Jalen Hurts Unlikely Journey To Success

Jalen Hurts: The Unlikely Rise of an NFL Star

When I started The Unlikely Success, there was one story I planned on covering almost immediately, and that was Jalen Hurts’ rise. Compared to the content on my channel today, this was not my best, but hey it was early on and set the tone for what the videos are today.

With this being said, I want to update the video made years ago with a blog about his story and finish it out with the remarkable Super Bowl won.

Jalen Hurts' journey from a freshman sensation at Alabama to an MVP candidate in the NFL is a testament to his resilience, hard work, and unwavering belief. His career has been anything but conventional, there have been highs, lows, and a relentless drive to prove doubters wrong.

Freshman Phenomenon at Alabama

In 2016, Jalen Hurts arrived at the University of Alabama as a relatively unheralded freshman. Of course he had been great in high school, but he was not a 5-star must start QB. He would quickly seize the starting quarterback role for one of the most dominant programs in college football, and under head coach Nick Saban, he led the Crimson Tide to a 14-1 record and an appearance in the National Championship Game.

His dual-threat ability made him a dangerous weapon, and he was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year. However, despite his early success, questions would linger about his passing ability and long-term viability as an elite quarterback.

Benched in the Biggest Moment

Hurts returned as Alabama's starter in 2017, leading the team to another title game appearance, and while it seemed like smooth sailing, the questions about his abilities as a passer showed their face in one of the biggest moments in his career.

After struggling in the first half of the National Championship game against Georgia, he was benched at halftime in favor of freshman Tua Tagovailoa. The switch proved to be the right call for the team, as Tagovailoa led the Crimson Tide to a dramatic overtime victory.

The moment was crushing for Hurts, though, who had been the face of Alabama’s offense. He handled the situation with grace, supporting his teammates and embracing his new reality. His maturity and leadership attributes were on full display with the way he handled the situation.

Redemption at Oklahoma

Hurts spent the 2018 season as Tagovailoa’s backup but remained committed to his team. His loyalty and work ethic were rewarded in the SEC Championship Game, where he stepped in for an injured Tagovailoa and led Alabama to a comeback win over Georgia—nearly mirroring the circumstances of his benching a year prior.

An important piece of why he stayed in 2018, was to finish his degree, which he did in December 2018.

After this, he was seeking a fresh start, and he transferred to the University of Oklahoma in 2019. Under head coach Lincoln Riley, he thrived in a quarterback-friendly system, throwing for 3,851 yards, rushing for nearly 1,300 more, and accounting for 53 total touchdowns. He finished second in Heisman Trophy voting, proving that he was far more than just a game manager. His performance solidified his status as an NFL prospect, but skepticism remained about his ability to succeed at the next level.

NFL Success Against the Odds

Despite his impressive college resume, Hurts was not seen as a surefire NFL star. The Philadelphia Eagles selected him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, a pick that was met with confusion given the presence of Carson Wentz. However, when Wentz struggled, Hurts took over late in his rookie season and flashed potential.

By 2021, he had earned the starting job, and in 2022, he silenced all doubters by leading the Eagles to a 14-3 record and a Super Bowl appearance. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs, coupled with his leadership and work ethic, made him the face of the franchise. He finished as an MVP finalist and secured a massive contract extension, cementing his place among the league’s elite quarterbacks.

Super Bowl Glory

In the 2024 NFL season, Jalen Hurts led the Philadelphia Eagles to a remarkable 14-3 record, culminating in a dominant 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. Hurts' performance was exceptional; he completed 17 of 22 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns, added 72 rushing yards, and scored a rushing touchdown, earning him the Super Bowl MVP award.

This victory was particularly significant for Hurts and the Eagles, as it avenged their loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII two years prior. Hurts' leadership and resilience throughout the season solidified his status among the NFL's elite quarterbacks.

Following the Super Bowl win, Philadelphia celebrated with a parade that culminated at the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art. Hurts addressed the crowd, expressing gratitude to the fans and reflecting on his journey:

"I told myself that when I got drafted that I wouldn't come to the Rocky steps until I won the championship. And now we're here."

Hurts’ journey from being benched in college to leading his team to a Super Bowl title exemplifies his determination and growth as a player. His story continues to inspire, demonstrating that perseverance and hard work can overcome adversity.

The Legacy of Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts’ journey is a lesson in perseverance. From being benched on the biggest stage to proving himself at Oklahoma and then defying expectations in the NFL, he has consistently bet on himself. His story isn’t just about football; it’s about resilience, adaptability, and an unshakable belief in hard work.

Hurts’ rise from an overlooked prospect to an NFL star serves as an inspiration for athletes everywhere—showing that setbacks don’t define a career, but how one responds to them does.