When you think of the name Jalen Hurts, a lot of winning comes to mind. The leader of the Super Bowl-bound Philadelphia Eagles offense has succeeded at every level, from high school to Alabama and Oklahoma and now with the Eagles. Not many believed, however, that he’d ever be here in this position. But that’s one of Hurts’ greatest attributes, silencing the naysayers and doing the complete opposite of what they say he can’t do.
Jalen Hurts Wants To Become The QB That Changes The Philadelphia Eagles’ Postseason
Hurts was his usual efficient self in Sunday’s 31-7 NFC championship win over the visiting San Francisco 49ers. Hurts passed for a pedestrian 121 yards while rushing for 39 yards and a touchdown, but his willingness to use his legs despite still healing from his late-season shoulder injury, was championship grit on full display.
The consummate pro didn’t want any of the praise heaped on him postgame. He immediately credited his teammates and even led the entire stadium in a rendition of “Fly Eagles, Fly.”
Hurts’ 15th rushing touchdown of the season breaks the tie with Cam Newton (2011), for most rushing touchdowns in a single season by a QB in league history.
Winners mood 😂
Jalen Hurts sings “FLY EAGLES FLY” while accepting the NFC Championship trophy pic.twitter.com/Oc1jbETyZY
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) January 29, 2023
In his postgame presser, Hurts dressed in his royal purple said this:
“My joy comes in winning. I know the job isn’t done.”
Hurts is taking on the Alabama mentality from his days in Tuscaloosa, never satisfied and resting on his laurels. The MVP candidate is looking to finish the deal in two weeks, and the only way for that to happen is to not relish this win too much.
Sirianni And Hurts Became A Duo Two Years Ago
The Eagles hired head coach Nick Sirianni on Jan. 29, 2021, and following the trade of then-starter Carson Wentz, he immediately made Hurts the starter, putting his full faith in Hurts despite rumors that the team was looking to add Deshaun Watson via trade.
Sirianni’s belief in Hurts paid off in year one as the Eagles went 9-8, earning the final spot in the NFC playoffs. But that was just the beginning, as Hurts and the Eagles came into the 2022 season on a mission, and from the jump they were arguably the best team in the league. Behind the league’s best offensive line and one of the best pass-rushing units ever, which accumulated 70 sacks — second-most in league history — the Eagles went 13-1 prior to Hurts’ shoulder injury. In that time frame, the talented dual threat was firmly in the MVP race along with Chiefs maestro Patrick Mahomes.
Back-to-back losses by the Eagles with Hurts out reaffirmed Hurts’ MVP status, and while he won’t win it, he was right there for about 15 weeks this season.
DJ Jazzy Jeff and Jalen Hurts do the Fresh Prince handshake 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/nTPatYZA98
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) January 29, 2023
Hurts Is A Team-First Guy
Philly is a tough place to play, but Hurts has made it look easy. One reason is his ability to adapt to teammates, coaches and fans alike. He handles himself in such a cool, calm and collected way, and that style provides fuel for his teammates.
Even since his collegiate days Alabama and Oklahoma, Hurts has never been one to take credit for anything, always quick to shout out his offensive line and playmakers for his personal success.
While that’s what you’d come to expect with Hurts, he deserves a ton of the credit for the work he’s put into his craft to become a better QB. Now for those efforts Hurts will have a chance to become the fourth Black QB to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, joining Doug Williams, Russell Wilson and Patrick Mahomes.
Jalen Hurts has his 15th Rush TD of the season, the most by a QB in a single season in NFL history (including playoffs) 😮💨
He breaks the tie he had with Cam Newton (2011) 👏 pic.twitter.com/pH6jBcgobQ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 29, 2023
In fact, he will face, Mahomes, which would be the first time two Black QBs will have started a Super Bowl against each other.
