From Super Bowl MVP to Media Punching Bag: Why Jalen Hurts Faces Relentless Hate?

Jalen Hurts has become one of the most polarizing figures in the NFL, despite—or perhaps because of—his undeniable success.

The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback has led his team to a Super Bowl victory, earned MVP honors, and signed a massive contract extension.

Yet, Hurts remains one of the most disrespected players in the league, constantly subjected to criticism that often seems more personal than professional.

The question is: why?

The narrative surrounding Hurts has long been shaped by skepticism.

Even after a stellar college career at Alabama and Oklahoma, Hurts was dismissed as a second-tier prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft.

He watched as quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert, and even Jordan Love were selected ahead of him.

When the Eagles drafted Hurts in the second round, many questioned the move—especially since the team had just signed Carson Wentz to a lucrative contract extension.

It seemed Hurts was destined to be a backup, but his work ethic and professionalism quickly changed that.

By Week 14 of his rookie season, Hurts had earned the starting job, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Yet, even as he helped turn the Eagles into a perennial contender, the criticism persisted.

Hurts was labeled a “game manager,” a quarterback who benefited more from the talent around him than his own skills.

His ability to execute the “tush push” play—where the Eagles dominate short-yardage situations thanks to Hurts’ strength and technique—was mocked as a gimmick rather than praised as a strategic advantage.

Critics argued that Hurts didn’t have to play at an elite level for the Eagles to win, implying that his success was a product of circumstance rather than ability.

This perception was amplified during the 2023 season, which saw Hurts post career highs in completion percentage, touchdown percentage, and passer rating.

Despite these achievements, his passing yards were lower than expected, and his reliance on the “tush push” was used as ammunition for detractors.

Hurts’ critics conveniently ignored the fact that he played much of the season with injuries to his knee and ankle, focusing instead on his statistical “regression.”

The Eagles finished the season 14-3, yet Hurts was excluded from elite quarterback conversations, with some analysts even questioning his place in the top 10.

Hurts’ detractors often point to the talent surrounding him as a reason to downplay his contributions.

With weapons like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and a dominant offensive line, Hurts is accused of simply steering the ship rather than being the driving force.

Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton echoed this sentiment, stating, “Jalen Hurts does not have to play elite for the Philadelphia Eagles to win. He has to play good, but he doesn’t have to play elite.”

Newton’s comments reflect a broader bias against Hurts, as other quarterbacks with stacked rosters—like Patrick Mahomes or Joe Burrow—rarely face the same scrutiny.

But those who watch Hurts closely know the truth: he is far more than a “game manager.”

His leadership, poise, and ability to deliver in clutch moments set him apart.

According to Underdog Network, Hurts leads the league in EPA (expected points added) per play and success rate on third and fourth downs over the past three seasons, including the playoffs.

He also ranks first in completion percentage over expected since 2022.

These metrics highlight Hurts’ ability to perform under pressure, a quality that goes far beyond the stats sheet.

Hurts’ journey to NFL stardom has been defined by adversity.

In college, he was benched in the 2018 National Championship game for Tua Tagovailoa, but instead of sulking, he supported his teammate and prioritized the team’s success.

When Tua was injured in the 2018 SEC Championship game, Hurts stepped up and led Alabama to victory—a perfect reversal of the previous season’s events.

This selflessness and resilience have carried over to his professional career, where Hurts consistently sacrifices personal glory for the good of the team.

Even Hurts’ performance in Super Bowl 57—a narrow loss to the Kansas City Chiefs—was one for the ages.

He threw for 304 yards, rushed for 70 more, and scored four total touchdowns, including two via the “tush push.”

His efforts set records and earned praise as one of the greatest individual performances by a losing quarterback in Super Bowl history.

Yet, the narrative surrounding Hurts remained unchanged.

Critics dismissed his achievements, focusing instead on his fumble that was returned for a touchdown—a rare blemish in an otherwise stellar game.

Hurts’ stoic response to criticism only seems to fuel the fire.

He rarely engages with detractors, choosing instead to let his performance speak for itself.

This quiet confidence frustrates his critics, who double down on their attempts to undermine him.

Hurts’ refusal to seek validation from the media or fans is a testament to his character, but it also makes him an easy target for those who thrive on controversy.

The bottom line is that Hurts deserves more respect.

His 46-20 record as a starter, his clutch performances, and his leadership qualities make him one of the most valuable players in the league.

While his detractors focus on surface-level statistics, those who truly understand football recognize the impact Hurts has on his team.

He may not always post eye-popping numbers, but he does whatever it takes to win—a quality that cannot be quantified.

So why is Jalen Hurts so hated?

Perhaps it’s jealousy, or perhaps it’s the refusal to acknowledge that success can come in different forms.

Whatever the reason, Hurts continues to rise above the noise, proving his doubters wrong time and time again.

As the Eagles look to build on their success, one thing is clear: Hurts is the franchise quarterback they’ve been searching for all along.