Alright, folks, grab your popcorn because Jalen Hurts is back, baby—and it’s not just the Eagles’ wings he’s bringing to the NFC Championship Game against the Washington Commanders, it’s that signature grit we’ve all come to love. If you’ve been living under a rock (or are just catching up on the latest NFL drama), Hurts has had his fair share of injuries this season, including a knee injury that could make even the toughest player second-guess his playbook. But nah, Hurts isn’t one to sit on the sidelines for long. He’s been on the grind since Week 1, putting up some serious numbers: 2,903 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions (like, is this dude even human?). Let’s dive into how the Eagles quarterback is still soaring despite all odds.

“Let’s Talk About Jalen Hurts“—Ian Rapoport’s report on the Eagles star quarterback covers this issue. “You guys talk about the run game. Jalen Hurts is going to play today. That is not a question, but how effective can he be in the quarterback run game still remains an open question.” Rapoport assures us that while Hurts did have a bit of a limp earlier in the week, he’s been looking “good enough” at practice. So, yeah, Hurts might wear a little something extra around his knee—a slimmed-down brace, not the bulky one—but don’t expect him to take a backseat. “Wouldn’t be surprised to see some early runs for Jalen Hurts just to show that he can move.”

Let’s be real, Hurts isn’t the type to be slowed down by a brace. Even when he took a hit during the December 22 game against the Commanders (ouch, that concussion had us all on edge), he bounced back for the Wild Card Game against the Green Bay Packers like a true baller. Full clearance, no excuses, and now? He’s ready to face the Commanders again. A 93.5 passer rating? Talk about accuracy! That’s right, folks—this guy can sling it and run it with equal ease.

Despite all the hurdles—whether it’s a concussion or that pesky knee—Hurts has improved his mobility and passing accuracy as the playoffs roll on. As of January 26, 2025, the stage is set. Hurts will wear his knee brace (because who doesn’t love a comeback story with a dash of style?), but don’t bet against him pulling off some magic on the field. As Rapoport so wisely said, “Teammates have said that he looked, more than good enough at practice.” If Hurts is ready to roll, the NFC Championship is about to witness a show.

“Built for greatness”

The phrase “built for greatness” makes most people immediately think of Jalen Hurts. This guy dedicated himself to greatness, starting in his Channelview high school years when he stood out as more than just a quarterback; he was an unstoppable force. Under his father Averion Hurts’ superior coaching abilities, Jalen accumulated 2,384 passing yards with 26 touchdowns alongside 1,391 rushing yards and 25 rushing touchdowns during his senior high school season. The season is more than good—it represents a stadium full of highlight reel moments. He earned the District 21-6A MVP honor when he was a junior and four-star coaches likely vied for his autograph due to his high school success. Jalen’s destiny for greatness was clear from his first day to those who watched him.

Now, let’s talk about college. Jalen arrived at Alabama in 2016 and became the initial freshman quarterback to start under Nick Saban‘s leadership which sounds pretty routine. He steered his team to a 14-1 record and a national championship appearance while compiling 2,780 passing yards and 23 touchdowns together with 954 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. He played everywhere on the field and performed multiple roles like a Swiss Army knife. But just when you thought this fairytale was a one-way trip to glory, Hurts hit a roadblock: Just as Hurts was on track to his glory story being a one-way journey to success, he encountered an obstacle by being benched during the 2018 National Championship game. “No one expected the kid from Houston with the long dreadlocks to take over, and that’s exactly what I did.” And did he pout? Nope. Talk about lemonade from lemons, right?

Enter the NFL. During the 2020 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Hurts in the second round and his rookie season performance would have been worthy of blockbuster movie status. He came out swinging with a 44-yard touchdown run against the Los Angeles Rams, and from then on, it was clear. It immediately established him as an irrefutable talent in the league. By the 2024 season, Hurts had shown he belonged among the top quarterbacks in the league. Hurts’ combination of powerful arm strength and exceptional mobility enabled him to become the ultimate dual-threat quarterback. His career wasn’t free from struggles because he had to deal with several injuries which included a concussion together with a persistent knee problem. Did that stop him? Nope. Hurts returned to play in the Wild Card game and guided the Eagles to defeat the Green Bay Packers with a score of 22-10. If that doesn’t scream “resilience,” what does?

Watch the NFC Championship and you’ll observe a legacy in the making. Jalen Hurts stands out as more than just a momentary sensation thanks to his record of tying for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a season and his Super Bowl LVII record-breaking 66 rushing yards. His gameplay pulls you to the edge of your seat and compels you to text friends about every move he makes. Stay tuned, because Hurts’ story is just getting started—and it’s gonna be one for the books. If you haven’t seen him light it up yet this season, now’s your chance. And remember: this is the guy who took the Eagles within one step of the Lombardi already, so don’t bet against him now.