Arizona Cardinals
Maricopa Wells Alumnus Makes NFL Pro Bowl Debut, Set to Clash with Rams in Playoffs
A former Maricopa Wells Middle School student, Byron Murphy Jr., has been selected for the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl, as announced on January 2. This recognition comes just ahead of his Minnesota Vikings’ wild-card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams on January 13.
Murphy, who attended Maricopa Wells before being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals from the University of Washington in 2019, continues to make waves in the NFL. The cornerback was signed by the Vikings in 2023, marking a new chapter in his professional career.
Jennifer Szoltysik, a teacher at Desert Wind Middle School and former educator of Murphy’s seventh-grade science class, recalls his impressive qualities. “He truly embodied what it meant to be a student-athlete,” she stated. Szoltysik remembered how Murphy was admired by his peers both academically and on the football field. Under Coach Thad Miller, the MWMS Panthers achieved an undefeated season during Murphy’s time there.
During the current season, Murphy has been a standout performer. He recorded 81 tackles, six tackles for loss, six interceptions, a forced fumble, and 14 passes defended. Notably, he was the third-most productive defender for the Vikings in their recent game against the Detroit Lions.
Watching Murphy’s career unfold brings a sense of pride to Szoltysik, who continues to support him from afar. Murphy’s contributions helped the Vikings achieve an impressive 14-2 record, the best for the franchise since 1961. Szoltysik fondly remembers her bewilderment when she first spotted him playing for the Arizona Cardinals years later. “I was thrilled to discover it was him,” she shared. Now, she remains an ardent fan, cheering for him even when he competes against her favorite team, the Chicago Bears. Her excitement for his Pro Bowl selection reflects the community’s pride in his achievements.
