When Naperville North senior middle linebacker Matt Murphy took the field for the season opener against Homewood-Flossmoor, it had been a year since he had played football.
The last time had been the 2022 season opener, which also was a game against the Vikings.
“I would say it was kind of surreal,” Murphy said. “But I kind of used it as motivation to come back and prove what I can do.”
Murphy’s junior season came to an abrupt halt late in the first quarter against the Vikings. He had made an interception and was trying to get to the end zone when he got hit at the 6-yard line.
“I’m like, ‘I’ve got to score here,'” Murphy said. “I felt someone come and tackle me, and then I felt a pop in my knee. I went to the ground and was like, ‘Ugh, that’s not good.'”
It wasn’t. Murphy suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, ending his season.
“It was really disappointing that I wasn’t able to play last year,” he said. “Being on crutches wasn’t the worst thing ever. It was difficult not being able to walk, but the big aspect that I was really upset about was I really loved the senior class last year. I was good friends with all of them, and I was upset that I wasn’t able to play with them.”
The Huskies missed Murphy’s skills on the field but still appreciated his contributions in other areas.
“Even though he was on crutches, Matt did everything the coaches asked of him,” Naperville North senior safety/wide receiver Luke Williams said. “Every time a big play came up, you would see Matt coming over to you, high-fiving you, giving you energy.
“That’s what he does on the field too. He makes big plays and is a good teammate and good friend.”
Murphy said his knee feels “pretty much the same” as it did before the injury. He has been busy making opponents feel the pain.
Through four games, Murphy leads the Huskies (2-2) with 30 tackles, including 22 solos and four for loss. He also has one sack and had a fumble recovery nullified by an inadvertent whistle during a 17-7 DuPage Valley Conference loss to Neuqua Valley on Friday.
None of that surprises Williams, a Purdue recruit who has been friends with Murphy since they were in seventh grade.
“Honestly, Matt’s always been the kid that wakes up and eats nails for breakfast,” Williams said. “He’s always been the kid that’s been the toughest on the team, the hardest-working and the vocal leader.
“Matt is just always there for you as a teammate and as a person, and he’s one of the nicest, most humble kids you can find in the school.”
Murphy attributes his success to his longevity in the game. He has been playing football since he was in first grade and was a defensive end until moving to linebacker as a sophomore.
“I feel like I just have the experience to understand what’s going on and play at a very fast pace,” he said. “Along with the fact that I love to hit people.”
That’s something Murphy didn’t get to do last year.
“Football is a good outlet to get out aggression in a healthy way,” he said. “That’s another aspect that I missed a lot last year.
“I also just don’t like losing — at all. That definitely plays a large part in what is considered my toughness, and being tough is a part of football. You have to be a tough player, and if that can help us not lose, then I’ll do what it takes.”
That’s why Murphy attacked his rehab with gusto, grimacing through several physical therapy sessions per week. He’s relishing every moment of what could be his final season, as he hasn’t decided whether to pursue the sport in college. A lot will depend on his health at the end of the season.
Whatever Murphy decides, his toughness will never be questioned. One assumes Williams was speaking metaphorically about Murphy eating nails for breakfast. Or was he?
“Honestly, whatever’s in the bowl in the morning, I eat,” Murphy said. “Cereal, rusty nails, whatever it is, I’ll just eat them all.”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
