Home
Long before Jalen Hurts became the face of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl triumph, a legendary NFL figure spotlighted the quarterback’s extraordinary character long before his star truly began to rise. Today, Hurts stands as one of the league’s most electrifying talents, steering the Eagles to their second championship in 2023 and halting the Kansas City Chiefs’ quest for a historic three-peat. His MVP performance in that game cemented his legacy as a clutch leader.
But Hurts’ journey to NFL royalty wasn’t just about arm strength or agility—it was rooted in intangible qualities that a revered coach once championed years earlier, foreshadowing the grit that would define his career.
How a college coach predicted Jalen Hurts’ rise
Rewind to 2020, when a college football titan—whose name is synonymous with championship DNA—opened up about Hurts’ time at Alabama, long before the quarterback became a household NFL name. The coach, who had witnessed Hurts’ evolution firsthand, didn’t hold back.
“The guy’s got great character,” he declared. “He’s as fine a person as we’ve ever had in the program. He’s a very good leader. He’s a hard worker, he’s well-liked by his teammates, and winning was important to him.”
That coach was Nick Saban, whose words now read like prophecy. Hurts’ path to stardom was anything but smooth. After starting 26-2 at Alabama, he lost his job to Tua Tagovailoa in 2018—a crushing blow for any athlete. Yet, when Tagovailoa was injured during the SEC Championship Game, Hurts stepped in cold off the bench and rallied the Crimson Tide to victory. Saban, recalling the moment, emphasized Hurts’ resilience:
“He’s been in a lot of tough circumstances, and he’s been very supportive ... This is a guy that’s easy to fall in love with.”
Hurts’ response to adversity defined him. Rather than sulk, he transferred to Oklahoma, thrived under Lincoln Riley, and finished second in Heisman voting. His poise under pressure and team-first mentality caught the Eagles’ attention, who drafted him in 2020. Fast-forward to 2023: that same unshakeable character fueled Philadelphia’s Super Bowl run. Down late against Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs, Hurts orchestrated a masterclass in composure, proving Saban right—his greatness was never just about stats.
Legacy beyond the field
Hurts’ story isn’t just about touchdowns or trophies—it’s a testament to how character shapes destiny. Saban’s praise wasn’t mere flattery; it was a recognition of the quiet discipline and humility that turned setbacks into comebacks. In an era where ego often overshadows teamwork, Hurts’ selflessness and work ethic have become his trademark.
For fans, his rise is a reminder that resilience often whispers before it roars. And for aspiring athletes, Hurts’ journey underscores a timeless truth: talent opens doors, but character keeps them open.
