Jalen Hurts‘ journey to the top of the football world is one of perseverance, resilience, and undeniable talent. From his early days at Alabama to leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl victory, his story is one of determination and overcoming obstacles.
Early Days at Alabama
Jalen Hurts began his college football career at the University of Alabama, a program known for its dominance in the NCAA. As a freshman in 2016, he took over as the starting quarterback and quickly made an impact. That season, Hurts led Alabama to the National Championship Game against Clemson, showcasing his ability to handle pressure at a young age.
Jalen Hurts was even better. He started 14 games for Alabama, completing 60.4% of his passes for 2,081 yards and 17 touchdowns while throwing just one interception. His dual-threat ability made him a nightmare for defenses, as he also contributed significantly in the rushing game. However, despite his impressive numbers, he faced one of the toughest challenges of his career during the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship.
Losing His Job to Tua Tagovailoa
Alabama faced Georgia in the title game, but the Crimson Tide struggled in the first half, trailing 13-0 at halftime. Nick Saban made a bold decision—benching Jalen Hurts for freshman quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The move worked, as Tagovailoa led Alabama to a stunning comeback victory, securing a 26-23 win in overtime.
Hurts, despite leading Alabama to back-to-back title games, suddenly found himself in an unfamiliar position: a backup quarterback. Many expected him to transfer immediately, but instead, Jalen Hurts chose to stay with Alabama for another season. He displayed incredible maturity, continuing to support his team while working on improving his own game.
The Comeback in the SEC Championship
Throughout the 2018 season, Jalen Hurts played a secondary role to Tagovailoa. However, fate had other plans. In the SEC Championship Game against Georgia, Tagovailoa suffered an injury, and Alabama turned to Hurts in a critical moment. With the game on the line, Hurts delivered a spectacular performance, leading Alabama to a comeback victory and proving that he was still a force to be reckoned with.
It was a full-circle moment for Jalen Hurts. The same team that had cost him his starting job became the stage for his redemption. His poise, leadership, and talent were on full display, reminding everyone of his capabilities.
A Fresh Start at Oklahoma
After the 2018 season, Hurts transferred to the University of Oklahoma to finish his college career. Playing under head coach Lincoln Riley, he thrived in Oklahoma’s high-powered offense. In his lone season with the Sooners, he threw for 3,851 yards, 32 touchdowns, and rushed for 1,298 yards with 20 more touchdowns.
Jalen Hurts finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting, only behind LSU’s Joe Burrow. He had re-established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, and his NFL potential was undeniable.
Entering the NFL
Despite his impressive college career, there were doubts about Jalen Hurts as an NFL quarterback. Many analysts questioned his ability to succeed at the professional level. However, the Philadelphia Eagles saw his potential and selected him with the 53rd overall pick in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Hurts was the backup to Carson Wentz, but as the 2020 season progressed, it became clear that he brought a unique dynamic to the Eagles’ offense. By the end of the season, he was the starting quarterback, and Philadelphia made him the face of their franchise.
The Road to Super Bowl Glory
Jalen Hurts continued to develop, and by the 2022 season, he had become one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Leading the Eagles to the Super Bowl, Hurts delivered a historic performance against the Kansas City Chiefs. He threw for 300 yards, rushed for three touchdowns, and became the first quarterback in Super Bowl history to account for four total touchdowns.
Although the Eagles lost that game in a close battle, Hurts’ performance silenced all doubts. He had cemented himself as an elite quarterback in the NFL. His work ethic, leadership, and ability to rise to the occasion were undeniable.
Jalen Hurts Wins Super Bowl and MVP
In the 2023 season, Jalen Hurts took the Eagles one step further. Facing the Kansas City Chiefs again in the Super Bowl, he led Philadelphia to a dominant 40-22 victory. Hurts was named Super Bowl MVP, a testament to his incredible journey from being a benched college quarterback to the pinnacle of professional football.
Paul Finebaum, a prominent college football analyst, reflected on Hurts’ path, recalling a moment when Hurts sat alone at Media Days in 2017, knowing his starting job was slipping away. Fast forward to today, and Jalen Hurts is now a Super Bowl champion and MVP, an inspiration for athletes everywhere.
The Legacy of Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts’ story is one of persistence. He was doubted, overlooked, and even benched, but he never let adversity define him. Instead, he used every setback as motivation to improve and prove his worth.
Today, Hurts is one of the most respected quarterbacks in the NFL. His leadership, skill, and determination have made him a role model for young athletes. His journey from Alabama to Oklahoma and then to the NFL serves as a reminder that success is not always a straight path. Sometimes, it takes resilience, patience, and an unbreakable spirit to achieve greatness.
Paul Finebaum summed it up perfectly: “You can go anywhere as a Super Bowl champion, especially as the MVP, and that carries with you the rest of your life.” Indeed, Jalen Hurts’ legacy is secure, and his future in the NFL looks brighter than ever.
Conclusion
Jalen Hurts’ rise to stardom is a lesson in perseverance. From being replaced in a National Championship Game to leading an NFL team to Super Bowl glory, his story is nothing short of remarkable. His ability to overcome obstacles, stay humble, and continue improving has made him one of the most inspiring figures in sports today.
As the Philadelphia Eagles continue their pursuit of championships, one thing is clear—Jalen Hurts is their leader. And with his work ethic and talent, there’s no telling how many more Super Bowl victories he might add to his name.
