Jalen Hurts’ journey to Super Bowl LIX is a story of perseverance, growth, and overcoming challenges, from his days as a high school phenom to his rise as a leader of the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL. Hurts’ path is marked by impressive resilience and determination, with moments of adversity that ultimately shaped him into one of the NFL’s brightest young stars.
High School: A Prodigy in Texas
Jalen Hurts was born in Channelview, Texas, where he quickly made a name for himself as a standout quarterback at Channelview High School. By the time he was a senior, Hurts had led his team to great success and established himself as one of the top recruits in the country. His skills, leadership, and drive were apparent early on, earning him a spot as a highly touted recruit in the 2016 class.
His impressive high school career laid the foundation for what would be a remarkable journey to the NFL.
College: A Tale of Two Schools
University of Alabama (2016-2018)
Hurts committed to the University of Alabama, where he played for legendary head coach Nick Saban. He was a true freshman in 2016 and quickly became the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide, leading them to a National Championship Game appearance in his first year. Hurts showed his poise and leadership by guiding Alabama through a successful season, and his dual-threat ability—blending powerful running and strong passing—made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Hurts’ freshman year was marked by his incredible ability to make plays with his legs, rushing for over 950 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns. However, he did face some struggles in the National Championship Game against Clemson, where he was benched in the second half in favor of Tua Tagovailoa, who led Alabama to victory in overtime.
University of Oklahoma (2019)
After his time at Alabama, Hurts transferred to the University of Oklahoma for his senior season, where he was reunited with his offensive coordinator, Lincoln Riley. At Oklahoma, Hurts flourished in a high-powered offense designed to maximize his skills. He became a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2019, throwing for 3,851 yards and 32 touchdowns while rushing for 1,298 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Hurts’ season at Oklahoma was one of the most productive in college football, and his leadership and growth as a passer were evident. He helped lead the Sooners to the College Football Playoff, though they were eventually defeated by LSU in the semifinals. Despite the loss, Hurts’ strong performance throughout the year showcased his maturation as a quarterback, solidifying his NFL prospects.
NFL: Draft and Early Struggles
After a standout college career, Hurts was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. While many questioned the Eagles’ decision to draft him, given that they already had Carson Wentz as the starting quarterback, Hurts’ selection was a sign of the team’s belief in his future.
Hurts spent his rookie season primarily as a backup to Wentz, but when Wentz struggled midseason, Hurts was called upon to start. In his first few games as the starter, Hurts showed promise but also faced some growing pains. His ability to make plays with his legs and his leadership ability were clear, but like most rookies, he faced some inconsistency with his passing game.
2021 Season: Taking the Reins
In the 2021 NFL season, Hurts was officially named the Eagles’ starting quarterback. Under the leadership of head coach Nick Sirianni, Hurts took command of the offense and showed significant improvement in his passing game. His ability to read defenses and make plays with both his arm and his legs became a major weapon for the Eagles.
Hurts led the Eagles to a playoff berth in 2021, despite some early struggles, and his growth continued throughout the season. He displayed the type of resilience and maturity that had defined his career, and by the end of the season, Hurts had firmly established himself as the team’s long-term quarterback.
2022 Season: An MVP-caliber Campaign
The 2022 season was Hurts’ breakout year. He led the Eagles to a 13-1 record as the starting quarterback, and his performance was nothing short of sensational. Hurts improved his passing accuracy, decision-making, and continued to be a major threat as a runner. His ability to guide the offense, control the game, and make plays in key moments solidified his case for NFL MVP honors.
Hurts’ leadership and skill set allowed the Eagles to dominate the NFC and secure the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. His performances during the regular season and into the postseason helped guide Philadelphia to Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs, making it clear that Hurts had truly arrived as one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
Super Bowl LIX: The Biggest Stage
Hurts’ journey culminates in the ultimate stage of professional football—the Super Bowl. His rise from a highly touted high school recruit to a college star and now an NFL superstar heading into Super Bowl LIX is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and dedication.
The Eagles’ Super Bowl matchup against the Chiefs is set to be one of the most anticipated games in recent memory, with Hurts leading an explosive offense against Patrick Mahomes and a high-powered Chiefs attack. Hurts’ dual-threat capabilities and leadership will be key as the Eagles look to claim another championship and secure Hurts’ legacy as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.