DeMarco Murray on conversation with Jeffrey Lurie, happiness in Philadelphia, role on team

DeMarco Murray downplayed his in-flight conversation with owner Jeffrey Lurie after the Eagles' win over New England on Sunday and said he's happy in Philadelphia and wants to remain with the Eagles.

The running back would not comment, however, on whether promises made when he signed were broken, and he would not reveal whether he voiced frustration to Lurie.

"That's a conversation between Jeff and myself," Murray said Thursday in his first public comments since reports surfaced of the conversation. "If you want to ask him about it, you guys are more than welcome to do that."

Lurie was not available for comment.

Murray played only 14 snaps against the Patriots and had eight carries. Coach Chip Kelly said Wednesday that Murray was frustrated after the game, but that Murray did not seek out Lurie for their airplane chat.

"I wouldn't say I was disappointed," Murray said. "Obviously, we won the game and I was happy about that. I think every player wants to contribute to the team. Especially as a competitor, I want a chance to go out there and work out and do what I can to help this team. It was a little different."

Murray said that he's "very happy" in Philadelphia and that "I love it here." When asked if he wants to stay with the Eagles next season, Murray said, "100 percent yes."

The Eagles gave Murray a five-year, $40 million contract - a deal that usually ensures a player more playing time than Murray had Sunday. When asked if he's curious as to why he didn't play more given the contract, Murray cited the matchup-specific game plan that Kelly used to explain the reduced role.

"Things were working with the game with [Darren] Sproles and Kenjon [Barner]," Murray said. "I thought the game plan was good going in, we just need to continue to pound away."

Murray admitted it was hard not having a big role and that he's "never been in this situation before." But he also said he was happy with the victory.

"Every guy in this locker room wants the ball. It's not just me," Murray said. "Biggest thing for me is I want to contribute to this team. I feel like I can be a big piece of that. Obviously we won the game, extremely happy about that. You always want to contribute whether it's passing the ball, blocking, catching, whatever the case may be, you want some contribution to the team."

Murray said he fits in the offense. He noted that he has contributed in victories. Murray's three highest rushing outputs this season have come in wins. But his 3.5 yards per carry are the fewest of any Eagles running back, and he did not have much of an explanation for why the others have been more productive. When asked if the offense should be better tailored to his skill set, he said he doesn't call the plays.

The Cowboys offense appeared to be an ideal fit for Murray. He rushed for 1,845 yards with Dallas in 2014 and was named NFL offensive player of the year. Murray said he doesn't regret signing with the Eagles.

"Not at all," Murray said. "I made a commitment to Jeff and Chip and these guys in the locker room. I love playing for this team, I love the fans, and when I signed on that dotted line, I knew I was going to be here for a long time. I'm committed to winning a lot of games here. Obviously it's a tough year for myself and the team so far, but we still have a chance - we're tied for first place in the division - we still have a chance to do some things. I'm committed here for the long run."

He did not divulge what his role will be Sunday against the Buffalo Bills or whether he will even be the top running back. The Eagles have also been mum on their running back rotation. Ryan Mathews could return after missing three games with a concussion. That would make the backfield even more crowded.

"We'll see Sunday," Murray said. "Will you be there? I'll be there, too."

Murray did not know how the initial ESPN report surfaced about the conversation with Lurie. He said he did not want to break from his routine to address it earlier in the week. Murray was surprised that so much had been made of the story.

It's just communication with my boss, the guy I work for," Murray said. "It was definitely made a lot bigger than what it is."

zberman@phillynews.com

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