Llewellyn P. "Yo" Murphy (born May 11, 1973) is an American former professional football player who had a unique 14-year career spanning multiple leagues, including the National Football League (NFL), Canadian Football League (CFL), XFL, and NFL Europe. He is the only player in football history to have appeared in a Super Bowl, a Grey Cup, and a World Bowl.
Early Life and College Career
Murphy was born in San Pedro, California, and attended Idaho Falls High School (Idaho), graduating in 1989. He played college football at the University of Idaho, where he was a standout wide receiver for the Vandals. His best season came as a senior in 1992, when he earned first-team All-American honors from three publications, first-team All-Big Sky recognition, and Idaho's Most Valuable Offensive Player award. That year, he ranked second in Division I-AA with 68 receptions for 1,156 yards and nine touchdowns. His career totals at Idaho include 140 receptions, 2,267 receiving yards, and 17 touchdown catches.
Professional Career
Murphy went undrafted in the 1993 NFL draft and began his professional career with the BC Lions of the CFL, winning the Grey Cup in 1994. He played for the Scottish Claymores of NFL Europe from 1995 to 1999, earning World Bowl MVP honors in 1996.
In the NFL, Murphy played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1999), Minnesota Vikings (1999), St. Louis Rams (2001–2002), and Kansas City Chiefs (2002). His most notable NFL moment came with the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI, where he caught a pass during the game-tying touchdown drive from Kurt Warner in a 20–17 loss to the New England Patriots.
In 2001, Murphy played for the Las Vegas Outlaws of the XFL. He later returned to the CFL, playing for the Ottawa Renegades (2003–2005) and finishing his career with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, winning his second Grey Cup in 2007 before retiring.
Unique Achievement
Murphy is the only player in professional football history to have played in the regular seasons of the CFL, NFL, XFL, and NFL Europe, and the only player to have suited up for the Super Bowl, Grey Cup, and World Bowl championship games.
Post-Retirement
After retiring, Murphy worked as a coach for the Jacksonville Breeze (2009–2015) and later became a strength and conditioning coach. He is the co-owner of an athletic training facility in Tampa, Florida, and operates Yo Murphy Performance (YMP), training NFL draft picks, Pro Bowlers, and other elite athletes.
