Who is Harper Murray? The volleyball star that shared a warm embrace with Tom Brady

Tom Brady ’s trip to watch one of the biggest matches in women’s college volleyball was always likely to attract attention, but it was his pregame greeting with Nebraska standout Harper Murray that unexpectedly became the viral moment of the night.

Brady attended Nebraska’s matchup with Texas at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas alongside his 13-year-old daughter Vivian , who has developed her own interest in volleyball.

Before play began, Murray came over to speak with the pair and shared a warm embrace with the seven-time Super Bowl champion.

Photos and video of the greeting quickly spread across social media, with one clip attracting millions of views. The interaction prompted plenty of online commentary.

Murray later explained that she already knew Brady through their shared ties to Michigan.

“I know him through some Michigan connections and the football program and administration there,” Murray said, via Husker Corner.

That connection is deeply personal for the Nebraska star.

Harper Murray’s Michigan connection

Murray’s father, Vada Murray , played defensive back for Michigan from 1988 through 1990 under legendary coach Bo Schembechler .

Brady would arrive in Ann Arbor several years later, beginning his Michigan career in 1995. Vada Murray died in 2011 following a battle with lung cancer, and his daughter continues to honor him every time she takes the court.

Harper wears No.27 at Nebraska because it was her father’s number at Michigan. Her own career has already developed into an impressive one.

Murray earned first-team All-America honors as a junior last season and is a three-time first-team All-Big Ten selection. She has also become one of the most recognizable personalities in college volleyball, building a major social-media following alongside her success on the court.

Nebraska entered the matchup ranked No.1 in the country and backed up that status by sweeping No.2 Texas in straight sets. The victory left the Cornhuskers unbeaten through five matches without dropping a single set.

Brady’s daughter helped bring NFL legend courtside

Brady ’s appearance was not simply another celebrity sighting. Vivian has become increasingly serious about volleyball, and Murray believes that interest has helped draw Brady closer to the sport.

“I know his daughter's into the sport, so I'm sure that's how he got into it and grew a love for the game,” Murray said.

“I think it's awesome that we have people who are legends in their sport wanting to come and support a sport that's growing in the last few years and has been so popular. I think it's just really fun. I know our team loved that he was here.”

The viral embrace may have introduced Murray to a much wider audience, but she hardly needed the moment to establish herself. She is already an All-American, one of Nebraska’s most important players and a leading figure in a sport whose national profile continues to climb.