Jalen Hurts opens up his leadership journey with the Eagles

Hurts hopes to lead the Eagles on a deep playoff run this season.

In the NFL, leadership can come in a lot of different ways, and it can change from season to season. In just a few short years, Jalen Hurts has gone from an unproven rookie to a locker room leader for the Philadelphia Eagles, and the star quarterback discussed his leadership journey in Philly during a recent media session.

“I think you go through phases and you go through seasons, and the team changes,” Hurts said. “This is a totally different team than what I walked into, and that’s just the way it goes. … But you have to understand as a leader, the way you do it is going to be different, because everyone is different. That’s something you have to navigate as time goes, definitely being able to adapt and change with the times, but also stay true and real to who you are. That’s what it’s all been about.

“It’s been an exciting journey in that, because I feel like I’ve been able to grow and further develop myself on this journey in my career in all facets. I just want to show up and be the best version I can be every day and be present.”

Jalen Hurts has grown as a leader right in front of our eyes

It’s been cool to watch Hurts develop as a leader during his time in Philadelphia, as he certainly seems to have improved when it comes to connecting with his teammates and galvanizing the troops behind him. The guys he plays with have noticed the efforts that Hurts has been making in the leadership department.

“Just this offseason, he’s really done a good job of bonding with his teammates,” Lane Johnson said over the summer. “I feel like the connection has definitely grown. A really big offseason. The work ethic has never been an issue. Tremendous worker. But, just becoming a more vocal leader and, whenever he speaks, guys listen up.”

Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey even went as far as to call Hurts the “best leader he’s ever been around,” earlier this year. That’s some pretty high praise.

Speaking of leading, Hurts has led the Eagles to 10 consecutive wins heading into their Week 16 matchup with the Washington Commanders. They haven’t lost a game since the end of September, and they’ve catapulted to the top of the contender conversation in the process.

The Birds have already locked up a playoff spot, and now it’s just about improving their postseason positioning as much as possible and making a deep run. Let’s see how far their star quarterback can lead them.