Sean Murphy-Bunting Bio
Sean Murphy-Bunting is an American professional football cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 19, 1997, in Macomb, Michigan, he played college football for the Central Michigan Chippewas before being selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Throughout his career, Murphy-Bunting has shown versatility and skill as a cornerback, earning recognition on all-rookie teams and all-conference selections. After a successful tenure with the Buccaneers, he signed with the Tennessee Titans before joining the Arizona Cardinals in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Sean Murphy-Bunting was born on June 19, 1997, in Macomb, Michigan. He grew up in the same community where he would later attend high school and begin his football journey. Macomb, located in Macomb County, provided a fertile ground for young athletes like Murphy-Bunting to develop their skills on the gridiron. From a young age, he showed promise in the sport, eventually becoming a standout player at Chippewa Valley High School.
At Chippewa Valley High School, Murphy-Bunting honed his abilities as a cornerback, showcasing the athleticism and football IQ that would later define his professional career. His high school performance caught the attention of college scouts, leading to his recruitment by Central Michigan University. There, he played three seasons for the Chippewas, starting his sophomore and junior years. As a sophomore, he recorded five interceptions, which finished second in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). His junior year was equally impressive, with 37 tackles and two interceptions, earning him first-team All-MAC honors. Murphy-Bunting decided to forgo his final year of eligibility to enter the 2019 NFL Draft, where he was projected as a second-round pick by several analysts.
Path to American Football
Sean Murphy-Bunting’s path to professional football began at Chippewa Valley High School, where he distinguished himself as a top-tier cornerback. His performances earned him a spot at Central Michigan University, where he continued to excel. During his time with the Central Michigan Chippewas, he started both his sophomore and junior seasons, recording five interceptions in his sophomore year and 37 tackles with two interceptions in his junior year.
His consistent performance and leadership on the field made him a standout player, culminating in first-team All-MAC honors in 2018. Pro Football Focus and Scout Inc. ranked him the 10th best cornerback prospect in the 2019 NFL Draft, while Sports Illustrated had him as the 17th best. The majority of NFL draft analysts projected him as a second-round pick. His transition from college to the professional level was marked by his decision to forgo his senior year and declare for the draft, a testament to his readiness for the next level of competition.
Sean Murphy-Bunting Career
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019–2022)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Sean Murphy-Bunting in the second round (39th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. He was the fourth cornerback drafted that year and the first of two cornerbacks taken by Tampa Bay, alongside Jamel Dean. On May 9, 2019, the Buccaneers signed him to a four-year, $7.37 million contract. Throughout training camp, he competed for a starting role against Vernon Hargreaves, Ryan Smith, and Jamel Dean, eventually earning a spot as a backup. His professional debut came on September 8, 2019, in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Murphy-Bunting quickly made an impact, recording his first career interception on October 6, 2019, against the New Orleans Saints. By Week 6, he earned his first start as a nickelback against the Carolina Panthers. His performance was strong enough to secure a starting cornerback role by Week 11, following the release of Vernon Hargreaves. In Week 13, he made a critical interception against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the following week, he returned an interception 70 yards for his first career touchdown against the Detroit Lions. He finished his rookie season with 44 combined tackles, three interceptions, one touchdown, and one forced fumble in 16 games with 10 starts, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Super Bowl LV Victory (2020 Season)
In the 2020 NFL season, Murphy-Bunting continued to develop as a starting cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles retained Murphy-Bunting and Carlton Davis as the starting cornerback duo. On November 20, 2020, he recorded his first interception of the season against the New York Giants. He finished the regular season with 70 combined tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble in 16 games and 13 starts. The Buccaneers finished second in the NFC South with an 11–5 record, earning a Wild Card berth.
Murphy-Bunting’s postseason performance was historic. In the Wild Card Round, he intercepted a pass by Taylor Heinicke, helping the Buccaneers defeat the Washington Football Team 31–23. In the NFC Divisional Round, he picked off a pass attempt by Drew Brees, returning it 37 yards in a win over the New Orleans Saints. In the NFC Championship Game, he intercepted a pass by Aaron Rodgers, contributing to a 31–26 victory over the Green Bay Packers. On February 7, 2021, he started in Super Bowl LV, recording six combined tackles and a pass deflection as the Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31–9 to win the Super Bowl. His three interceptions in the playoffs made him the first player to have an interception in each of his first three career playoff games consecutively since Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed.
Tennessee Titans (2023)
On March 20, 2023, the Tennessee Titans signed Sean Murphy-Bunting to a one-year, $3.50 million contract. Throughout training camp, he competed for a starting cornerback role against Roger McCreary. Head coach Mike Vrabel named Murphy-Bunting and Kristian Fulton the starting cornerbacks to begin the season. He became the first player in Titans history to wear the #0 after it was allowed beginning in the 2023 season.
Murphy-Bunting’s tenure with the Titans was marked by consistent performance. On September 10, 2023, he started in the season-opener against the New Orleans Saints, recording six combined tackles and forcing a fumble. He set a career-high with three pass deflections in a Week 2 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite missing two games due to a thumb injury, he recorded a season-high seven solo tackles in a Week 14 loss to the Houston Texans. On January 7, 2024, he intercepted a pass thrown by Trevor Lawrence in a victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He finished his lone season with the Titans with 57 combined tackles, eight pass deflections, and two interceptions in 14 games and 14 starts.
Arizona Cardinals (2024–Present)
On March 14, 2024, the Arizona Cardinals signed Sean Murphy-Bunting to a three-year, $25.50 million contract. Upon signing, he became the apparent No. 1 cornerback on the depth chart, surrounded by a young core of players. Head coach Jonathan Gannon listed Murphy-Bunting and Garrett Williams as the starting cornerbacks to begin the season. In Week 3, he collected a season-high seven combined tackles against the Detroit Lions. He was inactive for two games due to a neck injury but returned to action, making his first interception with the Cardinals on December 14, 2024, against the New England Patriots. He finished the 2024 season with 52 combined tackles, five pass deflections, and a career-high three interceptions in 15 games and 15 starts.
Driving Style and Strengths
Sean Murphy-Bunting is known for his press ability, man coverage skills, and ball-hawking instincts. His versatility allows him to play both outside and inside cornerback positions, making him a valuable asset in various defensive schemes. His intelligence and toughness on the field have been praised by coaches and teammates alike, contributing to his success at the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most significant milestones in Murphy-Bunting’s career was his performance in the 2020 NFL Playoffs, where he became the first player since Ed Reed to record an interception in each of his first three career playoff games. His contribution to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV victory cemented his place in NFL history. Additionally, his transition to the Tennessee Titans and subsequent move to the Arizona Cardinals highlight his adaptability and continued growth as a professional cornerback.
Sean Murphy-Bunting Career Wins
Sean Murphy-Bunting has compiled an impressive resume of career wins and performances across multiple NFL teams. His most notable achievement came in the 2020 season when he was part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that won Super Bowl LV, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 31–9. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated consistency and skill as a cornerback, contributing to his teams’ defensive success.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Highlights
During his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Murphy-Bunting played a pivotal role in the team’s secondary. In the 2020 NFL Playoffs, he recorded three interceptions across the Wild Card, Divisional, and NFC Championship rounds, helping the Buccaneers secure a Super Bowl LV victory. His rookie season in 2019 was also noteworthy, as he was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team after recording three interceptions and one touchdown. Murphy-Bunting finished his Buccaneers tenure with 188 combined tackles, seven interceptions, and one touchdown in 54 games and 36 starts.
Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals Performances
In his lone season with the Tennessee Titans in 2023, Murphy-Bunting recorded 57 combined tackles, eight pass deflections, and two interceptions in 14 games and 14 starts. His move to the Arizona Cardinals in 2024 saw him continue his strong play, finishing the season with 52 combined tackles, five pass deflections, and a career-high three interceptions in 15 games and 15 starts. His consistent performance across multiple teams underscores his reliability and skill as a professional cornerback.
Sean Murphy-Bunting Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Sean Murphy-Bunting comes from a family with five brothers—two younger and three older. This large family structure has played a significant role in his personal and professional development, providing a supportive environment that fostered his athletic pursuits. His decision to change his jersey number to No. 23 was a nod to his family, as well as a tribute to NBA great Michael Jordan.
Personal Life
While Sean Murphy-Bunting tends to keep his personal life private, he remains active on social media, where he shares insights into his professional career and personal interests. His commitment to his craft and his family remains evident in his approach to the sport.
2025 Season Performance
Sean Murphy-Bunting was placed on the reserve/non-football injury list by the Arizona Cardinals on May 22, 2025, ending his 2025 season. This development marks a challenging period in his career, as he will be unable to contribute on the field for the upcoming season. Despite this setback, Murphy-Bunting remains a valuable member of the Cardinals organization, and his previous performances, including a career-high three interceptions in 2024, highlight his potential impact upon his return.
The Cardinals’ decision to place Murphy-Bunting on the reserve/non-football injury list reflects the team’s cautious approach to his health and long-term recovery. As he focuses on rehabilitation, the Cardinals will rely on their younger core of cornerbacks to step up in his absence. Murphy-Bunting’s experience and leadership will continue to be an asset in the locker room, even as he works toward returning to full strength for future seasons.