Jalen Hurts Overcame Doubts to Become Super Bowl MVP

The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback opened up about a time he nearly quit football due to adversity.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Jalen Hurts, the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, revealed in an interview that he once considered quitting football due to the adversity and doubts he faced during his college career. However, Hurts persevered, driven by his passion for the game, and went on to win Super Bowl MVP in 2025 after leading the Eagles to victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Why it matters

Hurts' story of overcoming self-doubt and adversity to achieve success at the highest level of football serves as an inspiration for young athletes who may be facing similar challenges. His willingness to be open about his struggles and the importance of perseverance resonates with fans and highlights the mental toughness required to excel in professional sports.

The details

Hurts was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft after a successful college career that included a transfer from Alabama to Oklahoma. Despite initial doubts and being "counted out" and "broken down," Hurts persevered and went on to lead the Eagles to two Super Bowl appearances, winning the MVP award in 2025 after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22.

  • Hurts was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2020 NFL Draft.
  • Hurts led the Eagles to Super Bowl LVII in 2024.
  • Hurts led the Eagles to victory in Super Bowl LIX in 2025, earning MVP honors.

The players

Jalen Hurts

The 27-year-old quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles who won Super Bowl MVP in 2025.

Philadelphia Eagles

The NFL team that drafted Hurts in the second round in 2020 and won the Super Bowl with him as their starting quarterback in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“There was a time in college where I really questioned, you know, what's going on... Where do I go from here?”

— Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback (Good Morning America)

“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.”

— Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback (Good Morning America)

What’s next

Hurts is expected to continue leading the Philadelphia Eagles as their starting quarterback, with the team aiming to defend their Super Bowl title in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Jalen Hurts' story of overcoming self-doubt and adversity to become a Super Bowl MVP champion serves as an inspiring example of the power of perseverance and passion in the face of challenges. His willingness to be open about his struggles resonates with fans and highlights the mental toughness required to succeed at the highest levels of professional sports.