Jalen Hurts credits ‘Georgia background’ for Philadelphia’s championship-level connection
In the world of professional sports, the connection between a quarterback and his teammates can make or break a championship contender. For the Philadelphia Eagles, Jalen Hurts has become the embodiment of what it means to be a leader, and the 2025 season saw the team elevate to a championship-caliber level, a feat largely attributed to the quarterback’s influence. One of the key factors Hurts himself credits for his success and the Eagles’ emergence as one of the most dominant teams in the NFL is his upbringing, specifically his “Georgia background.”
This term refers to the influence of Hurts’ formative years, which were spent honing his athleticism, leadership, and mentality in a state known for producing high-caliber athletes across various sports, particularly football. Hurts’ upbringing in Georgia not only shaped him into the player he is today, but it also played a vital role in how he has cultivated a unique connection with his teammates, a chemistry that has propelled the Eagles to a championship-level mindset.
The Georgia Football Legacy: A Hotbed for Talent
Georgia is widely known as one of the premier football states in the country, consistently producing top-tier talent at both the high school and collegiate levels. With programs like the University of Georgia Bulldogs, which has become a powerhouse in the SEC and a perennial contender for national titles, the state has long been a breeding ground for elite athletes. From a young age, Hurts was immersed in a competitive football culture that demanded excellence.
Growing up in the Atlanta area, Hurts attended Channelview High School and quickly earned a reputation for his dual-threat abilities as a quarterback. Known for his toughness and leadership skills, Hurts developed a competitive mindset that would carry him through the rest of his career. In Georgia, the pressure to succeed is palpable, and athletes are often encouraged to cultivate a winning mentality from an early age.
“Georgia is a football state. That’s the best way to put it,” Hurts said in a recent interview. “The competition, the coaches, and the environment just breed success. Every day is about being your best and pushing others to be their best. That’s the type of mindset I had growing up, and it stayed with me.”
This mentality translated into Hurts’ success in high school, where he led his team to multiple district titles. However, what separated Hurts from many of his peers was not just his physical talent but his work ethic and relentless drive to improve, qualities that would later serve him well when making the transition to college football.
Hurts’ Time at Alabama: A Crucible for Growth
After a standout high school career, Hurts earned a scholarship to the University of Alabama, one of college football’s most prestigious programs. Under head coach Nick Saban, Hurts was thrust into the national spotlight early on, taking over the starting role as a true freshman. His time in Tuscaloosa helped further solidify his leadership abilities and made him battle-tested for the NFL, but it also exposed him to a level of competition that prepared him for his eventual journey in the pros.
Despite facing intense pressure at Alabama, Hurts remained steady. His 2016 campaign helped the Crimson Tide reach the National Championship Game, where he showcased his calm under pressure despite a tough loss. His continued development throughout his college years—particularly after transferring to Oklahoma for his senior season—showcased his resilience, determination, and growth as both a quarterback and leader. Hurts’ time at Oklahoma was marked by a shift in his approach to the game, as he transitioned from a traditional quarterback to one who could rely on his legs as well as his arm, making him an even more dangerous dual-threat option.
Alabama, of course, is located in a region with a football culture similar to Georgia’s—competitive, gritty, and demanding. The state’s football culture played an enormous role in Hurts’ development, especially as he learned from veteran teammates and coaches. However, it was the foundation that Hurts built in Georgia that gave him a unique edge. Hurts was accustomed to fierce competition from the start, which helped him rise to the occasion on the national stage, making the transition to the NFL seamless.
Philadelphia Eagles: A New Home and Championship Aspirations
When Hurts was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the franchise was in a state of flux. The team had a Super Bowl title to its name just a few years prior, but questions loomed over its quarterback position, which was in need of a true leader. Enter Hurts—a young, dynamic player with the work ethic and leadership qualities necessary to change the course of the Eagles’ future.
In just a few seasons, Hurts has completely transformed the Eagles, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks. His ability to connect with teammates, maintain composure in high-pressure situations, and play with a chip on his shoulder has made him the centerpiece of a championship-caliber team. While Hurts’ individual talent cannot be overlooked, it is his leadership—shaped by his upbringing in Georgia—that has created the foundation for the Eagles’ success.
The Eagles’ locker room is a tight-knit unit, one that has bought into Hurts’ approach and mentality. Hurts credits the synergy between the players and coaches, as well as the bond they share on and off the field, for their success. And while Hurts’ leadership plays a major role in this cohesion, he has often pointed to the lessons learned during his time in Georgia as pivotal.
“The Georgia culture really set me up for success here in Philadelphia. It taught me how to lead by example and how to push others to be better,” Hurts said. “We’ve got a lot of great leaders on this team, and I think it’s that brotherhood that helps bring us together. But it’s the Georgia background that taught me how to lead with discipline, with respect, and with a relentless work ethic.”
A Championship-Level Connection: Hurts and His Eagles Teammates
It’s evident that the Eagles’ success is not solely attributed to Hurts’ individual prowess; it is the way he has meshed with his teammates. Hurts’ leadership style is built on authenticity, empathy, and consistency, qualities that have helped him gain the trust and respect of those around him. He has developed a special connection with the core players on offense, from the offensive line to the wide receivers and running backs, creating a seamless rhythm on the field. Hurts’ background in Georgia has not only sharpened his skills but also molded his approach to team chemistry.
When it comes to building a successful team, nothing is more important than trust. Hurts’ background in Georgia taught him how to earn that trust—not by demanding it, but by showing up every day and giving his all. His approach has resonated with teammates like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert, who all have spoken highly of his leadership both on and off the field. Brown, in particular, has mentioned Hurts’ calm and focused demeanor as a source of inspiration, noting how Hurts always remains composed, even in the most high-pressure situations.
“Jalen’s just built differently,” said Brown. “The way he carries himself, the way he holds himself accountable—it’s contagious. That’s what makes him such a great leader. We all want to follow him because we trust him, and that’s not something you just get overnight.”
Hurts’ relationship with the offensive line is another prime example of the bond he has cultivated with his teammates. The Eagles’ offensive line, one of the best in the league, has been essential in Hurts’ success, and he is quick to credit their hard work in return. His leadership extends beyond the X’s and O’s, as he constantly engages with his linemen, making sure they’re not just playing for themselves but for each other and the team.
The Path to Super Bowl Glory: A Team United by Hurts’ Leadership
By the time Super Bowl LIX arrived, the Eagles were poised for greatness. Hurts, who had already shown flashes of brilliance in previous seasons, was playing at an MVP level, and the Eagles were among the top contenders in the NFC. The bond Hurts had cultivated with his teammates proved invaluable when the stakes reached their highest point. The Eagles rallied around Hurts’ calm leadership and unwavering determination, playing with a unity that had been fostered throughout the season.
Hurts’ role in the Eagles’ success went beyond just making key throws or running the ball himself—he was the glue that held the team together. His “Georgia background,” as he put it, had instilled in him the qualities necessary for leading a championship team: toughness, resilience, and a relentless drive to improve. These traits have manifested themselves on the field, culminating in the Eagles’ success in Super Bowl LIX.
In a nail-biting Super Bowl finale, Hurts demonstrated his poise under pressure, leading the Eagles to victory with a combination of clutch throws and key runs. His leadership was felt in every huddle, every call, and every moment of the game. The Eagles had become a championship-level team, and Hurts had become their unquestioned leader.
