The greatest pictures of Jalen Hurts at Alabama before to his historic MVP performance in the Super Bowl

Jalen Hurts is one of the most iconic quarterbacks to ever play at Alabama, and his journey from a highly recruited freshman to a Super Bowl MVP performance with the Philadelphia Eagles is a testament to his resilience, work ethic, and natural talent. While Hurts’ story in the NFL is being written with each game, his college years at Alabama remain one of the most captivating chapters. The pictures of Hurts at Alabama capture more than just moments in time; they reflect his growth, his leadership, and the indelible mark he left on one of the most successful football programs in history.

Hurts’ time at Alabama was filled with highs, lows, and plenty of defining moments that shaped him into the player he is today. From his arrival as a 5-star recruit, to leading Alabama to a national championship as a true freshman, to his controversial benching in the 2018 national championship game, Hurts’ journey at Alabama was never boring. His final season with the Crimson Tide, in which he led them to the College Football Playoff and played with a new sense of maturity and leadership, set the stage for his professional career.

In this article, we’ll take a visual journey through some of the most iconic and meaningful pictures of Jalen Hurts during his time at Alabama, and explore how each moment played a part in his development as a player—and ultimately, how those experiences prepared him for his historic MVP performance in Super Bowl LVII.

1. The Freshman Phenomenon: 2016

The Moment: Jalen Hurts Leads Alabama to the SEC Title

One of the most powerful images of Hurts’ early career came in 2016 when he became the first true freshman to start a season opener for Alabama under Nick Saban. The moment that captured Hurts’ arrival as a star came during the SEC Championship Game against Florida, where he led the Crimson Tide to a dominant victory. In a picture that will forever be associated with his freshman year, Hurts is seen holding up the SEC Championship trophy with a wide grin on his face, his teammates celebrating around him.

This picture wasn’t just about winning a championship; it represented Hurts’ ability to step up in the biggest moments. Despite being just 18 years old, Hurts showcased maturity and poise on the field that belied his age. With his ability to throw the football accurately and his dynamic running ability, Hurts quickly became a nightmare for defenses and a cornerstone of Alabama’s offense.

His SEC Championship performance symbolized the arrival of a new era at Alabama. Hurts wasn’t just another quarterback in a long line of Alabama signal-callers; he was the future of the program. The moment captured Hurts in his element, leading his team to victory while carrying the weight of the Crimson Tide tradition on his shoulders.

2. The National Championship: 2016

The Moment: Hurts’ Resilience After the National Championship Loss

Perhaps the most defining image of Hurts’ time at Alabama came after the national championship game in January 2017. Hurts, who had been integral in leading Alabama to a 13-0 record that season, was benched in favor of Tua Tagovailoa during the second half of the game. The benching was a difficult and emotional moment, as Hurts had been a leader on the field all year and had carried Alabama through some tough games.

However, it was the picture of Hurts sitting on the sideline, watching the national championship slip away from him, that became emblematic of his character. Rather than sulking, Hurts stood by his teammates, offering encouragement and support. He wasn’t bitter about the decision to bench him; instead, he was the first person to congratulate Tua when the freshman threw the game-winning touchdown pass in overtime.

This moment—captured in countless pictures—became a defining symbol of Hurts’ leadership and maturity. He wasn’t just the starting quarterback; he was a leader who put the team first, no matter his personal disappointment. That sense of humility, grace under pressure, and unselfishness would become a hallmark of Hurts’ career.

3. A Redemption Story: 2018 SEC Championship

The Moment: Hurts Leads Alabama to Victory After Tua’s Injury

Fast forward to the 2018 SEC Championship Game, where Hurts’ leadership reached new heights. With Tua Tagovailoa injured and Alabama trailing Georgia, Hurts was called upon in the second half to lead the Crimson Tide offense. The images of Hurts coming off the bench and leading Alabama to a comeback victory were nothing short of magical.

One of the most powerful pictures from this moment shows Hurts, his helmet off, walking to the sideline with a look of determination. It’s a picture that captures the essence of his journey. Hurts, who had been benched in the national championship game the previous year, was now the man who would carry Alabama to victory. His performance against Georgia in the SEC Championship became one of the most important games of his career, and the photograph of him raising his arms in triumph after throwing the game-winning touchdown symbolizes not only his personal redemption but also his unwavering commitment to Alabama.

This moment was a statement to the world that Hurts had grown into a complete player—one capable of handling adversity and leading with poise when it mattered most. His comeback in the SEC Championship served as a precursor to the leadership he would demonstrate both in college and later in the NFL.

4. The MVP of Leadership: 2019

The Moment: Hurts Stands Tall Amid Transfer Rumors

By the time the 2019 season arrived, Hurts had already solidified his status as one of the most successful quarterbacks in Alabama history. However, things took a turn when he decided to transfer to Oklahoma for his final season of eligibility. Before he left, Hurts made one final appearance for Alabama at the 2019 College Football Playoff, playing in a game against Oklahoma.

There is a striking image from that playoff game in which Hurts, wearing his Alabama uniform, is standing on the sidelines with a quiet but resolute look on his face. He was no longer the starting quarterback, yet his leadership had never been more evident. As Tua Tagovailoa prepared to lead Alabama against Oklahoma in the Playoff, Hurts was by his side, offering advice, encouragement, and leadership in a way that transcended any on-field role. This picture encapsulated Hurts’ approach to football in a nutshell: He didn’t have to be the star to make an impact. He understood that leadership wasn’t always about being the first name on the depth chart.

His decision to transfer to Oklahoma, where he would go on to finish as a Heisman finalist, was one of the most significant moves in his career. But this photograph—taken just before his departure—showed Hurts’ quiet confidence and his readiness to take on the next chapter in his life.

5. The Final Hurrah: 2019 College Football Playoff

The Moment: Hurts and Tua Together at Alabama’s Final Game

One of the most emotional and heartwarming images of Hurts at Alabama came after the 2019 College Football Playoff. Despite the disappointment of not winning a national title, the image of Hurts and Tua together—both wearing Alabama helmets, standing side by side—became a symbol of the brotherhood and unity that defined Alabama football during that time.

The picture was taken moments after Alabama’s loss to Clemson in the College Football Playoff, and it spoke volumes about Hurts’ leadership and his relationship with his teammates. Hurts had spent three years at Alabama, and while he was no longer the starter, he had become an indispensable part of the program’s success. His relationship with Tua, who had taken over as Alabama’s starter, was an example of selflessness, humility, and a true sense of team. Both quarterbacks understood their roles, and this picture captured that bond perfectly.

For Hurts, this moment symbolized his legacy at Alabama. It wasn’t about the wins, losses, or stats; it was about the relationships, the growth, and the team-first mentality that made him one of the most beloved figures in Alabama football history.

6. From College Greatness to NFL Stardom: The Super Bowl MVP Moment

The Moment: Hurts Shines on the Biggest Stage in Super Bowl LVII

Fast forward to Super Bowl LVII, where Jalen Hurts delivered one of the greatest quarterback performances in NFL history. As a leader of the Philadelphia Eagles, Hurts led his team to an electrifying Super Bowl victory, earning the MVP honor for his record-breaking performance. The image of Hurts walking off the field after leading the Eagles to a victory, holding the Super Bowl MVP trophy high above his head, marked the culmination of a journey that began at Alabama.

This picture of Hurts, holding the MVP trophy with a smile on his face, is a reflection of everything he had worked for since his time at Alabama. From the highs and lows of his college career to the successes and challenges of his NFL journey, Hurts’ path to greatness was never linear—but it was always marked by perseverance and determination. This image from Super Bowl LVII solidified Hurts’ place in history, not only as a Super Bowl MVP but as a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and leadership.

The Legacy of Jalen Hurts

The greatest pictures of Jalen Hurts at Alabama tell the story of a young man who faced adversity, embraced challenges, and ultimately emerged as one of the most successful quarterbacks in both college football and the NFL. From his early days as a dynamic freshman quarterback to his role as a leader and a mentor, Hurts’ journey at Alabama was filled with unforgettable moments that shaped him into the player he

is today.

Through his time at Alabama, Hurts taught us that greatness isn’t defined by a single play or a single game—it’s about resilience, leadership, and never giving up on your goals. As he holds his Super Bowl MVP trophy, the pictures from his time at Alabama will serve as a reminder of where it all started and the legacy he built along the way.