For the first four years of Latavius Murray’s career, he suited up for the Raiders. He was the team’s pick in the sixth round of the 2014 draft out of Central Florida and turned into quite a player.
Raiders fans may remember his breakout game against the Chiefs that helped the Raiders to get their first win in 2014 after an 0-10 start. Or his 1000-yard season in 2015 that earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl. Or his 12 touchdowns in 2016 to help the Raiders to their only playoff birth in the past 18 years.
Now, for the second time in two years, he will play against his former team in their home opener. Last season it was with the Saints, who released him two days ago after he refused to take a pay cut.
The man nicknamed Tay Train was figuring he would wait until after the season opener to join a team in need of a back, but his time came sooner than expected.
With the Ravens losing their second starting running back just prior to the start of the season, they were desperate. Second-round pick J.K. Dobbins was already lost for the season and Thursday his replacement Gus Edwards tore his ACL, causing him to be lost for the season as well.
And so Murray enters his eighth NFL season for his fourth NFL team. And his new team the Baltimore Ravens are set to face his once former team the Raiders on Monday Night Football to open this season. That is, of course, if he can pick up the offense fast enough to see the field.