Jalen Hurts’ journey from college football to the NFL’s grandest stage, Super Bowl LIX, is a remarkable tale of resilience and talent.
During the 2019 college football season, the Oklahoma Sooners seemed poised to capture their first national title since 2000, with a solid foundation already in place.
Having reached the College Football Playoff for two consecutive years, head coach Lincoln Riley secured another transfer quarterback, Jalen Hurts. He was not just any player; Hurts had prior experience leading a team to victory in the CFP and boasted a national championship ring from his time at Alabama.
After serving as a backup to Tua Tagovailoa, Hurts entered the transfer portal and chose Oklahoma for the 2019 season, a decision that would shape his future.
Despite suffering Oklahoma’s first road loss to Kansas State since 1996, Hurts showcased his skills by throwing for 395 yards and rushing for 95. His standout performance, alongside linebacker Nik Bonitto, helped the Sooners pull off a stunning comeback against Baylor, turning a 28-3 deficit into a 34-21 victory that secured a spot in the Big 12 title game and the Peach Bowl.
Hurts’ impressive statistics that year included 3,851 passing yards, 1,298 rushing yards, and 53 total touchdowns, surpassing those of the 2023 Heisman winner, Jayden Daniels, who recorded 3,812 passing yards and 50 total touchdowns at LSU.
However, Hurts’ memorable season ended on a sour note as LSU dominated Oklahoma in the CFP semifinal, leaving little room for Hurts or the Sooners’ defense to respond.
When the Philadelphia Eagles selected Hurts in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, many were surprised. His final college game stats—15 of 31 for 217 passing yards, 43 rushing yards, and two touchdowns—did not scream franchise quarterback potential.
Despite finishing second in the Heisman voting behind Joe Burrow, Hurts faced criticism for his ball security, an issue that resurfaced during the Eagles’ 2023 Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He fumbled the ball 25 times in the NFL, with at least four fumbles each season. For a player with a high carry volume, securing the football is critical, but it also contributes to his explosive playmaking ability.
Much like NFL stars Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen, Hurts has the unique ability to extend plays with his legs while being one of the strongest quarterbacks in the league. His ability to evade defenders and utilize talented wide receivers like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, along with a solid offensive line, enhances his effectiveness. The addition of Saquon Barkley through free agency further amplifies Hurts’ strengths and resilience.
What truly defines Hurts, however, is his mindset. He once shared a parable about a coffee bean in water, illustrating his desire to be a person whose actions positively influence others. He approaches questions with a personal touch and is committed to doing whatever it takes to excel on the field. His reputation as a dedicated teammate is well-earned, as he has garnered both supporters and critics along the way.
As Hurts prepares for Super Bowl LIX, a rematch of the one that slipped away, fans will be watching closely, hoping to see him secure the football and lead his team to victory.
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