Following an impressive 40-22 victory at Super Bowl LIX, Jalen Hurts is solidifying his place among the best quarterbacks in the league, captivating fans and analysts alike. For so long, his critics highlighted his perceived shortcomings in passing yards and arm strength, but he silenced them with a stunning 46-yard touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith that dashed Kansas City’s hopes for a three-peat. It’s moments like these that redefine careers.
There’s a growing conversation in Philadelphia that Hurts deserves a spot on the Eagles’ Mount Rushmore of players. On a recent episode of the Locked on Eagles podcast, host Louie DiBiase suggested that Hurts’ performance in this redemption game may even overshadow the franchise’s very first title win. It’s not just about the final score; it’s about the legacy he’s building.
DiBiase confidently stated, “Jalen Hurts is number one, over Donovan McNabb, over Nick Foles… In my eyes, it’s Hurts at the top. Nick Foles is my second pick, with Donovan McNabb and Randal Cunningham rounding out the top four.” That’s a bold claim, but one that many fans are starting to rally behind.
For DiBiase, Hurts represents the “obvious” choice for the top spot, given the caliber of competition he’s faced. He’s not just played well; he’s shone in the Super Bowl—twice. That level of excellence seems to surpass McNabb’s tenure, which, while lengthy, didn’t see the same level of championship success.
At Super Bowl LIX, Hurts matched up against Patrick Mahomes, a player many regard as an all-time great, and emerged victorious. DiBiase argues this alone elevates Hurts above his predecessors. “After that Super Bowl win, he’s number one. Just look at his resume—two remarkable Super Bowl performances in just three years. He’s got a championship against one of the league’s most formidable dynasties and an MVP finalist nod in 2022 to boot,” he remarked.
DiBiase went further, suggesting that Hurts is on a trajectory toward the Hall of Fame, predicting he will soon break the record for all-time rushing touchdowns by a quarterback, a record held by Cam Newton. Hurts’ winning percentage parallels the legendary Joe Montana and Tom Brady, further enhancing his growing legend.
Simply put, Hurts is becoming the most well-rounded quarterback the Eagles have ever encountered. “He wins games at a historic rate. He’s been to the playoffs every year as a starter. He’s shown incredible poise in clutch moments during big games. He’s consistently evolving and improving,” DiBiase noted, emphasizing how the Super Bowl version of Hurts represents the pinnacle of Eagles quarterbacking.
Considering Hurts already boasts multiple Pro Bowl nominations and a Super Bowl MVP, it’s clear he’s more than just a flash in the pan. Once labeled a glorified running back with a decent arm, he’s now stepping into the spotlight as a formidable leader, heading into the 2025 regular season with the mindset of a defending champion.
So long as Hurts can continue to thrive both through the air and on the ground, there’s every reason to believe the Eagles can ascend once again, eyeing another championship. Philadelphia is rallying around Hurts, and as he continues making history, the connection between him and the fans only grows stronger.
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