In the annals of football, there are winners, and then there is Jalen. His career, spanning both college and the professional ranks, defies conventional narratives. It’s a tapestry woven with resilience, adaptability, and an almost preternatural ability to guide his teams to victory, regardless of the circumstances. Seven seasons as a full-time starter across both levels, seven appearances in the playoffs, four appearances in the title game, two Heisman/MVP top-2 finishes, a Super Bowl MVP, and an astounding combined win-loss record of 89-20 (regular season plus postseason) – these aren’t just statistics; they are the markers of a unique football savant, a player whose journey is constructed differently. He is always winning.
Jalen’s collegiate career alone could fill a highlight reel of unprecedented scenarios. At the University of Alabama, he became the first true freshman quarterback to start a game under the legendary Nick Saban, a feat almost unthinkable in the rigid structure of Saban’s dynasty.1 In his freshman season (2016), he led the Crimson Tide to a 13-1 record, an SEC Championship, and an appearance in the National Championship Game, where they ultimately fell to Clemson in a thrilling contest.2 He was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year and SEC Freshman of the Year, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities with 2,780 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and 954 rushing yards with 13 scores.
The following year (2017), he again led Alabama to a 13-1 regular season record and another National Championship appearance. In a moment that would define his character and career trajectory, he was benched at halftime of that championship game against Georgia in favor of true freshman Tua Tagovailoa. Instead of wilting, Jalen remained steadfast, supporting his team and, in a twist of fate, re-entered the title game the following year (2018) in relief of an injured Tagovailoa in the SEC Championship, leading a heroic comeback victory over Georgia that secured Alabama a spot in the College Football Playoff.3 This demonstration of selflessness, poise, and unwavering dedication in the face of adversity endeared him to coaches, teammates, and fans, cementing his reputation as a supreme competitor. He finished his Alabama career with a staggering 26-2 record as a starter.
Seeking a new challenge and a chance to fully showcase his passing development, Jalen transferred to the University of Oklahoma for his senior season in 2019.4 Under Lincoln Riley’s tutelage, he exploded, putting together a Heisman-caliber campaign that saw him finish as the Heisman Trophy runner-up to Joe Burrow. He threw for a career-high 3,851 yards and 32 touchdowns, complemented by an incredible 1,298 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns. He led Oklahoma to a 12-2 record, a Big 12 Championship, and yet another College Football Playoff appearance. Despite a loss to LSU in the Peach Bowl, Jalen’s Oklahoma season proved his elite status and readiness for the NFL. His collegiate record as a full-time starter stands at an astounding 38-4.
Transitioning to the NFL, Jalen Hurts was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.5 His rookie season saw him appear in 15 games, starting the final four, and showcasing flashes of his dynamic playmaking ability. In 2021, he took over as the full-time starter, guiding the Eagles to a surprising playoff berth with an 8-7 record in his 15 starts. While they lost in the Wild Card round, it was clear the Eagles had found their franchise quarterback.
The 2022 NFL season marked Jalen’s true breakout. He finished as an NFL MVP runner-up, leading the Eagles to a dominant 14-1 record in his 15 starts, securing the NFC’s top seed. He quarterbacked Philadelphia to the Super Bowl LVII, where he delivered one of the most remarkable individual performances in Super Bowl history, throwing for 304 yards and one touchdown, and rushing for 70 yards and an unprecedented three rushing touchdowns.6 Despite his heroics, the Eagles narrowly lost to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in a classic Super Bowl. His leadership and composure on the biggest stage solidified his status as one of the league’s elite.
His relentless pursuit of improvement and his profound leadership were on full display in the 2023 season. Jalen led the Eagles to an 11-6 record, another playoff appearance, and solidified his standing as a top-tier dual-threat quarterback. He continued to evolve as a passer, refining his mechanics and decision-making, while still maintaining his devastating ability as a runner.
Then came the 2024 season, the culmination of Jalen’s journey to the pinnacle of professional football. He led the Philadelphia Eagles to a 14-3 regular season record, again securing a top seed in the NFC playoffs. He continued to build on his statistical prowess, showing incredible command of the offense and a remarkable ability to deliver in crucial moments. In the playoffs, he steered the Eagles through a challenging NFC bracket, culminating in a rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. This time, Jalen Hurts and the Eagles emerged victorious, with a decisive 40-22 win. Jalen was named the Super Bowl LIX Most Valuable Player, completing 17 of 22 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns, and breaking his own Super Bowl record for rushing yards by a quarterback with 72 yards.7 This win was not just a Super Bowl title; it was a testament to his relentless work ethic, his ability to overcome setbacks, and his unwavering belief in himself and his team.
When viewed as a continuous narrative, Jalen Hurts’ career is a masterclass in consistent winning. From his 13-1 freshman year at Alabama to his 12-2 Heisman runner-up season at Oklahoma, and then his ascendance in the NFL, culminating in a Super Bowl MVP, he has demonstrated an unmatched ability to contribute to winning at the highest levels. His combined W-L record of 89-20 over seven seasons as a full-time starter reflects a staggering 81.7% winning percentage. He has experienced the highs of national championships and Super Bowl victories, and the bitter taste of defeat in those same championship games, yet always rebounded, always improved, and always found a way to win.
His journey is a powerful counter-narrative to the idea that a quarterback must be a finished product upon entering the league, or that adversity derails a career. Instead, Jalen’s experiences at Alabama, from being the wunderkind to being benched, forged a mental toughness and a relentless drive for self-improvement that has been the bedrock of his unparalleled success. He is not just always winning on the scoreboard; he is always winning in his personal development, in his leadership, and in his ability to inspire those around him. Jalen Hurts is a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, constructing a career built on one undeniable truth: he is always winning.
