Jalen Hurts is truly a standout among Philadelphia’s sports elite. While Bryce Harper and Joel Embiid are beloved figures in the City of Brotherly Love, neither can match Hurts’ crowning achievement: leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory last February. That remarkable performance not only secured Hurts’ place in the city’s heart but also set the stage for what could be a legendary career.
In his sixth season, Hurts is riding a wave of momentum. No matter how this season unfolds or how long he remains on the field, he has already cemented his legacy in Philadelphia. If his past seasons are any indication, it’s apparent that Hurts is on the brink of rewriting the Eagles’ record book—both as an incredible passer and a dynamic runner.
One of the standout statistics of Hurts’ career is his 55 rushing touchdowns. This impressive feat ranks him second in Eagles history, trailing only NFL Hall of Famer Steve Van Buren, who scored 69 rushing touchdowns during his own eight-season tenure with the team in the 1940s and 50s. In fact, Hurts’ ability to reach the end zone puts him ninth on Philadelphia’s all-time touchdown leaderboard, which is a significant accomplishment given the legends that preceded him.
Here’s a quick look at that leaderboard:
– Harold Carmichael – 79
– Steve Van Buren – 77
– Brian Westbrook – 68
– Tommy McDonald – 67
– Pete Pihos – 63
– Timmy Brown – 62
– Mike Quick – 61
– Wilbert Montgomery – 58
– Jalen Hurts – 55
While Van Buren’s record might seem secure for now, Hurts has shown he can close the gap rapidly. From 2022 to 2024, he racked up 42 rushing touchdowns, averaging a remarkable 14 per season. If Hurts maintains that impressive pace through 2025, he’ll not only tie Van Buren for the top spot in rushing touchdowns but also jump to third place in Philadelphia’s all-time touchdown rankings, moving ahead of Brian Westbrook.
Now, whether you’re a fan of the “Tush Push” or not, the Eagles aren’t giving it up anytime soon. This offseason, there wasn’t enough support among NFL owners to ban this controversial play, meaning we’ll likely see it used frequently in the upcoming season. As Hurts continues to utilize this tactic, his ascent in franchise history is bound to continue.
While Saquon Barkley sharing the backfield might hold Hurts back from surpassing Van Buren this year in total touchdowns, there’s still a chance for Hurts to set a record of his own. If he manages to score double-digit rushing touchdowns for a remarkable fifth consecutive year, he’ll break Van Buren’s record for the most seasons with that accomplishment in Eagles history.
There’s even a glimmer of hope that he may break the Eagles’ single-season rushing touchdown record of 17, set by LeSean McCoy in 2011. However, with Barkley’s presence in the backfield, achieving that might be a stretch. Ultimately, Hurts is more focused on team success than personal accolades, and you can bet he’d happily trade individual records for the chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy alongside Barkley next February.
As Hurts continues to prove himself on the field, it’s evident that he embodies what it means to be a true Eagles leader—one with a heart for the game and dedication to his team. That genuine connection with Philadelphia is what makes him a beloved figure, one who will be remembered long after his playing days are over.
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