NEW ORLEANS — Throughout his sporting journey, Jalen Hurts has frequently faced more scrutiny over his setbacks than recognition for his achievements. His career has seen moments like getting benched during a college football championship, transferring from Alabama to Oklahoma to regain a starting position, and being drafted in the second round only to initially serve as a backup. All these doubts contributed to the fire that fueled his determination, and now he can proudly call himself a Super Bowl MVP.
“I’ll always be the same guy,” Hurts reflected. “I was sharing with someone how I remain that same kid who experienced loss in a national championship, got benched, and had to navigate through a unique journey. That kid stayed focused on his vision and remained true to what he wanted to achieve. It all started with better leadership and doing things the right way.”
Although Hurts wasn’t the standout player on a night dominated by Philadelphia’s defense, he stepped up significantly whenever called upon, demonstrating the composure he’s exhibited throughout his career. In the 40-22 victory over the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes, Hurts completed 17 of 22 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 72 yards and a score, successfully avenging a previous Super Bowl defeat against Kansas City two years prior.
Reflecting on the championship experience, Hurts expressed, “After everything surrounding the last Super Bowl, I felt a bit empty because even though my performance was impressive, it didn’t result in a win. Working through those feelings ignited a strong drive within me, significantly enhancing my desire to win.”
In that previous Super Bowl, Hurts put on an impressive display, throwing for 304 yards and a touchdown while rushing for three additional scores, yet he could only watch as the Chiefs secured a last-minute victory with a field goal from Harrison Butker. The following offseason, his exceptional season earned him a monumental $255 million, five-year contract, but it did little to silence ongoing discussions about whether he was holding back the Eagles’ offense.
Hurts’ play against the Chiefs was nearly faultless aside from an early interception, which marked his first since Week 10. Coach Nick Sirianni remarked on the persistent criticism Hurts faces, stating, “The skepticism surrounding him astonishes me, especially given how special he is. He has won countless games, works incredibly hard, and continually gets better while blocking out distractions to focus on improvement and winning.”
Displaying his ability to convert scrambles under pressure, Hurts consistently connected with open receivers. A standout moment came with a 46-yard deep pass to DeVonta Smith, extending the lead to 34-0 in the third quarter, a pivotal highlight of the decisive Super Bowl showdown. Left tackle Jordan Mailata praised Hurts, saying, “In the most crucial moments, when the doubters are loudest, this man just shines and commands the field.”
Hurts also delivered a 12-yard touchdown to A.J. Brown late in the first half and initiated the game’s scoring with a 1-yard push. This statistical performance places him alongside Hall of Famer Joe Montana in Super Bowl history, as the only two quarterbacks to throw for a minimum of 200 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for over 50 yards and scoring.
Having lost his first Super Bowl start, Hurts now joins the ranks of only four quarterbacks to eventually win a Super Bowl as a starter later in their careers, a distinguished group that includes Hall of Famers John Elway, Bob Griese, and Len Dawson. “We can’t change the past,” Brown commented, “but we can certainly make things even.”
