Jalen Hurts has been defying expectations lengthy earlier than he turned an NFL star. On Sunday, Hurts is beginning his second Tremendous Bowl in three years because the Philadelphia Eagles again within the huge recreation. The final time Hurts was on the Tremendous Bowl stage, he was the primary participant in NFL historical past to throw for 300-plus yards, rush for 70-plus yards, and rush for 3 touchdowns in a recreation.
And yet, as CBSSports.com’s Jeff Kerr writes: “Jalen Hurts has as many Super Bowl appearances as Steve Younger and Dan Marino mixed, two of the best quarterbacks to ever play the sport. Primarily based on the way in which Hurts is criticized by throwing the soccer, many would assume he is not passer.”
Hurts’ journey from highschool to the professionals is full of setbacks and redemption — clichés, little doubt, however worthy of describing a narrative that we start in 2014.
Excessive Faculty: Texas heartbreak and Alabama dedication
Hurts grew up in Channelview, Texas, with goals of enjoying for the Longhorns.
“To start with, Texas was the one,” his father, Averion, instructed me in 2017.
He attended Texas’ summer season camp in 2014 however didn’t earn a proposal. This was when Charlie Robust was head coach. As an alternative, Texas went with Shane Buechele — who, coincidentally, ended up on the Chiefs alongside Hurts years later. That recruiting snub formed Hurts’ mindset.
“They have been type of like that first girlfriend that broke your coronary heart,” Averion mentioned. “They made him mature actual fast. He had a unique mindset. He appreciated Texas and all the things, they have been the primary ones, and it was the College of Texas. However he was injured and, unexpectedly, it was, ‘Eh.’ Once they went a unique route, he understood how recruiting labored. After that he understood it was about taking good care of himself and doing the perfect that he might.”
Alabama noticed what Texas did not. Hurts dedicated in June 2015 however did not make a giant announcement. Elite 11’s Twitter account did it for him.
Alabama: On the spot influence and a dramatic exit
Hurts made his Alabama debut in 2016 as a real freshman. He fumbled on his first snap however recovered to throw two touchdowns and run for 2 extra in a 52-6 win over USC. By Week 2, he was the beginning quarterback — the primary true freshman to start out at Alabama since 1984. He gained SEC Offensive Participant of the 12 months and led Alabama to the nationwide title recreation, the place Clemson broke his coronary heart within the closing seconds.
The subsequent season, Hurts went 13-1 however was benched at halftime of the nationwide championship in favor of Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa’s heroics made him the brand new QB1. Regardless of his 26-2 report as a starter, Hurts was now a backup.
Reasonably than switch instantly, Hurts stayed at Alabama, and within the 2018 SEC Championship, he bought his Hollywood second –coming off the bench to steer Alabama to a comeback win over Georgia. It was Hurts’ penultimate recreation with the Crimson Tide. He graduated with a bachelor’s diploma in communications and data sciences.
Oklahoma: One closing stand
Hurts transferred to Oklahoma in 2019, hoping to observe within the footsteps of Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray. He delivered, passing for 3,347 yards and 31 touchdowns whereas speeding for 1,217 yards and 18 extra scores. He completed second in Heisman voting behind Joe Burrow and led Oklahoma to the Faculty Soccer Playoff, the place the Sooners have been crushed by Burrow.
By the point his faculty profession ended, Hurts had:
- 4 CFP appearances
- One nationwide championship
- A 38-4 report as a starter
- 9,477 passing yards, 80 TDs
- 3,274 speeding yards, 43 TDs
At Oklahoma, Hurts obtained his grasp’s diploma in human relations.
Hurts’ story has all the time been certainly one of perseverance. From highschool snubs to Alabama glory to an Oklahoma resurgence, he is confirmed time and time once more that he thrives when folks doubt him.
“You do not see a ton of fluctuation with him from daily,” his former coach, Lincoln Riley, once told 247Sports. “You do not see a ton of fluctuation with him from daily,” Riley told 247Sports.”