(Philadelphia) Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is wealthier after putting his name on the bottom of a new contract. However, his mentality has not changed.
Dressed in a green jacket and matching tie, Hurts spoke for the first time on Monday since signing a five-year pact worth US$255 million last week.
According to the terms of the agreement, Hurts is guaranteed to receive a sum of money of 179.3 millionUS.
“Money is beautiful, championships are better,” Hurts said.
The 24-year-old quarterback says hard work and determination have been the foundation of his success. That won’t change with this lucrative contract, he said.
“It’s an exciting time,” he acknowledged. “But I think I set the precedent for what I desire. I can’t help but stick to the basics of what I set out to do and what this organization set out to do: be the best version of myself. And that has not changed. »
Hurts has positioned himself to sign that massive contract with a spectacular performance in 2022.
In his second season as the Eagles’ starting quarterback, he had 3,701 passing yards and added 760 rushing yards. In all, he contributed to 35 touchdowns for the Eagles during the regular season.
Hurts then led the Eagles to victories over the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers in the National Conference Playoffs, before losing to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
However, it wasn’t the fault of Hurts, who amassed 304 yards through the air with a touchdown pass. He also had 70 rushing yards and scored three majors in the Eagles’ 38-35 loss to the Chiefs.
The Eagles claimed Hurts in the second round of the 2020 draft. He ended all questioning about his ability to become a franchise quarterback.
The Eagles went 16-2 in games Hurts started last season, and he finished second to Mahomes in the hunt for the NFL Most Valuable Player award. He was also elected to the Pro Bowl for the first time.
Hurts won’t lower his expectations going forward.
“All I want is to be in the constant quest to be the best player possible without putting limits on myself,” he said.
“To be the best leader and the best man that I can be, and that will never change. The hard work continues and the flame still burns. I love this sport, the work, the relentlessness it requires. The hard work continues. I will give it my all, like I always have. »