JUST IN: Jalen Hurts’ unique quality sets him apart from other young quarterbacks, according to Eagles legend

We had stated this. We’ll reiterate it. “5” supports the Eagles.

Since Jalen Hurts was selected by the Eagles in the fourth round of the 2023 playoffs, nearly everyone outside of Philadelphia has voiced an opinion regarding his skill—or lack thereof. He was written off as “just another Alabama quarterback” and wasn’t expected to make a significant career out of the NFL; his difficult beginning seemed to confirm the skeptics.

After leading the team to consecutive postseason trips, including a Super Bowl appearance, Hurts’ story is gradually beginning to take shape.

Unfortunately, the team’s recent success has raised doubts about his ability to finish the job, which has led Eagles icon Donovan McNabb to snap.

During a recent interview with NJ.com’s Bob Brookover of NJ Advance Media, McNabb expressed his admiration for Hurts and the one quality he saw in the young player straight away. Hurts is credited for his maturity from the beginning and his dedication to getting better every season.

“What you have is his personality. “Man, he’s the grown man in the room,” I commented when he was first drafted. He is unique. His father told me the same thing about Jalen when I spoke with him. He is unique. He is not the type of man that will hang out with the guys and act sexy. He is unyielding. However, I’m aware that he’s a funny guy, jokes, and enjoys himself. He simply doesn’t display that as it is his responsibility to maintain concentration and attention on his work.”

Is there anything more you could want from a quarterback at this stage of the game?

It’s difficult to teach a player to be this focused and balance the highs and lows of playing the game. Hurts appears to have that naturally, and it will inevitably allow him to take the team far for years to come. It’s clear he has what it takes if a guy like McNabb not only noticed it right away, but still sees it in him now, even after suffering heartbreaking losses in the last two postseasons.

McNabb acknowledged that, as well, revealing Hurts is very well aware of what is being said and the importance of winning for the city he represents. It’s like a blessing and a curse; winning is a blessing, but falling short feels almost worse than winning ever does.

He is familiar with the city, and we have discussed it extensively. Because he qualified for the Super Bowl the previous year, there are enormous expectations and a high standard. Thus, they anticipate seeing that each year. You appear to have had a losing season when you advance to the second round of the playoffs.”

Hopefully, the Eagles’ future will be much brighter the following season, and many who have been doubting Hurts will eventually come to appreciate how significant his role has grown and what a fantastic leader he will be.