Thirty years ago, Kory Murphy’s life took a pivotal turn on a football field in Hawaii. As a wide receiver for the University of Oregon Ducks, Murphy was known for his speed, agility, and unyielding commitment to his team. But on that fateful day in 1994, during a game against the University of Hawaii, one leap for an outstretched football marked the end of his college football career.
Murphy was running a post route, a play he had executed countless times before. As he soared into the air, fully extended to catch the ball, time seemed to slow. The crowd’s roar faded into the background, and for a brief moment, it was just Murphy and the football. But when he came down, so did his dreams of playing at the next level. A severe spinal injury ended his season and his hopes of continuing as a wide receiver for the Ducks.
Despite the devastating blow and a shaky season start, the 1994 Oregon Ducks were a team on a mission. They went on to clinch the Pac-10 championship, and although they would lose to Penn State in the Rose Bowl, for the Ducks, the Pac-10 title would become the foundation for Oregon’s football dynasty in the years to come. That season marked the beginning of a new era for Oregon football.
So, too, did it mark the beginning of a new era for Kory Murphy. That single play against Hawaii carried a profound lesson. “You never know when your last play will be,” he reflects, “and so you strive to give everything you have at every opportunity.” This philosophy has guided him throughout his life, whether on the field, in his personal endeavors, or in his professional life.
Murphy’s journey did not end with his injury—it evolved. Murphy went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the University of Oregon and today, he is a leader in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, especially among underrepresented communities. As a Program Officer with The Lemelson Foundation, Murphy is dedicated to empowering inventors and entrepreneurs who address pressing global challenges. His work is rooted in the belief that the power of invention can drive positive social change and create equitable opportunities for all.
His commitment to invention is the result of 25+ years of experience in Oregon’s public sector and as a private consultant. Across his career, he has played major roles in revamping the state’s child welfare system, launching the Black Male Achievement Initiative in Portland, and leading equity shifts in Multnomah County. He is well-versed in community development and enhancing critical infrastructure in marginalized communities.
As a consultant, Murphy actively engaged with diverse private, public, and community-based organizations, including Portland Public Schools, Portland Police Bureau, Technology Association of Oregon, Social Venture Partners, and Innovative Housing Inc.
Before joining the Foundation, Murphy co-founded and directed the NW Accelerator (NWX), a groundbreaking startup accelerator for Black and underserved climate tech entrepreneurs.
“I’ve always been a tinkerer—from an early age I built things, took things apart. You always want to make things better,” he said, a skillset that serves him well whether working with governments or young innovators.
At The Lemelson Foundation, Murphy plays a crucial role in shaping initiatives that support sustainable and inclusive innovation ecosystems. He focuses on ensuring that young inventors and entrepreneurs, particularly those from marginalized communities, have the resources and support they need to turn their ideas into impactful solutions. His work is a testament to the resilience he learned on the football field—the same resilience that has driven him to make a difference off the field.
His football experience, which began when he was a sophomore at Benson High School, taught him perseverance, teamwork, and provided opportunities to be creative and innovative. “You get six seconds for a play and another 30 in the huddle. You don’t have time to dwell on the past. You’re moving forward.”
Initially, his physical recovery from his injuries lasted nine months—including three days in a Hawaii hospital, followed by physical therapy. (In 2012 the pain returned and he required surgery.) There, too, were the emotional ups and downs resulting from his injuries—and watching his Ducks go on to win the Pac-10 championship and appear in the Rose Bowl without him.
Murphy’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and the power of perspective. Though his football career ended prematurely, the lessons he learned from that experience shaped the man he would become. In the decades since that final play, Murphy has channeled his energy into mentoring young athletes and now, into mentoring the next generation of inventors and innovators. He shares his story to inspire them to seize every moment and to understand that every setback can be a setup for a comeback.
Today, as he reflects on that pivotal moment three decades ago, Murphy sees the full circle of his journey. His injury may have ended his playing days, but it opened the door to a life rich in purpose and impact. His legacy is not just about the catches he made or the games he played, but the lives he has touched and the innovations he has championed through his work at The Lemelson Foundation.
“I put myself into football. It’s what I loved,” he said. “When that was over I had to find something else I loved.” Throughout his professional career and now, at The Lemelson Foundation, he has found just that by helping others see their potential and execute it.
As the Oregon Ducks continue to build on the foundation laid by teams like the 1994 squad, Kory Murphy remains a symbol of the enduring spirit that defines Oregon football and the transformative power of innovation. His story is a reminder that even in our most challenging moments, there is an opportunity for greatness—a chance to make a lasting impact, long after the final whistle has blown.
And now, that impact reaches far beyond the football field, into the world of invention and entrepreneurship, where Kory Murphy continues to change lives.