Murphy-Bunting played three seasons for the Chippewas, starting his sophomore and junior seasons.[3] As a sophomore, he recorded five interceptions, which finished second in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).[4] As a junior, Murphy-Bunting recorded 37 tackles and two interceptions and was named first team All-MAC0.[5] He decided to forgo his final year of eligibility to enter the 2019 NFL Draft.[6]
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Murphy-Bunting in the second round (39th overall) of the 2019 NFL draft. He was the fourth cornerback drafted in 2019.[9]
2019 season
In Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints, Murphy-Bunting recorded his first career interception off Teddy Bridgewater in the 31–24 loss.[10] In Week 13, during a 28–11 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Murphy-Bunting recorded a critical fourth quarter interception off of fellow rookie Gardner Minshew in the Buccaneers's end zone to prevent a potential score.[11] In Week 15, during a 38–17 win against the Detroit Lions, Murphy-Bunting had a team-leading eight tackles, one pass deflection, and an interception off of fellow rookie David Blough which he returned 70 yards for his first career touchdown.[12]
In Week 16, during a 23–20 loss to the Houston Texans, Murphy-Bunting had four tackles, one pass deflection, and his first career sack on Deshaun Watson which resulted in a fumble.[13]
Murphy-Bunting finished his rookie season with 44 tackles, one sack, eight pass deflections, three interceptions, one interception return touchdown, and one forced fumble.[14] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[15]
In Week 8 against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football, Murphy–Bunting recorded his first interception of the season off a pass thrown by Daniel Jones during the 25–23 win.[16] Overall, he finished the 2020 season with 70 total tackles, one interception, two passes defended, one fumble, and one fumble recovery in 16 games.[17]
In the Wild Card Round of the playoffs against the Washington Football Team, Murphy-Bunting intercepted a pass thrown by Taylor Heinicke during the 31–23 win.[18]
In the Divisional Round against the Saints, Murphy-Bunting intercepted a pass thrown by Drew Brees during the 30–20 win.[19] In the NFC Championship against the Green Bay Packers, Murphy-Bunting recorded six total tackles, a pass deflection, and intercepted a pass thrown by Aaron Rodgers as the Buccaneers defeated the Packers 31–26 to advance to Super Bowl LV,[20] where they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31–9, to give Murphy-Bunting his first Super Bowl championship.[21][22]
With this playoff run, Murphy-Bunting became the first player with an interception in each of his first three career playoff games since Hall of Famer Ed Reed.[23]
2021 season
On September 13, 2021, Murphy-Bunting was placed on injured reserve after suffering a dislocated elbow in the first quarter of a 31–29 win over the Dallas Cowboys in the opener.[24] He was activated on November 22.[25] In the 2021 season, he appeared in nine games and started eight. He finished with 43 total tackles, three passes defended, and one forced fumble.[26]
2022 season
In the 2022 season, Murphy-Bunting appeared in 12 games and started five. He finished with 31 total tackles, two interceptions, seven passes defensed, and one forced fumble.[27]
Tennessee Titans
On March 20, 2023, Murphy-Bunting signed a one-year contract with the Tennessee Titans.[28] He became the first player in Titans history to wear the #0 after it was allowed beginning in the 2023 season.[29] He started 14 games in 2023, recording 57 tackles, eight passes defensed, and two interceptions.
Arizona Cardinals
On March 14, 2024, Murphy-Bunting signed a three-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals.[30]
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