A lot of critics once doubted Jalen Hurts’ ability to thrive as an NFL quarterback. Fast forward to 2025, and he’s proven them all wrong, leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a dominant victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, earning both the championship and Super Bowl MVP honors.
Hurts’ journey to this point has been remarkable. His first glimpse of the spotlight came during Alabama’s 2016 season opener when, as a freshman, he replaced an ineffective Blake Barnett. Despite fumbling on his first snap, Hurts showcased his resilience by scoring four touchdowns and leading Alabama to a 52-6 victory over USC. This early performance was just a glimpse of what was to come. Hurts quickly became a dominant force, winning the SEC Offensive Player of the Year award and leading Alabama to a 26-2 record as the starting quarterback, including two consecutive national championship appearances. In his first title game, he scored a crucial go-ahead touchdown but fell short as Deshaun Watson led Clemson to a game-winning drive.
The following year, Hurts found himself benched in the national championship game against Georgia. Tua Tagovailoa came off the bench to lead Alabama to victory, but Hurts stayed composed and supported his team. His unselfishness in that moment made him a beloved figure in Tuscaloosa. Hurts transferred to Oklahoma for his final season to start, and after a stellar year, he was drafted by the Eagles in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. However, doubts about his future as an NFL quarterback lingered, with some questioning whether he could succeed at the pro level. Even his selection by the Eagles, with Carson Wentz as the starter, was met with criticism and mockery.
Now, Hurts is the one holding the Super Bowl MVP trophy, and Carson Wentz is watching from the sidelines in Kansas City. Hurts’ leadership, poise, and offensive contributions, including 221 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a team-leading 72 rushing yards and a touchdown in the Super Bowl, cemented his legacy. He not only silenced his doubters but proved to the world that he could lead the Eagles to the ultimate victory. Hurts’ Super Bowl MVP win marked a historic achievement, making him the first former Crimson Tide player to earn that honor since Joe Namath in Super Bowl III.
The critics who once labeled him a “system QB” or a mere athlete pretending to be a quarterback have been proven wrong. Jalen Hurts is now not just an NFL quarterback—he is a Super Bowl champion.
