Eagles QB Jalen Hurts: The Proven Exception to The Rule - 'No Doubt!'
PHILADELPHIA - The exceptions in life often prove the rules.
If money changes everything, Jalen Hurts looks like the exception that proves that, at least in the eyes of the Philadelphia Eagles.
When it comes time to pay a bill, most of us do it while gritting our teeth. On Monday, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie was all smiles despite the record-setting numbers he has agreed to pay his franchise quarterback.
"Franchises go through special moments and this is one for the Philadelphia Eagles," Lurie said while introducing Hurts for the first time since the 24-year-old MVP runner-up agreed to a four-year $255 million extension.
"It's crucial, no matter what, that you can find your quarterback for the present and the future, and to have that person to be as sterling a character and as passionate about his craft and as dedicated as this young 24-year-old is, is remarkable,” Lurie noted.
Throughout the pomp and circumstance at the NovaCare Complex Monday Hurts was flanked by his girlfriend Bry Burrows and agent Nicole Lynn while the Eagles were represented by Lurie’s son Julian, general manager Howie Roseman, and head coach Nick Sirianni as the older Lurie attempted to explain just how special Hurts had been since arriving in Philadelphia.
“I don't ever underestimate the personal qualities or the talent qualities of somebody who has what Jalen has,” Lurie said. “It's rare and it's not easy. It's remarkable that somebody can combine the talent that Jalen has, the personal qualities, and the ability at such a young age to be a culture-setter."
Like Lurie, Roseman seemed very confident that Hurts’ new-found wealth isn’t going to change his QB.
“What I would say in terms of Jalen, the one thing you know about with Jalen is that the money is not going to change him,” the GM said last week. “The money is not going to affect him.My first conversation with him after he signed that contract, he was just telling me how determined he was, and I know how hard he's working in the offseason.
"I know how much football matters to him. I know how much improving at football matters to him. I know how much he wants to be coached. I know how important it is to try to deliver a championship to this city."
Roseman knows so much about Hurts now that any doubts have dissipated.
"I don't have any doubt in my mind that giving Jalen this contract will not change the person that Jalen is," Roseman said. "No doubt.”
Resplendent in a green Gucci suit Monday, Hurts echoed the ethos that has turned him from a cost-effective rookie backup to the first $50 million player in league history with the upgraded wardrobe.
The substance doesn't change even if the wrapping does.
“The only thing that I've ever wanted to do is be the best version of myself and that hasn't changed,” Hurts said.
“That won't change.”
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Philadelphia Eagles? Click Here.
Want even more Philadelphia Eagles news? Check out the SI.com team page here
-John McMullen contributes Eagles coverage for SI.com's Eagles Today and is the NFL Insider for JAKIB Media. You can listen to John, alongside legendary sports-talk host Jody McDonald every morning from 8-10 on ‘Birds 365,” streaming live on YouTube. John is also the host of his own show "Football 24/7 and a daily contributor to ESPN South Jersey. You can reach him at jmcmullen44@gmail.com or on Twitter @JFMcMullen
