Jalen Hurts Pays Tribute to Philly’s Own Dawn Staley as South Carolina HC Adds Another National Championship to Legendary Coaching Career

Jalen Hurts may not have the Super Bowl in 2023 or made it to the Super Bowl in 2024, but his friend’s team has won a National Championship. Hurts found himself in the stands for a different kind of championship on Sunday. Despite his Alabama team’s recent exit from the men’s Final Four, Hurts was all in for HC Dawn Staley’s South Carolina team as they contended for the women’s national title against Iowa.

In Cleveland, he joined the company of WNBA icons Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi on The Bird & Taurasi Show, where he shared insights into his profound connection with Staley, the Gamecocks’ celebrated coach and a beacon of North Philly.

Jalen Hurts gives props to Dawn Staley

Jason said that Dawn’s coaching was one thing that attracted him to her. “There are definitely deep ties there, but I love great coaching. I love and respect how she goes about it. Uh, the leader she is. The competitor she is. She’s just special. She’s special,” Hurts reflected, praising Staley’s leadership, and her indomitable spirit. “She’s just special,” he added.

During the game, Hurts was seen alongside Duce Staley, Dawn’s cousin. Hurts also took a moment to commend Geno Auriemma, the esteemed UConn coach, celebrating the burgeoning recognition and excitement surrounding women’s basketball. The sport’s growing allure was evident in the record-breaking TV viewership for the national semifinals, with the Iowa-UConn face-off captivating over 14 million viewers on ESPN.

Hurts’ reflections culminated in a call to spotlight the remarkable talent within women’s basketball, acknowledging the captivating performances that have garnered widespread attention. “That’s kind of what the focal point needs to be with everything,” he remarked. But what was he doing at the Women’s NCAA Tournament title game?

Jalen emerges as a champion of women’s sports

Jalen Hurts was at the title game not just as a spectator but as a fervent supporter. Staley, renowned for her allegiance to the Eagles, often showcased her support by donning the team’s iconic midnight green during her tenure in Columbia. In a reciprocation of admiration, Hurts journeyed to Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse to cheer for Staley’s Gamecocks as they faced off against Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Hurts’ presence underscored his commitment to supporting not just Staley but also the broader narrative of women in sports. His advocacy for women’s sports and their representation in professional roles shines through his actions. When the QB signed his extension with Philly last offseason, his agent, Nicole Lynn, made headlines. She was the agent who made the league’s then-highest-paid player with a record five-year, $255 million contract.

Hurts’ attendance at the Women’s NCAA Tournament title game transcends mere fandom. Could this be a pivotal moment in the collective push for greater recognition and opportunities for women in the realm of sports?

Read More: Jalen Hurts’ Offense Likely to Alter as Eagles Transform Their Run Game With Saquon Barkley, per NFL Analyst