NFL news: Eagles’ Jalen Hurts on when he wanted to quit football

Philadelphia Eagles star Jalen Hurts opened up Monday about a time when he started to question whether he wanted to continue pursuing his football career.

During an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” Hurts was promoting his new book “Better Than a Touchdown.” The hosts played a video from a fan who asked him whether there was a time when he wanted to quit altogether and how he was able to get through his own self-doubt.

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) meet on the field in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field on Jan. 11, 2026. (Eric Hartline/Imagn Images)

“A time where I wanted to quit,” he said. “There was a time I was actually just reflecting on this, there was a time in college where I really questioned, ‘What’s going on? Where do I go from here?’ I had a lot of adversity in front of me. I was counted out. I was doubted. Broken down and dissected and all these different ways. I just persevered.

“My passion overcame every ounce of doubt, overcame every ounce of fear. And I think that’s the No. 1 thing in life. … You gotta have the courage to press forward. Without the courage and perseverance and resilience and the passion, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Hurts was the starting quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide when he began his collegiate career. He was replaced in the 2018 SEC Championship Game by Tua Tagovailoa, who eventually led the team to a comeback win over Georgia.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) after the anthem against the San Francisco 49ers in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field on Jan. 11, 2026. (Bill Streicher/Imagn Images)

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After that, Hurts transferred to the Oklahoma Sooners for one more season. He was able to legitimize himself as an NFL prospect during the 2019 season.

He entered the NFL Draft in 2020, and the Eagles chose him in the second round with the No. 53 overall pick. He was in a draft class with Tagovailoa, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert and Jordan Love.

Hurts was able to work to get the starting spot and helped lead the Eagles to two Super Bowl appearances, including a win over the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024. He’s the only quarterback from the draft class to get a ring so far.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) during NFC practice at the NFL Flag Fieldhouse at Moscone Center South Building on Feb. 2, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

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Over his career, Hurts earned three Pro Bowl selections. He has 17,891 passing yards and 110 touchdown passes. He won the Super Bowl LIX MVP award.

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