JALEN HURTS
Jalen Hurts is an American football quarterback currently playing in the National Football League (NFL) for the Philadelphia Eagles. Born on August 7, 1998, in Houston, Texas, Hurts grew up playing football and quickly became a standout athlete in high school. He went on to play college football at the University of Alabama and the University of Oklahoma before being drafted into the NFL.
Hurts began his college career as the backup quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide. However, he quickly became a key player for the team, filling in for starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa when he was injured. Hurts led the Crimson Tide to two consecutive Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships and helped the team reach the College Football Playoff National Championship in both 2016 and 2017.
Despite his success at Alabama, Hurts transferred to the University of Oklahoma for his final year of college eligibility. He immediately made an impact for the Sooners, throwing for over 3,800 yards and 32 touchdowns and rushing for over 1,200 yards and 20 touchdowns. Hurts was named the Big 12 Conference Newcomer of the Year and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, which is awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football.
In the 2020 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Hurts in the second round with the 53rd overall pick. He began his rookie season as the backup quarterback to veteran signal-caller Carson Wentz, but he was thrust into the starting role in Week 14 after Wentz struggled with turnovers and poor performance.
As a starter, Hurts impressed with his athleticism and poise. He threw for over 1,000 yards and six touchdowns while rushing for over 350 yards and three touchdowns in just four starts. His strong play helped the Eagles win their final two games of the season and kept them in contention for a playoff spot until the final week.
Looking ahead to the 2021 season, Hurts is expected to compete for the Eagles’ starting quarterback job. With a new coaching staff in place, including head coach Nick Sirianni and offensive coordinator Shane Steichen, Hurts will have the opportunity to showcase his skills and prove that he can be the long-term solution at quarterback for the Eagles.
In addition to his success on the football field, Hurts is also known for his character and leadership off the field. He has been recognized for his community service and philanthropy, including his work with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and his support of social justice initiatives.
Overall, Jalen Hurts is a talented quarterback with a bright future in the NFL. His success at the college level and impressive rookie season have made him a fan favorite in Philadelphia, and he has the potential to be a franchise quarterback for the Eagles for years to come.