Running back DeMarco Murray arrives at Saint Thomas Sports Park to sign his contract. (Photos: Gary Glenn)
