Larry Henry Jr
Jalen Hurts’ record-setting deal is signed and sealed and now after committing his future to the Philadelphia Eagles for the next six years, Hurts’ focus remains on the same goals that he entered the NFL with.
Hurts took the podium on Monday just one week after signing a five-year, $255-million extension with the Eagles, one that will keep him under contract through 2028. The 24-year-old is coming off his best season as an NFL quarterback, finishing as a league MVP finalist and leading Nick Sirianni’s squad to the Super Bowl this past February.
Not many people expected Hurts to be where he is today, let alone the Eagles starting quarterback three years ago when he was drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. After waiting for his opportunity and overcoming some adversity, Hurts is now flying high as one of the rising stars in the sport today.
“I think about these moments and I think about these times.. he [Eagles chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie] says it’s an exciting moment,” Hurts said in a press conference. “You know, it’s an exciting moment. This moment right here. But I think I’ve set the precedent for what it is that I desire and I think for me it’s so hard because my mind is everywhere and I really can’t help but keep the main thing the main thing with what I set out to do, what this organization has set out to do.
“The only thing that I’ve ever wanted to do is be the best version of myself and that hasn’t changed, that won’t change,” Hurts added. “And I am fortunate to have a great opportunity, a great opportunity to do it in a special place. In the future I just strive to continue to grow, strive to continue to lead, strive to continue to be the best version of myself I can be and learn along the way. I play this game because I love the game. Not for any other reason than that.”
“Money is nice, championships are better.”
Jalen Hurts with a mic drop moment at his press conference today. pic.twitter.com/DYBFnpo4Bi
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) April 24, 2023
The Eagles have committed their future to Hurts, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL currently. Hurts has improved in all ways and shapes as an NFL quarterback, helping the Eagles offense become one of the most dangerous in the league and finding new ways to beat opposing defenses.
Hurts’ absence during the final stages of the regular season were clearly visible as the Eagles had to wait until Week 18 to clinch the NFC East title and No. 1 seed. However, when he returned, Hurts did what he continued to do all season, play smart football and be a vocal and impactful leader on and off the field.
The Eagles are continuing to prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft this weekend, and with Hurts’ future locked down in Philadelphia, the future should be bright for a long time coming.
“It’s an incredibly exciting day for the Philadelphia Eagles and our culture and our fans and with what we have to look forward to,” Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie said. “It’s remarkable that somebody can combine the talent that Jalen has, the personal qualities, and the ability, at such a young age, to be a culture setter. Owning the team for all these years, it’s very special to have a young player have the qualities of Jalen. Today is his day, but I could tell you this any day if you’ve talked to me about this, I could have told you this the last few years. To be able to have the dynamic playmaking ability and the maturity and the passion for his craft at age 24 – pretty remarkable. That’s why we’re sitting here today.
“I’m very proud of this young man. He’s going to lead the way for many, many years to come in Philadelphia and for the Eagles and I couldn’t be happier,” Lurie added. “None of us could be any happier. This is the beginning of a career arc for a remarkable person and a remarkable player. The future? We don’t even know. The ceiling? There is no ceiling. It’s all there if we continue to surround Jalen. The culture is set – he sets the culture as well. Great coaching. Superb general manager. It’s all there for the taking, so with a little bit of luck, we’ll have a lot of these get-togethers and talk about how exciting it all is.”
You can follow Larry Henry on Twitter (@lhenry019) and e-mail him at [email protected].
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