A second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft excited Eagles fans who remained optimistic about their franchise’s future. A 9-7 regular season record in 2019 was enough to clinch the NFC East divisional title – but a loss to the Seahawks on Wild Card weekend forced the Birds to make an early playoff exit. Philadelphia’s front office understood a change was necessary for survival and explored their options in the draft class.
Philadelphia Eagles Groom Jalen Hurts into an offensive weapon
An impressive group of gunslingers was preparing to take the professional stage. Success at the collegiate level looked too easy for top prospects like Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, and Justin Herbert – resulting in high rankings on mock draft boards. In the shadows of his colleagues was Jalen Hurts – a quarterback with an impressive resume and intriguing story.
Jalen Hurts’ Journey is a Hollywood Movie.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 17, 2023
-1st true freshman to start at Alabama in 32 years
-Took Alabama to back to back National Championship Games
-Benched by Nick Saban for Tua Tagovialoa at halftime of his second National Title Game after first half struggles.
-Cheered on… pic.twitter.com/Y4W1P5ysA9
It has been a hard journey to the NFL for Hurts, but his resilience has paid off. In 2018, He was benched in the National Championship game against Georgia, allowing Tua Tagovailoa to take over as the starter. The following year, the Crimson Tide returned to the Championship and Hurts delivered in the clutch. He resurrected his team after starting on the bench, convincing scouts that he was NFL-ready.
Determination led Jalen Hurts to the NFL Draft. His poise against adversity excited the franchises searching for a hard worker. With the 53rd pick in the NFL draft, the Philadelphia Eagles selected the Crimson Tide’s dynamic quarterback with aspirations of building a championship roster. Anticipation mounted towards Carson Wentz’s return to the Linc after an impressive 2019 season, but now the Eagles had a quarterback that complemented the new style of NFL offenses.
Hard work helps Jalen Hurts develop into Philadelphia’s X-Factor
It took some time, but Jalen Hurts became the offensive weapon Philadelphia’s front office was looking for. Over the years, he’s become comfortable passing the football – exploiting defenses down after down. In 2021, Hurts finished the regular 3,144 yards passing – a jump from his rookie total (1,061). At the end of the 2022 season, he was ranked 10th in passing yards (3,701) – leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance.
Without Hurts on the field, it’s hard to believe the Eagles would have the same odds of repeating their successes from last season. His impact in the rushing and passing schemes kept defenses on their toes – resulting in big plays. On April 17, the Eagles announced their new agreement with Hurts. He was rewarded with a five-year $255 million contract – solidifying him as the starter for more years to come. Hurts’ new deal is the first no-trade clause agreement in Eagles history.
Congrats to Jalen Hurts for becoming the highest paid player in NFL history and his agent Nicole Lynn for negotiating.
— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) April 17, 2023
Jalen trusting an all-female management team is huge for women on the business side of sports. pic.twitter.com/e2j1cN3DVo
The city of Philadelphia has embraced its quarterback. His demeanor exudes good character, and his determination has been tested in front of a national audience. Jalen Hurts is the right man under center for the Eagles, and he will continue to help his team succeed.