The college football world is awash every bowl season with opt-outs and early transfer portal defections – moves that rock the rosters of teams playing in non-College Football Playoff bowl games.
Which makes the decision by Tennessee defensive back Jalen McMurray to play through an injury Tuesday night in the Music City Bowl even more unique. Having sustained an undisclosed injury during preparations to play Illinois, the senior did not start Tuesday against the Fighting Illini.
But with the Volunteers battling to try and salvage a win in what has been a disappointing 8-5 season, McMurray decided to put aside his pain and potential NFL Draft stock to enter the game to help his teammates – making an immediate impact that included a huge third-down pass breakup in the fourth quarter that forced Illinois to settle for a field goal.
After the game, an emotional McMurray explained his decision.
“It has been an emotional roller coaster,” McMurray told reporters after Tennessee’s 30-28 loss. “There were times where I felt good, there were times where I didn’t. Like he said, I was doubtful yesterday. I didn’t think I’d be able to play. This place has given me so much, and I wanted to be able to finish it out.
“I didn’t want my teammates, and I know they probably wouldn’t think this, but I didn’t want them to think I quit on them. I wanted to leave everything on the field, especially with the guys that are here. I love them.”
McMurray has accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl after finishing a career at Temple and Tennessee that included 158 total tackles and 18 passes deflected.
Tennessee’s Jalen McMurray with a very real answer on playing in a bowl game through injury “I didn’t want my teammates, even though I know they probably wouldn’t think this, didn’t want them thinking I quit on them. pic.twitter.com/ioCn5mDosa
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) December 31, 2025Jalen McMurray gives inspiring reason for playing through injury in Music City Bowl Saturday Down South.
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