Jalen Hurts, the Philadelphia Eagles’ star quarterback, has always been a player driven by purpose and determination. Upon being drafted by the Eagles in 2020, Hurts made a personal promise to himself: he would not visit the iconic “Rocky Steps” at the Philadelphia Museum of Art until he had secured a championship for the city. This commitment was fulfilled on February 9, 2025, when Hurts led the Eagles to a decisive 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, earning the Super Bowl MVP honors. citeturn0news12
Jalen Hurts, the Philadelphia Eagles’ star quarterback, is a player whose journey to NFL stardom is marked by an unyielding sense of purpose, incredible determination, and a relentless drive for improvement. Hurts’ ascent to becoming one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks has been anything but conventional, as it is built upon a foundation of resilience, personal growth, and unwavering belief in his own potential. His story is one that resonates not only with sports fans but also with anyone who has ever faced adversity and used it as fuel to achieve their dreams.
### Early Life and College Journey
Jalen Hurts was born on August 7, 1998, in Houston, Texas. From a young age, Hurts was introduced to sports, with football becoming the focal point of his athletic pursuits. Raised in a family with a strong football background, Hurts developed an early passion for the game. His father, Averion Hurts, was a high school football coach, and his mother, Pamela, was a former college basketball player. These influences laid the groundwork for Jalen’s competitive nature and strong work ethic.
Hurts attended Channelview High School, where he quickly gained attention for his impressive skills as a dual-threat quarterback. He led his team to a district championship and set numerous school records, which earned him a scholarship to play at the University of Alabama, one of college football’s most prestigious programs.
At Alabama, Hurts entered a powerhouse program under legendary head coach Nick Saban. His first season in 2016 was a breakout year, as he led Alabama to a national championship appearance and was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year as a true freshman. Hurts displayed his impressive dual-threat ability, with his strong arm and dynamic running ability making him a constant threat on the field. However, despite his success, Hurts faced his first major challenge as a college athlete in the 2018 national championship game, when he was benched in favor of Tua Tagovailoa after a slow start.
This experience, though a setback, would prove to be a turning point in Hurts’ career. Rather than being discouraged by the decision, Hurts took the opportunity to learn and grow. He remained a supportive teammate, even when his role changed. After Tagovailoa suffered an injury in the SEC Championship Game in 2018, Hurts came off the bench in the second half to lead Alabama to a comeback victory, a moment that showcased his maturity, poise under pressure, and leadership skills.
Ultimately, Hurts transferred to the University of Oklahoma in 2019 to continue his college career. At Oklahoma, under the guidance of head coach Lincoln Riley, Hurts flourished. He threw for over 3,800 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, while also rushing for over 1,200 yards and 20 touchdowns. His impressive performance earned him a spot as a finalist for the prestigious Heisman Trophy. Hurts’ time at Oklahoma allowed him to refine his passing mechanics and further develop as a quarterback, proving that he was much more than a dual-threat athlete.
### The 2020 NFL Draft and Philadelphia Eagles
After a standout senior season, Hurts entered the 2020 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round with the 53rd overall pick. Many experts questioned Hurts’ fit in the NFL due to his unconventional mechanics and dual-threat style of play. Some even doubted his ability to be a franchise quarterback. However, Hurts was undeterred by the doubts and set his sights on proving himself at the next level.
Hurts’ journey with the Eagles began as a backup to veteran quarterback Carson Wentz. Despite limited playing time in his rookie year, Hurts showcased his talents when given the opportunity, especially when he was called upon to start in Week 14 of the 2020 season against the New Orleans Saints. Hurts’ first start was nothing short of spectacular as he led the Eagles to a 24-21 victory over the Saints, a team that was atop the NFC standings at the time. Hurts’ ability to throw accurately, read defenses, and use his legs to extend plays left a lasting impression.
Despite a losing season for the Eagles in 2020, Hurts showed enough promise to earn the starting quarterback role in 2021. That season marked the beginning of Hurts’ transformation from a promising rookie into a legitimate NFL starter. He continued to improve both as a passer and a leader, demonstrating maturity and a competitive drive that was contagious throughout the Eagles’ locker room.
### Super Bowl Promise and 2023-2024 Season
Jalen Hurts’ commitment to excellence and the Eagles organization has only intensified with each passing year. As Hurts took on a larger leadership role within the team, his growth as a quarterback was evident. The 2022 season was a breakout year for Hurts, as he led the Eagles to a dominant regular-season record and a deep playoff run. His ability to lead a high-powered offense, combined with his growing chemistry with key weapons like wide receiver A.J. Brown and tight end Dallas Goedert, helped elevate the Eagles into Super Bowl contention.
One of the most defining moments of Hurts’ journey came after he was drafted by the Eagles in 2020, when he made a personal promise to himself. Hurts swore that he would not visit the iconic “Rocky Steps” in Philadelphia until he had secured a Super Bowl victory for the city. The Rocky Steps, located at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, are a symbol of the city’s blue-collar spirit, resilience, and unshakable determination. Hurts, who had been doubted throughout his career, wanted to ensure that he earned the right to visit these historic steps by bringing a championship to the City of Brotherly Love.
In February 2025, Hurts fulfilled that promise after leading the Eagles to victory in Super Bowl LIX, where they triumphed over the Kansas City Chiefs with a 40-22 victory. Hurts was named Super Bowl MVP after an exceptional performance, throwing for 221 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 72 yards and a touchdown. His leadership, poise, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations were on full display, cementing his place as one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks.
### The Impact of Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts’ success on the football field goes far beyond statistics and accolades. His story is one of perseverance, growth, and leadership. He has consistently proven that he is not just a product of his talent but a player who works tirelessly to improve himself both on and off the field. His leadership is perhaps his most defining trait, as Hurts leads by example, never backing down from challenges, and always pushing himself and his teammates to be their best.
Hurts’ journey from a second-round draft pick to Super Bowl champion exemplifies the power of self-belief, resilience, and the refusal to be defined by other people’s expectations. His story resonates with anyone who has ever faced adversity or been told that they were not good enough, and it serves as a reminder that success is not always linear—it is often forged in the fires of failure and self-doubt.
### Looking Ahead: The Future of Jalen Hurts
With the Super Bowl victory now behind him, Hurts’ future in the NFL looks incredibly bright. He has already proven that he has the ability to lead a team to the ultimate prize, and there is no doubt that the Eagles will continue to be a contender with Hurts at the helm. His personal growth, combined with his strong work ethic, makes him one of the most promising quarterbacks in the league.
As Hurts continues to build on his success, he will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of quarterbacks and athletes to embrace hard work, resilience, and the power of self-belief. For the Eagles, Hurts is not just a quarterback—he is the face of the franchise, a symbol of what can be achieved when a player refuses to give up on their dreams. And for the city of Philadelphia, Hurts’ promise to bring a Super Bowl to the city has been fulfilled, cementing his place as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
**The Promise and Its Significance**
The “Rocky Steps” are a symbol of Philadelphia’s resilience and determination, made famous by the “Rocky” film series. By choosing to withhold this personal milestone until achieving a championship, Hurts demonstrated a profound commitment to the city and its fans. His decision to visit the steps after the Super Bowl victory was a powerful gesture, symbolizing the fulfillment of his promise and the realization of a shared dream. citeturn0search0
**Super Bowl LIX: A Historic Victory**
In Super Bowl LIX, Hurts delivered an exceptional performance, completing 17 of 22 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns. He also led the team in rushing with 72 yards and a rushing touchdown. This victory not only secured the Eagles’ second Super Bowl title but also solidified Hurts’ legacy as one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks. citeturn0news12
**Hurts’ Leadership and Impact**
Beyond his on-field achievements, Hurts’ leadership has been instrumental in the Eagles’ success. His resilience, work ethic, and unwavering commitment to excellence have inspired his teammates and endeared him to fans. Hurts’ journey from a promising college quarterback to a Super Bowl champion exemplifies his dedication and the realization of his personal and professional goals.
**Looking Ahead**
With the Super Bowl victory and the fulfillment of his personal promise, Hurts has set a new standard for excellence and leadership. As the Eagles look to build on this success, Hurts’ vision and determination will undoubtedly continue to drive the team toward future championships.
For more insights into Jalen Hurts’ journey and the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory, you might find the following video informative:
videoJalen Hurts’ Super Bowl Journey and Promise Fulfilledturn0search0
