Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has opened up about a pivotal moment in his career when he nearly walked away from professional football altogether. The revelation came during an appearance on ABC's 'Good Morning America' on Monday, where Hurts was promoting his new children's book titled 'Better Than a Touchdown.'
A Moment of Doubt and Reflection
During the interview, Hurts was asked if there had ever been a time when he felt the urge to stop pursuing his NFL ambitions and what ultimately motivated him to continue. The star quarterback responded candidly, describing a period during his college years where he seriously questioned his future in the sport.
'A time where I wanted to quit. There was a time, and I was actually just reflecting on this,' Hurts explained. 'There was a time in college where I really questioned, you know, what's going on... Where do I go from here?'
Overcoming Adversity Through Passion
Hurts detailed the significant challenges he faced during that difficult phase, stating that he encountered substantial adversity, was frequently counted out by critics, and faced extensive doubt and scrutiny from various quarters. Despite these obstacles, he emphasized that his unwavering passion for the game ultimately propelled him forward.
'I just persevered... my passion overcame every ounce of doubt. Overcame every ounce of fear, and I think that's the number one thing in life,' Hurts remarked. He further added, 'You got to have the courage to press forward. And so, without the courage and perseverance and the resilience and the passion, I wouldn't be here today.'
The Journey from College to Super Bowl Glory
Hurts' football journey saw him transfer from the University of Alabama to the University of Oklahoma, where he evolved from a backup role into a top quarterback prospect. His dedication paid off when the Philadelphia Eagles selected him as the 53rd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, eventually making him their full-time starter over Carson Wentz.
Since then, Hurts has achieved remarkable success, including two Super Bowl appearances and a victory in Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he was named the Most Valuable Player. Reflecting on that triumph in February 2025, Hurts shared his emotions with Good Morning America.
'For 364 days of the year, you work day-in and day-out — blood, sweat and tears — just for one moment and that's to hold that trophy,' he said. 'When I saw myself in that reflection, it was something I have never seen before so that's an amazing feeling.'
Hurts' story serves as a powerful testament to the importance of resilience and determination in overcoming professional and personal hurdles, highlighting how moments of doubt can ultimately lead to extraordinary achievements.
