Philadelphia Eagles Soar to Super Bowl: Jalen Hurts’ Journey of Resilience and Leadership
PHILADELPHIA — The scene at Lincoln Financial Field was one of jubilation and triumph, a familiar sight for Eagles fans who have witnessed their team rise to the occasion once again. Almost two years to the day, the Philadelphia Eagles celebrated another NFC Championship Game victory, a moment that was both chaotic and exhilarating. The locker room was alive with music, dancing, and the unmistakable scent of victory. Amidst the revelry stood Jalen Hurts, the Eagles’ quarterback, calmly savoring a giant cigar, a picture of poise and focus.
Back in 2023, Hurts was the talk of the town, a fresh MVP candidate who matched his on-field brilliance with a bold fashion statement. Sporting sunglasses, purple pants, and a leather jacket reminiscent of Michael Jackson and Prince, Hurts was the embodiment of confidence and flair. Fast forward to January 26, after a commanding 55-23 victory over the Washington Commanders, Hurts’ style had evolved. He channeled a more mature Michael Jordan vibe, donning pleated khakis, a black mock turtleneck, and a backward conference championship hat, a nod to his growth and maturity as a player.
The Eagles are now headed to the Super Bowl for the second time in three years, setting up a highly anticipated rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs. This showdown will once again pit Hurts against Patrick Mahomes, a matchup that promises to be as thrilling as their previous encounter in Super Bowl LVII, where Hurts delivered one of his career-best performances despite a narrow 38-35 defeat.
This season has been a different journey for Hurts. After a rocky 2-2 start marked by turnovers, the Eagles’ coaching staff pivoted to a more Saquon Barkley-centric strategy, with Hurts embracing a game manager role. This shift raised questions about the passing game’s potency and Hurts’ ability to rise to the occasion when needed. He silenced those doubts with a stellar performance against Washington, completing 20-of-28 passes for 246 yards and four total touchdowns.
“How about QB1, man? I love when people doubt him,” said left tackle Jordan Mailata. “We always talk about limiting the outside noise or the white noise, whatever you want to call it. But I know he hears that and I think he plays his best when he feels like people doubt him.”
WITH THE WIN, Hurts improved to 42-12 as a starter since 2022, second only to Mahomes (48-10) over that stretch. He now stands one win away from delivering Philadelphia its second Lombardi Trophy, a victory that would solidify his legacy as an Eagles all-time great and quiet the critics who question his numbers.
“I don’t play the game for stats. I don’t play the game for numbers, any statistical approval from anyone else,” Hurts said. “And I understand that everyone has a preconceived notion on how they want it to look, or how they expect it to look. I told you guys that success is defined by that particular individual, and it’s all relative to the person. And what I define it as is winning.”
Hurts’ winning mentality has been evident throughout his career, from his high school days in Channelview, Texas, to his college stints at Alabama and Oklahoma, where he amassed a combined record of 38-4. His success has continued with the Eagles, boasting a record of 46-20.
Former Georgia coach Shane Beamer witnessed Hurts’ resilience firsthand during the 2018 national championship game, where Hurts was benched in favor of Tua Tagovailoa. Beamer, now the head coach at South Carolina, later worked with Hurts at Oklahoma and was impressed by his leadership and work ethic.
Beamer recalled a moment when Hurts, new to Oklahoma, took charge of the team during a weight room session, demonstrating his natural leadership qualities. “He has been here two days and already may be the leader of this football team just walking in the door,” Beamer said.
Hurts’ transition from Alabama’s pro-style offense to Oklahoma’s Air Raid system was seamless, as he adapted quickly and delivered a standout season with 52 total touchdowns, finishing second in the Heisman voting behind Joe Burrow.
One of Beamer’s fondest memories of Hurts is a gesture he made during his rookie year with the Eagles. After Beamer’s young son threw an interception in a flag football game, Hurts took the time to call and encourage him, exemplifying his character and leadership.
THERE ARE SUBTLETIES to Hurts’ game that often go unnoticed. In the NFC Championship Game against the Commanders, Hurts made crucial pre-snap checks that led to a 60-yard touchdown run by Barkley. With center Jason Kelce retired, Hurts has taken on more pre-snap responsibilities, excelling against the blitz with a 91 QBR rating, second in the league.
Hurts’ growth as a vocal leader has been evident this season, as he embraces his role as the team’s quarterback. Defensive end Brandon Graham noted Hurts’ increased confidence and willingness to speak up, a sign of his maturation as a leader.
Despite the challenges, Hurts’ steady approach has a calming effect on his teammates, as seen in the Commanders game when he maintained composure amidst defensive pressure. Occasionally, Hurts’ fiery side emerges, as it did after a touchdown pass to A.J. Brown, showcasing his competitive spirit.
While Hurts’ play hasn’t always been flashy, the results speak for themselves. His career .697 winning percentage ranks seventh since the 1970 merger, trailing only legends like Mahomes, Tom Brady, and Joe Montana. Hurts has set postseason records, including seven total touchdowns and zero giveaways, and is on the brink of leading the Eagles to another Super Bowl victory.
“I know for him, he just wants to go out there and prove people wrong,” Graham said. “People outside of here might not like his game, but that’s cool; he’s just been winning. So hopefully if he wins [the Super Bowl], it will help his cause because it’s all about championships with people. Until he gets one, that’s when everyone will get off his back a little bit.”
Originally Written by: Tim McManus
