Jalen Hurts, the determined and often underestimated quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles, continues to prove that greatness isn’t about flash—it’s about focus. While the NFL world debates rankings and contracts, Hurts remains locked in on one thing: winning. And if his recent Super Bowl MVP performance is any indication, the rest of the league should be very, very afraid.

Despite leading his team to a decisive 40-22 victory over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, Hurts still faces scrutiny. Critics like Chase Daniel—who never started regularly in the NFL—recently took shots at the 26-year-old QB during an FS1 segment, claiming there are “more than four guys” he’d choose over Hurts to build a franchise. “He may be No. 8, No. 9, or No. 10 on that list. Maybe more,” Daniel said.

But as Hurts has shown time and again, he’s not interested in being liked or ranked—he’s interested in winning. And win he did, earning Super Bowl MVP honors after throwing for 221 yards and rushing for another 72, solidifying his place among the elite with a performance that silenced many of his doubters.

Yet, Hurts’ statistical numbers throughout the season weren’t as eye-popping as some fans hoped. The Eagles’ passing game felt predictable at times, frustrating fans and even some teammates like star receiver AJ Brown. Saquon Barkley, a new addition to the roster, also had to adjust to Philly’s evolving offensive identity. Still, Hurts remained unbothered. His leadership, grit, and focus kept the team moving forward—even through turbulent stretches.

What sets Hurts apart isn’t just his physical ability. It’s his mindset—often likened to that of basketball icon Michael Jordan. Hurts doesn’t just play football; he competes with a personal fire that refuses to dim, even after reaching the sport’s highest peak. That’s something Yankees legend Derek Jeter—who knows a thing or two about winning—noticed immediately.

Jeter, who penned Hurts’ tribute for Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People of 2025,” praised the young quarterback’s relentless drive. “We connected shortly after the SB,” Jeter shared. “And the only thing he asked about was insight on making it back and winning more championships. Sometimes people win, then exhale. Jalen is not exhaling. He’s embracing the next challenge.”

Jeter’s words carry weight. A five-time World Series champion who built his own legacy on quiet confidence and clutch moments, Jeter sees in Hurts a similar fire. And that makes the Eagles’ QB a dangerous man.

Hurts’ post-Super Bowl moment went viral for more than just stats. Cameras caught him embracing his fiancée, Bry Burrows, amid the confetti and chaos—a moment of triumph and humility. But the celebration was brief. Hurts, who proudly endorses the Jordan brand, returned to work with the same focused intensity that got him to this point.

The Eagles QB also made headlines for his off-field influence. He was the only American male athlete included in Time’s 2025 list of most influential people. His story—of resilience, perseverance, and focus—continues to inspire, especially after being benched during the 2018 National Championship game at Alabama, only to later rise to NFL stardom.

In a recent interview, Hurts was spotted dining with his idol, Michael Jordan, raising eyebrows and speculation about what greatness looks like in mentorship form. Their connection, symbolic or literal, is a reminder that elite athletes often recognize something in each other that transcends the game.

The campaign that followed the Eagles’ Super Bowl win—“Love, Hurts,” launched by the Jordan brand—perfectly encapsulates what Jalen stands for. He doesn’t chase approval. He doesn’t feed on drama. He uses every slight, every criticism, as fuel. And he’s not done.

Philadelphia knows it. The league knows it. And thanks to voices like Derek Jeter’s, the world is starting to take notice.

Hurts isn’t just a one-ring wonder. He’s building a legacy. And if history tells us anything, it’s that players like Jalen Hurts don’t just disappear—they define eras.

So, while others debate whether he’s the 8th, 9th, or 10th best quarterback, Hurts is busy working on his next title run. The NFL has been warned: Jalen isn’t done. Not even close.