Hurts went 17 for 22 for 221 yards and two touchdowns, and ran for 72 yards and a touchdown in the 40-22 win over the Chiefs.
NEW ORLEANS — Jalen Hurts has often been judged by his failings more than his successes over the course of his career.
Having experienced ups and downs in his football career, Jalen Hurts faced challenges that tested his resolve and determination. From being benched during a college championship game to transitioning to a new team to prove himself once again, his journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions.
All those doubts helped fuel Hurts along the way and now he will be forever known as a Super Bowl MVP.
Despite not being in the spotlight during a defensive-dominated game for Philadelphia, Hurts seized the opportunities that came his way with poise and composure, traits that have defined his career. His performance on the grand stage of football’s biggest night showcased his readiness when called upon.
Delivering a stellar performance, Hurts completed 17 of 22 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, he showcased his versatility by rushing for 72 yards and adding another touchdown to his name. This impressive display led to a decisive 40-22 victory over the formidable Kansas City Chiefs, serving as redemption for a previous Super Bowl loss to the same team.
Hurts was outstanding in that game, throwing for 304 yards and a TD and rushing for 70 yards and three more scores but could only watch as Harrison Butker kicked a go-ahead field goal with 8 seconds left for a 38-35 win.
Hurts turned that year into a $255 million, five-year contract the following offseason but it didn’t quiet the critics who questioned whether Hurts was holding back the Eagles offense at various points the past two years.
Outside of an early interception against the Chiefs — his first since Week 10 against Dallas — Hurts was nearly flawless against Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.
He converted scrambles when he faced pressure and kept finding open receivers, with his 46-yard deep shot to DeVonta Smith making it 34-0 in the third quarter, providing an exclamation point to a lopsided Super Bowl win.
Hurts also threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Brown late in the first half and scored on a 1-yard tush push for the first score of the game, leading to a statistical performance achieved only by Hall of Famer Joe Montana in Super Bowl history.
The two are the only quarterbacks to throw for at least 200 yards and two TDs, rush for at least 50 yards and a score with Montana doing it in Super Bowl 19 against Miami.
Hurts is now just the fourth quarterback ever to lose his first Super Bowl start and go on to win one as a starter later in his career, joining Hall of Famers John Elway, Bob Griese and Len Dawson.
