Eagles QB Jalen Hurts: 'I Look at MJ & Kobe!'

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts revealed that during the offseason, he drew inspiration from NBA Hall of Famers Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is on the verge of achieving greatness as he embarks on his fourth NFL season.

To elevate his performance to the next level, the Eagles quarterback revealed to Peter King in this week's edition of "Football Morning in America" that he sought inspiration from two legendary figures in a different sport during the offseason.

"Every time you go into an offseason, for me at least, I look at guys like MJ (Michael Jordan) and Kobe [Bryant] and how they diagnose their game," Hurts said. "Obviously two different sports, but trying to get better at my strengths and then turning my weaknesses into my strengths."

The Eagles' quarterback, who turned 25 on Monday, also revealed his aspiration to cultivate mental strength to complement his physical skillset, a trait that both Jordan and Bryant possessed throughout their NBA Hall of Fame playing careers.

"I've always been a unique player," Hurts said. "But embracing the rarity of being a true triple-threat … Throwing, running, and mind. For a long time people said guys like me couldn't think or couldn't process...Trying to put that to sleep."

Last season showcased remarkable improvement for Hurts, who entered 2022 amidst uncertainties regarding his potential as a starting NFL quarterback, let alone a franchise cornerstone. Having effectively silenced all skeptics with his MVP-caliber performance last year, the Eagles' quarterback will now seek to follow in the footsteps of Jordan and Bryant this season by adding a Most Valuable Player trophy and a world championship ring to his hardware collection.


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