Powerlifter Jalen Hurts is one of the strongest and most impressive young quarterbacks active in the league at the moment. After all, not many QBs get to sign $255 Million worth 5-year extensions. Roped in as a third-string quarterback in 2020, Hurts ended up guiding his unit to the Super Bowl in just his third season and a lot of credit for that has to go to two sporting icons who inspired him to fight through all adversities.
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Yes, we are referring to NBA GOAT Michael Jordan and ‘Black Mamba’ Kobe Bryant, the two sporting figures who inspired innumerable individuals across the world to push their boundaries and achieve the unthinkable. To always remember why he started playing the sport, Hurts has a special Michael Jordan poster in his locker. Moreover, he often pays tribute to the great Kobe Bryant by wearing ‘Black Mamba’ T-shirts on important occasions.
Jalen Hurts channelized the ‘Black Mamba’ mentality to keep the fire burning
Back in January this year, Jalen decided to invite the media to his locker after going through a lot of pain, courtesy a shoulder injury. While his replies during the press interaction were top notch, what really ended up taking all the attention was Jalen’s T-shirt and the way he had decorated his locker.
Jalen had a special Michael Jordan poster pasted inside his locker. Alongside the legend’s iconic picture, one of MJ’s most popular quotes, “some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, and others MAKE it happen,” was also seen written on the poster.
In addition to this, Jalen, while interacting with the media, was seen wearing a T-shirt that had Kobe Bryant’s picture printed on it. While many also called the press meet a great PR exercise done by the Eagles QB, innumerable fans were left impressed by the fact that the young footballer was embracing the ‘Mamba Mentality’ to sideline all the negativity which can surround an athlete’s mind when he is bogged down by an injury, as Jalen was.
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, and others MAKE it happen”
-Michael Jordan
Jalen Hurts with Michael Jordan picture and quote in his locker and wearing Kobe Bryant shirt pic.twitter.com/gpxPU4V7fX
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) January 12, 2023
The ‘Mamba Mentality’ dictates that one needs to stand tall in front of adversities and get out of it like a champion. Something which must have truly inspired Hurts who went on to guide his team to the Super Bowl upon recovering from the injury.
2022, the season of Jalen Hurts
Jalen had an absolutely incredible time on the field during the 2022 season. Out of the 15 games he started before the playoffs, Mr. Hurts guided his team to a whopping 14 victories. Without a doubt, the Eagles did emerge as the most consistent team in the competition last year.
However, Philadelphia fans were handed a body blow when Jalen sustained a shoulder injury in Chicago last year in December. Jalen admirers weren’t sure if he will be fit enough to play during the postseason. However, getting inspired by the ‘Black Mamba’ mentality, Hurts had told Eagles Insider Dave Spardo that he will definitely play the Divisional Round game.
“It’s a day-by-day thing. Just taking it day by day. I think the whole world knows that I’m dealing with something, that I’ve been dealing with something,” Jalen had told Spardo.
Not only did he announce his return in style, but also ended up taking his team all the way to the Super Bowl where the determined KC Chiefs ultimately stopped Jalen’s caravan.
