Where are they now?
Former Spartan standout Louis Murphy Jr.
By JALON EDWARDS
SNN Staff Writer
Lakewood alumnus Louis Murphy Jr. was “told to do better” and “never give up.” In an interview with SNN, Murphy said this advice resulted in him becoming a player in the NFL.
After winning a state championship in basketball and graduating from Lakewood in 2005, Murphy, also known as “LJ,” committed to the University of Florida.
Murphy majored in sports recreation and event management. Murphy played football for the Florida Gators and helped them win two national championships in 2006 and in 2008 under coach Urban Meyer.
Graduating in 2008 from the University of Florida, it was NFL draft time. After the first and second round of the draft, Murphy doubted he’d be chosen. But in the fourth round, he received a call from the Oakland Raiders.
Murphy said his mom, Filomena Murphy, also known as “Mina,” is his “biggest support,” though she died of breast cancer in 2008 on Valentine’s Day. Murphy said that both of his parents always supported him, saying “never give up” and “you can make it.”
He said his parents played sports, too. Pastor Louis Murphy Sr. played football and ran track while serving in the U.S. Marines. His mother played basketball, tennis and ran track.
Murphy Jr. holds an annual summer football camp at Lakewood High School. At the camp he brings NFL pros and college football players to teach the kids the sport. During the week of the football camp they have auctions. One day is for kids ages 8-13 years old and the other is for high school kids.
When Murphy is finished playing football he said he hopes to be an athletic director of a high school or a college.
For kids who want to go to college and play sports, here is some advice from Murphy: “Keep God first. … Don’t give up because it will be hard. … Do it for your family. More importantly do it for yourself.”
