MMA helping Cowboys RB Murray on the field

IRVING, Texas — Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray has been doing mixed martial arts training in the offseason for about four years and plans to continue that trend after mini-camp this summer.

Murray said he enjoys the training because it specifically helps his hand-eye coordination and conditioning.

"I was doing it for a month and a half, and once I got the feel, my legs were fresher," Murray explained on Wednesday. "The reps and just the flexibility and hand-eye coordination, [help with] catching the ball. It's a huge factor."

According to MMAWeekly.com, Murray, a Las Vegas native, attended the same high school as UFC owners Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta. Murray said Wednesday that he trains with Lorenzo at Gold's Gym in Las Vegas.

"Lorenzo gave him an opportunity to workout and continue to develop," UFC president Dana White told UFC.com last year. "The funny part is that at first [Murray] was nervous because he didn't want to get knocked out or put to sleep. But he loved working out at Lorenzo's gym and it increased his athletic ability.

"DeMarco is passionate about being the best and he sees what a great opportunity it is to learn MMA."