The D.C. Defenders signed linebacker Gabriel Murphy on Wednesday according to the UFL Transactions page.
Gabriel Murphy is six foot two and weighs 248 pounds. The 25-year-old from Dallas, Texas, signed with the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2024. In 2024, he made one tackle (1 solo) in two games. In 2025, he made four tackles (2 solos, 2 assists) and 1.5 sacks in two preseason games, and appeared in one regular-season game. He finished the season on the practice squad.
Collegiately, Murphy spent three seasons at the University of North Texas (2019-21) with 71 tackles (31 solos, 40 assists), 17.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, three pass breakups, four forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 24 games for the Mean Green.
In 2021, he was named Second Team All-CUSA after finishing the season with a career-high 52 tackles (20 solos, 32 assists), 12 tackles for loss, seven sacks, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery in 13 games.
Then, he transferred to UCLA (2022-23) with 76 tackles (42 solos, 34 assists), 9.5 sacks, three pass breakups, and one fumble recovery in 26 games for the Bruins.
