Jalen Hurts’ journey from collegiate quarterback to Super Bowl MVP is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and exceptional talent. His recent triumph not only solidified his place among football’s elite but also ended a 49-year Super Bowl MVP drought for former University of Alabama quarterbacks.
Early Years and Rise at Alabama
Born in Channelview, Texas, Hurts showcased his football prowess early on. His high school career was marked by impressive performances, leading to his recruitment by the University of Alabama. As a true freshman in 2016, Hurts became the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide, leading them to a 14–1 record and an appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship. His dual-threat capabilities—combining passing efficiency with rushing agility—made him a standout player.
Facing Adversity and Transfer to Oklahoma
Despite his early success, Hurts faced challenges. In the 2017 National Championship game, he was benched in favor of Tua Tagovailoa, who led the team to a comeback victory. This pivotal moment tested Hurts’ resilience. Demonstrating maturity, he remained with Alabama for another season, supporting Tagovailoa and contributing when called upon. Seeking a starting role, Hurts transferred to the University of Oklahoma in 2019. There, he flourished, amassing over 5,000 total yards and finishing as a Heisman Trophy finalist.
NFL Draft and Ascendancy with the Philadelphia Eagles
In the 2020 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Hurts in the second round. Initially serving as a backup, he seized the starting role by the end of his rookie season. Over the next few years, Hurts developed into one of the league’s premier quarterbacks. His leadership and performance were instrumental in guiding the Eagles to multiple playoff appearances.
Super Bowl Triumph and Historic MVP Award
On February 9, 2025, Hurts led the Eagles to a 40–22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. He threw for 221 yards, two touchdowns, and added 72 rushing yards with a touchdown. This outstanding performance earned him the Super Bowl MVP title. Notably, Hurts became the first former Alabama quarterback since Ken Stabler in 1977 to win the Super Bowl MVP award, ending a 49-year drought.
Reflecting on the Journey
Hurts’ path to NFL stardom was not without its skeptics. Many doubted his potential during his college years, especially after his benching at Alabama. However, his perseverance and commitment to improvement silenced critics. As noted by Chase Goodbread, a sports analyst, Hurts’ ascent to NFL prominence was unexpected by many during his tenure at Alabama.
The Broader Impact of Jalen Hurts’ Victory
Jalen Hurts’ Super Bowl MVP win is more than just a personal milestone—it’s a defining moment for Alabama football, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the NFL at large. His journey encapsulates perseverance, adaptability, and leadership, making his triumph resonate beyond the game itself.
Alabama’s Long-Awaited NFL Quarterback Success
For a program as dominant as Alabama, it’s surprising that a quarterback hadn’t won a Super Bowl MVP in nearly 50 years. Under legendary coach Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide have produced numerous first-round picks, Heisman Trophy winners, and Pro Bowlers, but success at the quarterback position in the NFL remained elusive. Hurts’ victory breaks this pattern, proving that Alabama quarterbacks can not only thrive in the league but also reach the pinnacle of professional football.
The 49-year drought, dating back to Ken Stabler’s MVP-winning performance in Super Bowl XI with the Oakland Raiders, was a blemish on Alabama’s otherwise illustrious NFL legacy. While the Tide have produced legendary NFL players in other positions—Derrick Henry, Julio Jones, and Minkah Fitzpatrick, to name a few—the quarterback position was often seen as their Achilles’ heel. Hurts’ success changes this perception and paves the way for future Alabama signal-callers to be taken more seriously at the next level.
Hurts’ Influence on Dual-Threat Quarterbacks in the NFL
Hurts’ success is also a major win for the evolution of the quarterback position. The NFL has long been shifting away from the traditional pocket-passer mold, embracing quarterbacks who can make plays with their legs as well as their arms. Hurts embodies this shift. His ability to extend plays, improvise under pressure, and remain a potent rushing threat makes him a prototype for the modern quarterback.
This season, Hurts demonstrated that mobility isn’t just a luxury but a necessity in today’s game. His rushing ability forces defenses to account for an extra playmaker on every snap, opening up opportunities for his teammates. Young quarterbacks coming into the league—like Caleb Williams, Anthony Richardson, and Bryce Young—can look to Hurts as proof that dual-threat quarterbacks can succeed at the highest level.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ Faith in Hurts Paid Off
The Eagles’ decision to draft Hurts in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft was met with skepticism. At the time, Philadelphia had just given quarterback Carson Wentz a massive contract extension, and many questioned why the team would invest a high draft pick in another quarterback. But the Eagles’ front office saw something special in Hurts: a leader, a competitor, and an athlete with the work ethic to develop into an elite signal-caller.
Fast forward to 2025, and the gamble has paid off tremendously. Hurts led the Eagles to two Super Bowl appearances in three seasons, cementing himself as one of the league’s top quarterbacks. His MVP performance in Super Bowl LIX not only validates Philadelphia’s decision but also underscores the importance of organizational patience and proper player development. The Eagles built an offensive scheme tailored to Hurts’ strengths, and the result was a championship.
Hurts’ Leadership and Mental Toughness
Perhaps what makes Hurts’ story most compelling is his leadership and mental toughness. Few players have faced the kind of adversity he has and come out stronger. From being benched at Alabama, to transferring and proving himself at Oklahoma, to dealing with doubts in the NFL, Hurts has continuously responded with an unshakable work ethic.
His leadership qualities were on full display in Super Bowl LIX. When the Eagles faced adversity against the Chiefs, Hurts remained composed. His ability to rally his team, make crucial plays, and maintain his confidence set him apart. As his former coaches and teammates have often noted, Hurts is the kind of player you want leading your team in the biggest moments.
What’s Next for Jalen Hurts?
At just 26 years old, Hurts is far from done. His Super Bowl MVP performance signals that he is entering his prime, and the future looks bright. The Eagles have built a strong roster around him, and with a well-established offensive core, there’s no reason to believe they won’t be contenders for years to come.
Hurts has also set himself up for long-term success off the field. His professionalism, marketability, and leadership make him a prime candidate for endorsements, community initiatives, and a lasting impact on the game. He’s already inspired countless young athletes with his journey, and his legacy will only continue to grow.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment in Football History
Jalen Hurts’ Super Bowl MVP win is not just a victory for himself or the Eagles—it’s a historic moment that reshapes narratives about Alabama quarterbacks, dual-threat passers, and overcoming adversity in sports. His rise to the top proves that resilience and dedication can turn setbacks into stepping stones.
For Alabama fans, it’s a long-awaited triumph. For the Eagles, it’s the validation of a bold draft choice. And for the NFL, it’s a glimpse into the future of the quarterback position. Hurts has not just won a Super Bowl—he has changed the game.