Jalen Hurts displayed a rare grin after Nick Sirianni enthusiastically proclaimed, “All he does is win,” during the Eagles’ celebration of their NFC championship victory.
Despite facing criticism throughout his career, the statistics are undeniable: Hurts is indeed a winner, boasting an impressive record of 89-27 as a starting quarterback across both college football and the NFL.
However, the one accolade that has eluded him thus far is a Super Bowl ring.
He gets another opportunity to secure that coveted prize when the Philadelphia Eagles (17-3) take on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs (17-2) on February 9 in New Orleans.
Hurts previously showcased his talents in an exhilarating game against the Chiefs two years ago, throwing for 304 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 70 yards and three touchdowns.
Unfortunately for Hurts, that performance ended in disappointment after his lost fumble was returned for a touchdown, contributing to the Eagles’ narrow 38-35 loss.
This time, merely coming close isn’t an option in the sports-driven city of Philadelphia, where victories are measured by championship parades.
Enthusiastically, Hurts has set a personal benchmark, his phone background depicting a moment of him walking off the field in Arizona, surrounded by the celebratory red and yellow confetti.
“Our mission is to harness the opportunities presented to us,” Hurts stated, emphasizing his determination.
“I also leverage my past experiences as tools to support not only myself but also those around me.”
With a wealth of big-game experience, Hurts is well-prepared. He played a crucial role in leading Alabama to the national championship as a freshman, although they lost to Clemson.
In his sophomore year, he returned to the title game but was benched at halftime, witnessing Tua Tagovailoa guide Alabama to a comeback victory.
Hurts replaced Tagovailoa during his junior season in another national championship bout against Clemson.
He capped off his college career by transferring to Oklahoma, steering the Sooners to a 12-2 record and finishing as runner-up for the Heisman Trophy.
Despite his collegiate success, Hurts saw his NFL draft stock fall, selected by the Eagles at the No. 53 pick in the second round, following quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert, and Jordan Love.
As of now, only Burrow has reached a Super Bowl, though he, too, faced disappointment.
Hurts stands out as the first quarterback to return to the Super Bowl after losing in their initial appearance since Jim Kelly, who suffered four consecutive losses with the Buffalo Bills from 1990 to 1993.
Yet, despite his numerous accomplishments, Hurts’s talents remain underrated.
He began his NFL career as a backup for Carson Wentz and took on varied roles, including lining up as a wide receiver.
By late in the 2020 season, he secured the starting quarterback position and has since led the Eagles to four straight playoff appearances.
Speculations regarding Hurts’s future loomed after a playoff loss to Tampa Bay in the 2021 season, with some doubting his potential.
Nevertheless, the Eagles decided to stick with him, and he finished as a close runner-up to Mahomes for the NFL MVP title in 2022, coming close to victory in the Super Bowl.
Following a strong 10-1 start to the most recent season, the Eagles faced significant challenges, leading to increased scrutiny of Hurts’s leadership and his bond with Sirianni.
Questions arose around his friendship with A.J. Brown as the season progressed. Despite these hurdles, Hurts and the Eagles continued to overcome obstacles and achieve victory.
In a season where Saquon Barkley emerged with one of the most impressive performances in NFL history, the Eagles adapted their strategy to a run-first approach, which prompted more doubt about Hurts’s ability to lead in the air.
Yet, whenever Philadelphia required Hurts to rise as a passer, he answered the call, notably in games against both the Steelers and the Commanders.
“It’s surprising how much skepticism exists at times,” Sirianni commented regarding the doubts surrounding Hurts.
“I find it hard to grasp, especially since winning comes in various forms. It doesn’t have to align with conventional expectations. Jalen has delivered time and time again, regardless of the stats. Whether that means rushing for significant yards or passing minimally, what matters is the win.”
Since his freshman year at Alabama in 2016, Hurts has navigated through the direction of nine different play-callers, expecting to face a tenth if Kellen Moore is named head coach of the Saints next season.
Regardless, Hurts remains unfazed by this uncertainty.
“The standard is winning—that is my expectation,” Hurts affirmed.
He has exhibited tremendous success throughout his career, but the ultimate prize still awaits him.
