The show must go on. The Michigan Panthers have officially re-signed Cole Murphy, who has been one of the top kickers in the USFL since joining the team in 2022.
I wondered when the @USFLPanthers were going to re-sign the #USFL's best kicker. 😤
Welcome back, Cole!#USFL #LetsHunt pic.twitter.com/MYCDCL8ZJ1
— Panthers Shadow (@USFLShadow) September 8, 2023
For the Michigan Panthers, their story with kickers begins before Cole Murphy. The team originally had Michael Carrizosa dualing as both a punter, and a kicker.
After he missed a 22 yard game winner against Philadelphia in week four of the USFL’s inaugural season, Michigan cut him – bringing in Cole Murphy as his replacement.
Cole instantly made an impact. He finished the 2022 season making 11 of his 12 field goal attempts – including a 60 yard field goal in a week seven matchup against the Breakers.
SIXTY YARD FIELD GOAL 🔥😱@USFLPanthers kicker @_ColeMurphy_ made this look too easy 🎯🎯
📺: FS1 pic.twitter.com/Dgvd4leGt6
— USFL (@USFL) May 29, 2022
In 2023, Cole was quite consistent again. After a bit of a rocky start, Murphy found a rhythm, ultimately helping lead the Michigan Panthers to a playoff berth in the North Division.
The 50-yard kick is good! 🙌@_ColeMurphy_ gives us the lead at the end of the first half! pic.twitter.com/6x4e0pxzkK
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) May 28, 2023
Cole Murphy was 14/18 on field goal attempts in 2023, and 13/17 on extra points. His longest kick of the year was 51 yards, and he proved to be a major piece to the offense during a stretch when the team struggled to score touchdowns.
One of his major highlights came during the postseason. As time expired in the fourth quarter, Murphy absolutely crushed a 47 yard field goal to tie the game. While the team fell in overtime to the Pittsburgh Maulers, they wouldn’t have been in a position to win in the first place without the leg of Cole Murphy.
KICK IS GOOD!!!
GOING TO OVERTIME!!!! pic.twitter.com/zVA4SqCqbA
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) June 25, 2023
Final Thoughts
The Michigan Panthers have been quite busy this offseason when it comes to re-signing athletes on expiring contracts. So far, they have brought back:
WR Devin Ross
OL Joshua Dunlop
OL Keith Williams
S Sean Mahone
DT Walter Palmore
They also just signed first round pick OL Jarrett Horst, and TE Gunnar Oakes – who were both part of the USFL Collegiate Draft.
Having Cole Murphy back in the USFL is excellent news, and we look forward to watching him crush more field goals in the 2024 season.
What are your thoughts on the Michigan Panthers re-signing Cole Murphy? Which USFL prospect should the team sign next? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
