Jalen Hurts overcame Alabama’s 49-year football drought and created Super Bowl history | Goodbread
Jalen Hurts has often been a figure of resilience, overcoming challenges and expectations at every level of football, from high school to college and now in the NFL. His journey, which took him from the heart of Alabama football to a Super Bowl championship, is a testament to the power of persistence, adaptability, and leadership. As a quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, Hurts not only helped lead his team to the Super Bowl but also made history in a way that echoes Alabama’s long football legacy.
This is the story of Jalen Hurts, a quarterback who defied all odds and overcame a 49-year drought for Alabama football to create Super Bowl history.
The Alabama Legacy
To understand Hurts’ journey, it is important to understand the deep roots of Alabama football. The University of Alabama’s football program is one of the most storied in the history of college football, featuring a tradition of success that stretches back to the 1920s. Under legendary coaches like Paul “Bear” Bryant and Nick Saban, Alabama’s football teams won national championships and produced some of the best players ever to step onto the gridiron. Yet, for all of the championships and history, there was one glaring absence during the modern era: a quarterback who could lead Alabama to an undefeated season and win the national title.
For 49 years, Alabama football had failed to win a national championship with a quarterback at the helm who could be deemed the team’s true leader, a problem that plagued the team during the years that followed its dominance in the 1970s. Despite dominant defenses and future NFL stars at nearly every position, the Crimson Tide’s search for a quarterback who could lead them to the top remained elusive.
Enter Jalen Hurts
In 2016, Jalen Hurts arrived at Alabama as a true freshman, joining a program that had made three straight trips to the College Football Playoff under head coach Nick Saban. Hurts was already a highly sought-after recruit from Channelview, Texas, with a stellar high school career behind him. But Hurts’ immediate impact at Alabama caught everyone by surprise.
He didn’t just play, he dominated. Hurts won the starting quarterback job as a freshman and led the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoff, where they eventually lost to Clemson in the National Championship game. Despite the tough loss, Hurts showed incredible poise and maturity, traits that would become his hallmark throughout his career. His ability to manage games and make big-time throws in high-pressure situations was evident from the start.
In his sophomore year, Hurts led Alabama to the 2017 National Championship, delivering a remarkable season that made him a household name. However, Hurts’ reign as the undisputed starting quarterback was soon threatened when Nick Saban, in a bold move, replaced him in the second half of the National Championship game with freshman Tua Tagovailoa. Tua would lead Alabama to a thrilling comeback victory, but Hurts’ leadership and perseverance became a defining aspect of his story.
Despite the public and emotional setback, Hurts didn’t flinch. He remained composed, supportive of his teammate, and never wavered in his commitment to Alabama. Hurts’ decision to stay at Alabama, instead of transferring, showcased his resilience, a trait that would become more apparent as he transitioned to the NFL.
Overcoming Setbacks and Triumphs
The following season, Hurts’ role at Alabama became more fluid as he shared time with Tagovailoa. But while the national spotlight often focused on Tua, Hurts never backed down. His work ethic, leadership, and willingness to improve would pay off. During his final year at Alabama, Hurts’ ability to adapt and become a more complete quarterback helped Alabama reach the College Football Playoff once again, though they were ultimately defeated by Clemson.
In the years that followed, Jalen Hurts’ name became synonymous with perseverance. In the face of adversity, he found ways to win games. His leadership skills were recognized not just by his teammates but by the football world at large. He was the epitome of a quarterback who would do whatever it took to win, even if it meant sacrificing personal accolades.
His time at Alabama, though marred by controversy and competition, laid the foundation for what would come next: his decision to transfer to the University of Oklahoma for his final year of college eligibility. There, Hurts had the chance to reinvent himself, not as a game manager but as a dynamic, dual-threat quarterback. His senior season under head coach Lincoln Riley propelled Hurts into the first round of the NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles.
The NFL Journey Begins
When Hurts joined the Eagles in 2020, his future in the NFL was anything but certain. Philadelphia had Carson Wentz, a former No. 2 overall pick, and a quarterback entrenched as the starter. But once again, Hurts’ resilience and ability to seize opportunities shone through. Injuries and poor performance from Wentz led to Hurts being given the starting job late in his rookie season. His play was far from perfect, but Hurts exhibited the same leadership and competitive spirit that had defined him at Alabama.
In 2021, Hurts had the opportunity to become the unquestioned leader of the Eagles, and while the team didn’t make a deep playoff run that year, it was clear that Hurts had something special. His ability to lead the Eagles with both his arm and his legs made him a constant threat on the field. His growth as a quarterback was undeniable, and he proved that he could be a starting quarterback in the NFL, not just a backup or developmental player.
Super Bowl History
By the 2022 season, Hurts was playing at an elite level, leading the Eagles to the best record in the NFL and earning the team’s first Super Bowl appearance since 2017. Hurts’ performance in the 2022 season was nothing short of extraordinary. He showcased all of the traits that had made him successful in college: leadership, toughness, and the ability to perform under pressure.
The 2023 Super Bowl, held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, was a historic matchup between the Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. Hurts entered the game not only as the leader of the Eagles but also as a symbol of overcoming adversity and defying expectations. For Hurts, this was not just another game—it was the culmination of a journey that had started with a drought at Alabama, included countless doubters along the way, and led to a moment of Super Bowl glory.
In a back-and-forth thriller, Hurts was nearly flawless. He passed for 304 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 70 yards and three more touchdowns. Hurts’ performance in the Super Bowl was one of the best in recent memory for a quarterback, and his ability to perform in clutch moments underscored his growth from a promising freshman at Alabama to one of the NFL’s brightest stars.
Though the Eagles ultimately lost the game in a hard-fought 38-35 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs, Hurts’ legacy was solidified. His leadership, poise, and unmatched determination made him the clear MVP of the game, even in a losing effort. Hurts’ performance sent shockwaves through the NFL, and many began to see him as one of the league’s top quarterbacks.
A Symbol of Resilience
Jalen Hurts’ journey from Alabama to Super Bowl LVII is the embodiment of perseverance in the face of adversity. From being benched in the National Championship game to leading the Eagles to the Super Bowl, Hurts’ story is one of transformation. He has evolved from a player who was once seen as a backup to a player who is now considered one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.
But perhaps what stands out most about Hurts is his humility and his focus on the team, not the individual accolades. His ability to lead and his commitment to growth are qualities that will resonate far beyond his playing days. For Hurts, success was never just about winning a Super Bowl or earning personal accolades. It was about overcoming obstacles, staying true to his values, and proving that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
Jalen Hurts is not just a symbol of what’s possible in football—he’s a symbol of what’s possible in life. His story reminds us that no matter the obstacles in our way, resilience, humility, and an unwavering belief in oneself can overcome even the most challenging of circumstances.
