Greatness isn’t just about talent. It’s about perseverance, resilience, and the ability to rise after every fall. Jalen Hurts embodies this mindset like few others in the game. His journey went from a benched college quarterback at Alabama to a Super Bowl champion.
Hurts’ path was never smooth, but every setback fueled his ultimate triumph on football’s biggest stage.
Jalen Hurts’ Road to the Super Bowl
The Instagram page @jalenhurts__enthusiast summed it up best with a series of pictures documenting his career journey and the caption:
“Jalen continues to defy the odds.”
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Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Hurts grew up immersed in the world of football. His father, Averion Hurts, wasn’t just his biggest supporter; he was also his head coach at Channelview High School.
From an early age, Hurts showcased his natural ability as a dual-threat quarterback. He proved that he could dominate both through the air and on the ground. His high school performances quickly made him a sought-after recruit, with top college programs vying for his commitment.
Ultimately, Hurts chose the University of Alabama, a program renowned for producing elite talent. In 2016, he stepped onto the field as a true freshman and immediately made an impact. He led Alabama to an undefeated regular season and earned the SEC Offensive Player of the Year award.
At just 18 years old, he had already solidified himself as one of college football’s most exciting young quarterbacks. But football has a way of testing even the most promising athletes, and for Hurts, the biggest challenge of his college career was right around the corner.
An Up and Down College Career
Hurts’ sophomore season in 2017 saw him continue his dominance, leading the Crimson Tide to an 11-1 record and securing a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
But in that title game, he faced a moment that would redefine his career. Despite all his success, he was benched at halftime in favor of freshman Tua Tagovailoa. The move paid off for Alabama as Tagovailoa orchestrated a dramatic comeback, securing the championship.
For many, being pulled from a championship game would have been crushing. But Hurts refused to let the moment define him.
Rather than transferring immediately, he stayed with Alabama for the 2018 season, backing up Tagovailoa while continuing to work on his game.
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When his team needed him most—during the SEC Championship game—Hurts stepped in after an injury to Tagovailoa and led Alabama to victory, a moment that reminded the world of his talent and mental toughness.
Despite his heroics, it became clear that his path at Alabama had run its course. If he wanted to reach his full potential, he needed a fresh start. And that’s exactly what he sought.
Knowing he needed more playing time to develop as a quarterback, Hurts transferred to the University of Oklahoma for his senior season in 2019. Under the guidance of head coach Lincoln Riley, he flourished.
“To my Bama family, once again, THANK YOU — for everything,” Hurts wrote in a farewell piece. “It’s been a great three years. I’ll love you until the end of time!”
At Oklahoma, he put up staggering numbers, throwing for 3,851 yards and 32 touchdowns while rushing for another 1,298 yards and 20 touchdowns. He finished as a Heisman Trophy finalist, only losing to LSU’s Joe Burrow.
His time at Oklahoma not only reestablished him as an elite quarterback but also showcased his ability to adapt and thrive under different systems.
Defying the Odds in the NFL
Despite his success in college, many NFL analysts doubted whether Hurts had what it took to be a franchise quarterback. When the Philadelphia Eagles selected him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, critics questioned the decision. But, as he had done throughout his career, Hurts silenced the doubters.
Shoot, not too long ago, while his Eagles were winning 16 of their past 17 games, he was ridiculed for not connecting better with star receiver A.J. Brown. There was always something people wanted to critique.
Yet, on the morning after Super Bowl 59, after Hurts capped his phenomenal season with a clutch performance for the ages, there was nothing left to knock. As Hurts posed with the Lombardi Trophy and the Pete Rozelle Trophy, awarded to the Super Bowl MVP, he looked to be at peace.
“When you hoist those trophies, it’s more so about the journey and less about the results,” Hurts said. “Obviously, we’re going to be judged for results, but that’s for everyone else to talk about. But the journey is what builds us. It makes us who we are.”
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The iconic words from Big Sean, “Last night took an L, but tonight I bounce back,” could easily be the anthem for Hurts’ collegiate journey. His path wasn’t just about championships and accolades. It was about resilience, self-belief, and proving the doubters wrong at every turn.
Hurts’ collegiate journey provided the foundation for his NFL success, leading him to his most recent triumph on football’s biggest stage. He made history as the fourth Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl and became the MVP in the process.
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