Why Jalen Hurts' amazing Shedeur Sanders gesture is huge surprise

The Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl MVP is scary intense. So his kind gesture to the polarizing Browns rookie QB speaks volumes.

Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Jalen Hurts is obsessed with Michael Jordan.

Not only is the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl MVP sponsored by the Jordan brand, but the insanely intense franchise quarterback likes to hold grudges and often seeks advice from the NBA GOAT, including having sit-down dinners on what it takes to be a generational talent that will be remembered forever.

RELATED: Jalen Hurts' mom has epic Eagles flex returning to work for unpretentious job

Feb 9, 2025: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

So then it was extremely notable that the 27-year-old Hurts went out of his way to help polarizing Cleveland Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders get back to the locker room after injuring his oblique during the intrasquad practice before their preseason game on Saturday.

RELATED: Shedeur Sanders’ mom Pilar flexes Browns ‘12’ eye-catching fit from head to toe

Jalen Hurts gave Shedeur a ride after Sanders injured his oblique during practice 🤝💯

Hurts looking after Shedeur ❤️

(via @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/aigXz1ssNE

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 13, 2025

Here's why it's very surprising and speaks volumes.

No respect mantra

Feb 14, 2025: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts raises the Lombardi Trophy during the Super Bowl LIX championship parade and rally. / Caean Couto-Imagn Images

It's what Hurts lives by to prove all the doubters wrong, and after famously getting benched by Nick Saban for Tua Tagovailoa in the national championship game, the NFL second-round pick has always had a huge chip on his shoulder.

Heck, he made a "Love Hurts" ad campaign, with the Jordan brand naturally, after the Eagles won Super Bowl LIX and Hurts was named MVP, besting the two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes in a blowout victory, including the dagger deep throw to DeVonta Smith to put the game away.

Dart. Dot. Dime. Whatever you want to call it. 55 yards on a rope to ice the Super Bowl.

Just an insane throw from Jalen Hurts. pic.twitter.com/gx7JWqHRIa

— Brenden Deeg (@BrendenDeeg_) February 10, 2025

So Hurts probably has empathy for the most talked about fifth round pick of all time, since it's been a common refrain coming from Shedeur and his NFL legend father Deion Sanders: prove all the doubters wrong.

Surprising mentor for the known NFL killer

Jul 23, 2025: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts looks on during training camp at NovaCare Complex. / Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

After a long chat with Shedeur, Hurts shared to The Athletic's Zach Berman, “I’m always there [for Shedeur]… giving my perspective on what I see and how I’ve gone about things. Ultimately, it takes a great deal of patience and hard work and a sense of resilience. You’ve got to want it. You’ve got to want it. I’m supporting him from where I am and wishing him nothing but the best with his opportunities.”

Hurts is known to be so serious, that he intimidates folks like NFL legends Peyton Manning and Cris Collinsworth when he walks into the room, with both agreeing they've never met a more serious human being.

Peyton Manning raves about Jalen Hurts on the PFF podcast with Cris Collinsworth:

Manning: "He's played so well in both of the Super Bowls, but I like the way he goes about it. He calls me a lot and asks me lots of questions. They actually run a lot of plays that we used to… pic.twitter.com/MiyYHOynnY

— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) August 12, 2025

Shedeur has always been knocked for not being serious enough, so if the promising 23 year old can take even a little bit of that "got to want it" attitude, then he truly has a chance to prove all the doubters wrong.

Until then, one is a the reigning Super Bowl MVP with the confidence and charisma of a franchise quarterback that's now chasing greatness. The other one is still fourth on the Browns' depth chart and has to prove that he can get on the field first.

Prove all the doubters wrong.

Feb 9, 2025: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts reacts with his now wife Bry Burrows after the Eagles defeated the Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. / James Lang-Imagn Images

— Enjoy free dish of rich and fabulous players with The Athlete Lifestyle on SI —

What a catch: Megan Thee Stallion stuns in fishing fit on Klay Thompson’s boat

Speaking of..: Klay Thompson dresses gf Megan Thee Stallion in first-ever golf fit

Can’t be real?: Where is Anna Kournikova, only 44, after viral wheelchair photo?

Couple or no?: Who is Karrueche Tran? 5 facts about Deion’s rumored girlfriend

Perfect match: Russell Wilson shows love to wife Ciara after her historic reveal