07 February 2023 , 18:43
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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been doubted throughout his football career, but his determination has taken him all the way to the this weekend's Super Bowl.
Seen as the next future great Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback, Hurts lost his place in the 2018 National Championship game with the team down 11-0 to Georgia. Now Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa came into the game in his place, and lead the college team to a come-from-behind win.
That would be the last start Hurts would make for the Crimson Tide, losing his place to Tagovailoa the following season and choosing to transfer to Oklahoma - to prove himself as an NFL calibre quarterback.
Throughout the off-season, Hurts looked to trained rigorously, and returned ahead of the 2019 season looking much bulkier than he'd been in previous years.
During that off-season, Hurts pulled off an incredible athletic feat as he deadlifted 600lbs - almost three times of his own body weight.
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That season, he had a phenomenal year, leading the Sooners to a 12-2 record with Hurts finishing second in the running for the Heisman Trophy (college football's MVP award) behind only Joe Burrow, who would go on to be drafted with the first overall pick.
Hurts though, would only be taken in the second round, with NFL scouts having worries about his ability to win as a passer.
(@OU_Football / Twitter)His first season saw him make just a handful of starts, acting as Carson Wentz' replacement before he was traded to the Indianapolis Colts - leaving Hurts as the main man.
A rocky 2021 season followed, showing flashes of greatness and along with concerning plays, but not many will have expected what came this past year.
Hurts performed as one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL, potentially winning a few MVP votes after being in the running at times throughout the season before Patrick Mahomes continued to dominate.
The 24-year-old has put in some Herculean-esque performances in recent weeks, with head coach Nick Sirianni comparing him to Michael Jordan.
Hurts and the Eagles are bettors favourites to win this Sunday - bringing Philadelphia it's second Super Bowl in the last five years.
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