Some stories in football go beyond the field.
They’re not just about stats, wins, or trophies; they’re about character.
They’re about perseverance, humility, and belief.
And few stories embody that better than Jalen Hurts.
As a true freshman for the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2016, Hurts stepped into one of the most pressure-packed positions in college football: starting quarterback for Nick Saban.
Most 18-year-olds would’ve been overwhelmed. Not Hurts. He threw for 2,780 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions, leading Alabama all the way to the National Championship Game. The Tide fell just short that season, but Hurts showed the nation something special: poise far beyond his years.
In 2017, he picked up right where he left off.
Hurts led Alabama to an 11–1 regular season, throwing for over 2,000 yards, 17 touchdowns, and just one interception. Once again, Alabama found itself on the sport’s biggest stage: the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship. But that night would change everything.
After Alabama fell behind Georgia 13–0 at halftime, Hurts was benched in favor of true freshman Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa led the Crimson Tide to a thrilling comeback victory in overtime, and while confetti fell and the world celebrated Tua’s heroics, Jalen Hurts stood on the sideline. Smiling, clapping, supporting his teammate.
That moment defined who Jalen Hurts truly is.
He didn’t sulk.
He didn’t transfer immediately.
He didn’t make it about him.
He stayed.
He learned.
He grew.
In 2018, he lost the starting job to Tagovailoa. Still, he remained the ultimate teammate.
Encouraging.
Focused.
Ready.
And when Alabama needed him most, in the 2018 SEC Championship Game, his story full came full circle.
When Tua went down with an injury, Hurts stepped in and led the Crimson Tide to a 35–28 comeback victory over Georgia: the same team, the same stage, the same kind of moment that had once broken his heart.
That wasn’t luck. That was preparation meeting opportunity. That was faith rewarded.
After that season, with the blessing and advice of Nick Saban, Hurts transferred to Oklahoma to finish his college career. Some saw it as a restart, but Hurts treated it like a rebirth. In his lone season as a Sooner, he threw for 3,851 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, while rushing for 1,298 yards and 20 touchdowns. He finished second in the Heisman Trophy race behind Joe Burrow, but once again, Jalen Hurts proved what everyone who truly knew him already understood: he’s a winner in every sense of the word.
Still, the NFL wasn’t convinced.
At the 2020 NFL Combine, Hurts was questioned repeatedly about whether he should change positions; whether he was “really” a quarterback. His answer was firm, respectful, and confident.
“I’ve always been a team-first guy,” Hurts said, “but I think I’m a quarterback. I think that’s that.”
Some rolled their eyes.
Some doubted him.
But Jalen Hurts never doubted himself.
The Philadelphia Eagles selected him 53rd overall in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. A pick that sparked criticism and confusion at the time. Many saw him as nothing more than a backup or a special play type of player. But Hurts saw something different. He saw a chance to work. To earn. To prove.
And that’s exactly what he did.
From backing up Carson Wentz to eventually becoming the face of the franchise, Hurts’ journey has been marked by steady, relentless growth.
Every season, he’s silenced more critics.
Every game, he’s inspired more believers.
His leadership, composure, and relentless work ethic have turned him into one of the most respected quarterbacks in the NFL.
He’s broken multiple Eagles and NFL records.
He’s led his team to incredible seasons, including a Super Bowl appearance, and a Super Bowl win.
He won Super Bowl MVP in 2024.
And through it all, he’s remained the same calm, grounded, team-first leader who once smiled from the sidelines as a benched quarterback in Tuscaloosa.
Jalen Hurts’ story isn’t just about football. It’s about what it means to believe in yourself when no one else does.It’s about humility in the spotlight and grace in adversity. It’s about staying true to your purpose.
Even when others gave up on him, Jalen Hurts never gave up on himself. He never listened to the noise. He just kept showing up, working hard, staying focused, and living by faith.
He’s resilient.
He’s passionate.
He’s the epitome of a great teammate.
And he’s an even better person.
Built by Bama. Refined by Oklahoma. Defined by perseverance.
May Jalen Hurts continue to prove doubters wrong and inspire dreamers everywhere: to keep going, keep believing, and when life tests you, to spread your wings and fly.
