What is the key to the Eagles’ culture of success?
An MVP-caliber quarterback in Jalen Hurts, a dependable receiving corps led by A.J. Brown, and a dynamic defense led by seasoned players Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham undoubtedly help. However, it is their swagger that binds them and produces a unique team spirit.
Tuesday at the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia, where the Eagles and REFORM Alliance staged a Holiday Giveback Event for families unfairly impacted by the criminal justice system, Hurts told The Post, “We just try to do everything together.” “You know, we’ve put in a lot of time and effort together during the offseason, including the coaches. We all invested considerably in this endeavor.
“Therefore, if we have the chance to go out on Sundays, we want to express ourselves, have fun, and let our swagger show, and I constantly urge them to do the same. If you want to yell, yell; if you want to scream, scream; if you want to get psyched up, dance, or do anything else, do it. However, we’re in this together.”
As for Hurts’ swagger?
Jalen Hurts and the Eagles have performed numerous touchdown dances across the NFL this season.
“Be J. Hurts,” the quarterback instructed. “That is always sufficient. That is who I am. I do not assign a name to it. I assert, “one of a kind.”
“However, I accept and have faith in who I am. And most importantly, the effort I exerted. I simply desire to lead. I desire to serve. I aspire to be my team’s and my peers’ best quarterback.
This season, the Eagles have displayed their swagger numerous times. In their victory over the Steelers on October 30, Hurts and Brown staged a touchdown dance that extended to the bench.
A.J. Brown and Jalen Hurts share a past that has facilitated their elite relationship.
Their tight bond, which dates back to high school when Hurts attempted to recruit Brown to Alabama, has enhanced the Eagles’ locker room following the April acquisition of the wide receiver from the Titans.
After being selected by the Eagles in the second round (53rd overall) in the 2020 draft, Hurts’ development as a quarterback was scrutinized closely. In December of his rookie season, he took over for Carson Wentz and never looked back, ignoring criticism despite the team’s troubles.
With Hurts at the helm, Philadelphia is currently riding high atop the NFC East with a 12-1 record, the best in the league. With Sunday’s road victory over the Giants, they are the only club to have clinched a spot in the playoffs. It was yet another demonstration of a confident Eagles team that is having fun while winning.
Hurts remarked, “I believe the key is to take things day by day.” “You know, I believe that everything that is occurring is the result of a long and arduous trip, and we have put in a great deal of effort to get this point. I believe there is much more work to be done. It’s amazing to be where we are, but we’re not even close to being content, so we want to keep going.”
Hurts, who is 24 years old, handles himself with ease and composure. His eye contact is commanding, and he speaks with absolute assurance. It is as though he is permanently imprisoned in his mindset.
All of these factors, coupled with his leadership and play, continue to feed NFL MVP speculation that becomes louder by the week. Hurts and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes are the 2019 Super Bowl Most Valuable Player.
Hurts has completed 68% of his passes for 3,157 yards, 22 touchdowns, and three interceptions in 13 games while rushing for 686 yards and 10 touchdowns. He leads the league in quarterback rating (108.4), interception rate (0.8%), and rushing touchdowns (10).
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts talks at a Holiday Giveback Event organized by the Eagles and REFORM Alliance for families negatively impacted by the criminal justice system.
Alex Subers, representing Fanatics.
Holiday Giveback Event hosted by the Eagles and REFORM Alliance for families negatively affected by the criminal justice system.
Hurts stated regarding MVP talk, “I do not believe anything changes.” “As a human being, I believe there are a plethora of varied experiences that provoke novel feelings. And, you know, you feel fresh emotions as you play different games.
“However, I believe the ability to weather these new feelings while remaining loyal to oneself, one’s skill, one’s hustle, and one’s passion for one’s work, trumps everything. Therefore, I try to maintain consistency and be loyal to myself and those things regardless of what is occurring around me.”
Hurts stays true to himself by adhering to a mentality that his father, Averion, who was his high school coach at Channelview in Houston, Texas, instilled in him.
Hurts, echoing his father, stated, “You must keep the main thing the main thing.” “I believe that as a man or a woman, no matter what you do in life, you must decide what is most important to you. However, it is crucial to be consistent.
“I simply strive to be true to all I wish to do. Everything that is significant to me in my life, including football, my family, and my connection with God. Each of the items. Trying to maintain my integrity, my morals, and my principles.”
Hurts also demonstrates his commitment to his basic ideals through his humanitarian work in the Philadelphia community. The quarterback, along with Darius Slay, Avonte Maddox, Jordan Mailata, and Dallas Goedert, partnered with REFORM Alliance, its co-chair Meek Mill, and Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin to provide 30 youngsters in the PA/NJ region with the first-ever “Eagle for a Day” event.
The event included a Jr. Combine experience within the NovaCare Complex indoor practice facility, followed by a VIP tour of the facility, and culminated with a signing ceremony for free agents. They concluded the day at the Wells Fargo Center for a press conference with Sixers head coach Doc Rivers prior to the Sixers’ victory over the Kings.
Howie Roseman, the Eagles’ executive vice president and general manager, stated, “When we look at the men bringing players to Philadelphia and to this team, we’re obviously looking for terrific players, but we’re also looking for good people.” “And I believe that one of the reasons for our success is that we have not just outstanding players, coaches, and athletes, but also caring individuals.
They care about performing well and also about the community in which they reside. Therefore, it demonstrates that on a day off, they chose to come in and serve these children.”
»Swagger of the NFL’s top-ranked Eagles begins and ends with Jalen Hurts«