Before Taking on the Vikings, Jalen Hurts Reflects on His Connection With Carson Wentz and What It Means for the Game.QQ
When Jalen Hurts was drafted No. 53rd overall to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020, he was initially supposed to be the long-term backup to franchise quarterback Carson Wentz.
The ensuing year was a disaster for Wentz. Not only was the league playing through a pandemic, but Wentz recorded the worst statistical season of his career after signing a four-year, $128 million contract extension.
After starting the year 3-8-1, Wentz was benched in favor of Hurts, and the organization never looked back. Wentz saw the writing on the wall. He demanded a trade, was shipped to Indianapolis, and the rest was quite literally history for the Eagles.
Several rumors suggested that Wentz felt threatened by the presence of Hurts, but the two have always spoken highly of each other. Wentz and Hurts will be on opposite sidelines this weekend as the Eagles travel to Minnesota, where Wentz has started the last three weeks in place of injured J.J. McCarthy.
When asked how his rookie season with Wentz helped shape his career, Hurts offered nothing but praise.Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
“I enjoyed my time with Carson. I learned a lot from him. I was always a pure student, taking everything in through my experience with him. So I think right now, trying to set the best example I can, knowing the things I was able to experience.”
Carson Wentz was on Kansas City’s roster last season and watched Jalen Hurts dominate the Chiefs’ defense. Hurts brought Philadelphia its second Super Bowl title in the process and was named Super Bowl MVP.
Wentz played an integral part in the Eagles’ first Super Bowl run, leading his team to an 11-2 record in 2017 before tearing his ACL. Nick Foles took over and finished the job, defeating Tom Brady and the Patriots in Super Bowl LII.
