Jalen Hurts Overcame Alabama’s 49-Year Football Drought and Created Super Bowl History | Goodbread
In the landscape of college football and the NFL, there are players who leave a mark on the game, but few have done so as dramatically as Jalen Hurts. Hurts, a name that was once synonymous with Alabama’s pursuit of dominance under head coach Nick Saban, is now making headlines in the NFL, carving out a legacy that bridges the gap between collegiate and professional football. His journey from Tuscaloosa to the NFL is not just about athleticism or raw talent but about overcoming adversity, rewriting narratives, and making history in the process. The culmination of his incredible journey came when he led the Philadelphia Eagles to Super Bowl LVII and etched his name in the record books, becoming one of the most memorable quarterbacks in the history of both Alabama and the NFL.
Hurts’ story is not one of unbroken success or the traditional path to greatness; instead, it is a tale of resilience, learning from mistakes, and ultimately succeeding at the highest level of the game. Along the way, Hurts not only overcame Alabama’s 49-year football drought but also created a legacy that transcends college football, becoming an iconic figure in the NFL. His Super Bowl performance, which showcased his grit, leadership, and unmatched work ethic, cemented his place in history and forever linked his name to the legacy of Alabama football.
The Alabama Legacy: A Champion in the Making
Jalen Hurts’ story begins in Alabama, where he became one of the most important figures in the university’s football program during his time under Nick Saban. Arriving at Alabama as a highly touted recruit from Channelview, Texas, Hurts quickly rose to prominence as a dual-threat quarterback capable of leading the Crimson Tide to championships. His first major test came during his freshman season in 2016 when he was thrust into the starting role after an injury to Alabama’s former quarterback, Blake Barnett. Hurts not only stepped up but delivered, leading the team to an SEC Championship and a national title game appearance.
Despite Hurts’ considerable success, Alabama’s football program still had its eyes set on a more complete offensive product, and the competition for the starting quarterback job became fierce. In the 2017 National Championship Game, Hurts had a rare and painful setback when he was benched in favor of backup quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Tua’s performance ultimately led Alabama to a dramatic comeback victory and a national title, but the moment was a pivotal one in Hurts’ career. Instead of fading away or becoming disheartened, Hurts chose a path of growth. He did not transfer or become disgruntled. He stayed at Alabama, worked tirelessly to improve, and prepared himself for the next opportunity.
Hurts returned to Alabama in 2018 as the backup quarterback, but when Tagovailoa suffered an injury during the SEC Championship Game, Hurts had his moment of redemption. With Alabama’s national championship hopes hanging by a thread, Hurts came in during the second half and led the Crimson Tide to a dramatic comeback victory over Georgia, showcasing his resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Hurts’ leadership and perseverance in that game earned him the respect of his teammates and cemented his place in Alabama football history. His journey was far from over, though, as Hurts made the decision to transfer to the University of Oklahoma in 2019 to finish his college career.
At Oklahoma, Hurts continued to improve as a quarterback. Under the guidance of head coach Lincoln Riley, Hurts flourished, showcasing a refined passing game to complement his running ability. He finished the season as a Heisman Trophy finalist and led Oklahoma to the College Football Playoff. His decision to leave Alabama and finish his college career at Oklahoma was seen as a pivotal moment for Hurts, as it allowed him to continue his growth as a quarterback and prove that he was more than capable of thriving in different systems. He became one of the most respected players in college football and, by the end of his college career, left an indelible mark on both Alabama and Oklahoma football.
The NFL Transition: From College Star to NFL Prospect
Jalen Hurts’ transition to the NFL was not met with the same level of expectation as other quarterbacks in his draft class. With the 2020 NFL Draft approaching, Hurts was widely seen as a project player, a dual-threat quarterback with a strong work ethic and immense potential, but a player who still needed to refine his passing game. Hurts was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round, with many questioning whether he could thrive at the professional level. Despite the questions surrounding his transition, Hurts immediately became a favorite among his teammates and coaches for his relentless work ethic and leadership qualities.
In his rookie year, Hurts took over as the Eagles’ starting quarterback and showed flashes of brilliance, displaying his playmaking ability and moxie in key situations. However, like most young quarterbacks, his first season in the NFL was marked by growing pains. The Eagles went through a rebuilding phase, and Hurts had to learn the ropes of the NFL while guiding a young team. Despite the challenges, Hurts showed resilience and a thirst for improvement, always putting in the work to refine his game.
In the years following his rookie season, Hurts’ development accelerated rapidly. His time in Philadelphia allowed him to develop a greater understanding of the NFL’s complexities, particularly when it came to reading defenses, making quick decisions, and adjusting his game to meet the demands of the professional level. His leadership continued to shine, and his ability to inspire confidence in his teammates became a defining characteristic of his game. Hurts’ improvement as a passer, coupled with his elite running ability, made him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL, capable of leading his team in both the air and on the ground.
Super Bowl LVII: Jalen Hurts Makes History
Super Bowl LVII in February 2023 would go down as one of the most significant moments in Jalen Hurts’ career, as he led the Philadelphia Eagles to one of the most exciting and competitive Super Bowl matchups in recent memory. In a showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs, Hurts showcased the full range of his abilities, putting on an awe-inspiring performance that solidified his place in NFL history. His performance in Super Bowl LVII was not just about numbers—it was about the poise, leadership, and unflinching determination that he displayed under the brightest lights.
Hurts’ performance in the game was nothing short of historic. He became the first player in Super Bowl history to score three rushing touchdowns, showcasing his rare combination of size, speed, and agility. His ability to break tackles and fight for extra yards was on full display, as he carried the Eagles’ offense on his back in critical moments. Beyond his running ability, Hurts demonstrated his growth as a passer, making precise throws under pressure and managing the game with poise. His leadership on the field was palpable, as his calm demeanor and focus remained unwavering throughout the intense Super Bowl battle.
Although the Eagles ultimately fell short in a narrow loss to the Chiefs, Hurts’ performance was widely regarded as one of the best by a quarterback in Super Bowl history. He passed for over 300 yards and accounted for four total touchdowns, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s brightest stars. His incredible effort and resilience during the game earned him Super Bowl MVP honors, a recognition that further cemented his place in history. Hurts’ leadership and performance on the biggest stage of all proved that he had arrived as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.
Hurts’ Legacy at Alabama and in the NFL
Jalen Hurts’ legacy at Alabama is secured. Despite not winning a national championship with the Crimson Tide, Hurts’ contributions to the program cannot be overstated. He was a key player during one of the most successful periods in Alabama football history, helping lead the team to multiple SEC titles and a National Championship appearance. His resilience and leadership in the face of adversity—particularly in the 2017 National Championship Game—made him a beloved figure in Tuscaloosa.
But Hurts’ story is far from just his time at Alabama. His growth as a player, from a freshman phenom to a backup who bided his time, to an eventual Heisman finalist and NFL star, showcases his unbreakable spirit and determination. Hurts’ rise to NFL stardom is a testament to his ability to continuously improve and push through obstacles.
Now, Hurts’ legacy is not only etched in Alabama’s history but also in the annals of the NFL. He has become a symbol of resilience, a player who overcame doubts and setbacks to reach the pinnacle of success. Hurts’ Super Bowl performance, his ability to carry his team, and his record-breaking achievements have established him as a trailblazer, not just for Alabama but for every player who has faced adversity and doubters.