He played college football for the University of Florida, where he was a member of two BCS National Championship teams.

The Oakland Raiders selected him in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL draft, and he also played for the Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and San Francisco 49ers.

During his sophomore season in 2006, he didn't play much, but he did score his first touchdown reception from freshman quarterback Tim Tebow against the LSU Tigers.

[6] Murphy earned a spot on the 2007 starting roster during spring practice,[7] and became one of the top receivers on the team.

[2] Murphy also competed for the Florida Gators men's track and field team, posting a personal best of 6.36 seconds in the 55 meters.

[10] He made his NFL debut on Monday Night Football against the San Diego Chargers on September 14, 2009, and caught a 56-yard touchdown pass from JaMarcus Russell.

Later in 2009, Murphy again led his team to a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers by grabbing an 11-yard touchdown pass from Bruce Gradkowski with twenty-five, seconds left in the game that put the Raiders up 27–24.

[15] They released him the day before the season opener on September 6, 2014, to make room for rookie Brandon Dixon.

Despite some injuries and issues with the team's low-scoring offense, Murphy compiled 31 catches for 308 yards and two touchdowns.

Murphy signed with the Orlando Apollos of the Alliance of American Football (AAF) for the 2019 season.

[23] Murphy is cousins with former Florida and New England Patriots running back Mike Gillislee.