The 40th pick of the 2025 NFL Draft delivered more than just a new quarterback to the New Orleans Saints; it created an instant viral sensation. Tyler Shough’s selection became memorable nationwide when his dog Murphy stole the spotlight. Sporting a Saints bandana, Murphy joyfully joined the celebration as the family erupted after receiving the call from Saints officials.
Murphy’s enthusiastic participation wasn’t unexpected to those who know Shough. “That’s how she is, though… whatever we’re doing, she’s got to be a part of it,” Shough explained. “If we’re chilling, you know she’s going to be lying for 4 hours right next to us, if we’re doing something, then she’s like ‘What are we doing?’ So we were all celebrating, so she was celebrating with us.”
Tyler Shough Received NFL Legends’ Praise After Being Drafted By New Orleans Saints
The quarterback’s phone erupted with congratulatory messages immediately after being drafted. “I had over 200 text messages in under three minutes,” Shough revealed. Among the digital well-wishers were some of the most celebrated names in Saints and NFL history.
Tyler Shough’s dog had to get in on the celebration 🙌 @tylershough2
📺: #NFLDraft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/ih9wM0ZUjC— NFL (@NFL) April 25, 2025
“Drew Brees, Archie Manning and Peyton Manning all texted me” Shough shared. “That was pretty cool just to get their support and just offer words of wisdom and congrats and that really meant a lot just because of who they are in that state of Louisiana.”
The surprise texts created unforgettable moments as Shough scrolled through his notifications. “It was very weird like going through family or sometimes random people you haven’t heard from in a while and then like hey Drew Brees here” he recounted, adding “I was like oh I better respond to that one.”
Murphy, whom Shough describes as “almost like a therapy best friend dog,” has been a constant companion throughout his journey. She demonstrated extraordinary loyalty during a difficult period in Shough’s life.
“When I was hurt, she was like a puppy, and I couldn’t walk for six weeks… there was like a two-day stretch where she didn’t get up from my lap,” he shared.
When asked about his jersey number, Shough showed reverence for Saints legends by dismissing the idea of taking Drew Brees’s number or Archie Manning’s number 8: “No way those guys are legends.” Instead, he’s considering numbers 6 or 18.
Shough expressed enthusiasm about joining the New Orleans community.
“It’s unbelievable, like some of the nicest people you’ll meet, so much stuff to do, and the food, I mean that keeps coming to mind, it’s very different from anything I’ve had, but it’s so good,” he remarked.
As Shough prepares for his NFL career after stops at Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville, he brings both determination and his faithful companion, Murphy.
KEEP READING: Tyler Shough 2025 NFL Draft Hub: Scouting Report, Draft Projection, and More
Murphy’s already won the hearts of Saints fans nationwide with her draft night cameo, which symbolized the joy of achieving a lifelong dream.
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