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Some moments are just too iconic to be forgotten, like Jalen Hurts‘ run. Imagine this: You find yourself standing on the grandest stage, basking in the glory of a resounding victory. The locker room is abuzz with excitement as the taste of success fills the air. And then, in the blink of an eye, a single shot captures a moment that will forever be etched in history. It’s like a scene straight out of a Hollywood flick where the hero doesn’t just win; they own the moment.

Following the Eagles’ impressive 55-23 victory over the Washington Commanders, securing their second Super Bowl appearance in just three years, Jalen Hurts didn’t simply revel in the win—he owned it. As the magnitude of the victory sank in, Hurts ignited a celebratory cigar, and the moment became pure magic.

Moreover, the picture sparked a whole new level of admiration, even from Nick Saban’s daughter, Kristen Saban, who couldn’t resist gushing over it. She posted the image on her Instagram story with the caption, “Hang it in the Louvre.” That shot of Hurts lighting up the cigar post-victory was nothing short of iconic. It wasn’t just about the win—it was the calm, the swagger, and the leadership that Hurts exuded.

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This guy was molded under Nick Saban at Alabama. Remember his freshman year in 2016? He lit up college football with a 62.8% completion rate. The quarterback was a sensation then, just like he is now in the NFL. And let’s not forget that 2017 National Championship he won under Saban!

Now Kristen Saban was not the only one who was mesmerized by Jalen Hurts’ aura. Even his teammates couldn’t resist either. Former Eagles legend Jason Kelce hit X with a bold caption that read: “This photo is f—ing incredible.” And honestly, who could blame him?

 

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Is Jalen Hurts' success more about his talent or Nick Saban's legendary coaching?

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That image of Hurts lighting up that victory cigar? Pure iconic. Fresh off the win, he was spotted in the locker room, chilling with a massive stogie, a backward hat, and his shirt tucked into those pleated khakis. But it wasn’t just about the W; it was the whole vibe. Hurts was radiating composure, confidence, and leadership. And let’s not forget the stats: 20/28 for 246 yards, a TD, no picks, plus three rushing scores.

Kelce’s words of praise were not just empty compliments; they were an acknowledgment of the quiet self-assurance that Hurts brings, even in the midst of the spotlight. This is the Jalen Hurts the Eagles know and love—a product of the Nick Saban system in Tuscaloosa.

Jalen Hurts is a product of the Nick Saban coaching tree

Well, Jalen Hurts is all about the Eagles, on and off the field. But ever wonder how he became the star he is today? It’s because of Nick Saban. If you don’t know, people love to knock Hurts’ passing game, but now if there’s any improvement seen in his game, it’s because of Coach Saban, who had his back from the jump.

Hurts served as the starting QB for Bama back in 2017, and Saban coached him through the ups and downs of his early college career. Saban didn’t just let him coast; he helped shape Hurts into a dual-threat monster while refining his passing game. Talking about the whole thing, he said, “I think the one thing. And this is every athletic quarterback. When Jalen was with us, I would say, ‘You cannot run; you cannot scramble. You have to throw the ball on time.” That’s the reason people adore him so much.

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In fact, the Eagles QB’s victory cigar tradition goes way back—like, college football days back. Even after transferring to Oklahoma, Jalen Hurts was spotted celebrating Alabama’s 35-13 win over Tennessee in 2019 with a victory cigar. Then Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis even shared the proof on X, showing Hurts still had love for Saban and his old team.

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However, here’s the twist—Saban recently dropped a list of the five players he enjoyed coaching the most, and guess what? Big names like Jalen Hurts, Bryce Young, and other prominent players didn’t make it to the list. That’s quite surprising, given Hurts’ prominence as a former quarterback for him, isn’t it? While it may sting fans who favored Hurts as Saban’s pick, the situation isn’t entirely negative.

Hurts has clearly taken the lessons Saban taught him and used them to shape his NFL career. And for now, the main focus should be the Eagles’ victory. Can Hurts bring the Super Bowl win to Philadelphia?

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Is Jalen Hurts' success more about his talent or Nick Saban's legendary coaching?

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