Jalen Hurts is officially the new ‘King of Philly’ after signing his five-year, $255 million contract that includes $179 million guaranteed.
Flanked by his girlfriend Bryonna “Bry” Burrow agent Nicole Lynn, and team brass, Hurts, and owner Jeffrey Lurie spoke to the media during the historic press conference that ushered in a new era for the franchise at the quarterback position.
The Man of the Hour (and, no, not @Mfranknfl): pic.twitter.com/SBXlCuXAh3
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) April 24, 2023
Hurts avoided getting overly emotional but talked about his process, the journey from Alabama to Oklahoma, and what Philadelphia and the rabid fanbase mean to him after almost four years in the city.
Here are the highlights and key takeaways from the historic press conference.
Keeping the main thing the main thing
Hurts talked about his new deal, and when asked about endorsements and off of the field opportunity, the All-Pro stuck to his script.
Jalen Hurts on balancing opportunities off the field:
"Keep the main thing the main thing. I love the game, I love the grind. I wouldn't be where I am today to have the opportunities to lead this city without the game." #Eagles
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) April 24, 2023
Hurts on things staying the same
Money certainly won’t change this quarterback.
Today's forecast@JalenHurts | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/6C63rj5Kmt
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 24, 2023
Jeffrey Lurie on Hurts having no ceiling
The Eagles owner opened things up, and he looked calm and at peace with parting with $255 million.
Lurie opened the press conference by calling Hurts a “remarkable” player and person who sets the culture for the entire organization.
Lurie continued, telling the media that he believes that there is no limit to how high the Eagles and Hurts can rise during the quarterback’s time with the team.
Jalen Hurts and Jeffrey Lurie: pic.twitter.com/QboRfc0WCt
— Zach Berman (@ZBerm) April 24, 2023
Hurts always working
The All-Pro quarterback was working out when he received the news about his new deal and returned to work.
Jalen Hurts says he was working out when he found out the deal was done. He FaceTimed with Lurie, Howie and Nick. Then he went back to work
“Didn’t do anything crazy” #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) April 24, 2023
Nick Sirianni looks exhaused
The Eagles’ head coach was in attendance, and he’s been working hard to reshape his staff.
First row: Jalen Hurts, his girlfriend Bryonna Burrows, his agent Nicole Lynn
Second row: Julian Lurie, Howie Roseman, Nick Sirianni pic.twitter.com/4Fl2HDfQKL
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) April 24, 2023
Hurts is a long way from Oklahoma
Hurts decided to depart Alabama as a grad transfer for Lincoln Riley and the Oklahoma Sooners.
The dual-threat quarterback learned more about becoming a passer and catapulted a Heisman finalist into a second-round selection.
Jalen Hurts: “I would like to thank Mr. Lurie, Howie, Julian — three years ago today: shocking the world and taking the kid from Oklahoma.” pic.twitter.com/5XJv46ULa0
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) April 24, 2023
Special Moment
This is the beginning.#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/lb4b7F7aHK
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 24, 2023
Lurie has had McNabb, Vick, Foles Wentz, and now Hurts, calling today’s signing a “special moment” for the franchise.
It's a special moment.#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/wfjHpIH5f5
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 24, 2023
Hurts on Philadelphia
🗣🗣🗣@jalenhurts | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/2vmZ1l9oI1
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 24, 2023
Hurts talks about walking through the fire and how special Philadelphia has been.
Philly is one of a kind@JalenHurts | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/r7KGMmnMhh
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 24, 2023
Hurts contract
#Eagles QB Jalen Hurts on his contract terms: "You look at all the great teams and great players. It takes a village. That was important to make to take that approach to it." pic.twitter.com/eZg9vW5IdY
— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffPMosher) April 24, 2023
When explaining, the quarterback didn’t seek a fully guaranteed deal and referenced taking a village to reach long-term goals.
Jalen Hurts on why he opted for this deal over holding out for a fully guaranteed deal: "Look at great teams and great players, it takes a village. …We’ve got something special going on. We all want to do it for a long time. That was important to me to take that approach w it."
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) April 24, 2023
Jalen Hurts says he took the version of contract he did because the #Eagles have a ton of talent on the roster and he wants to keep it that way pic.twitter.com/mry2P14a3C
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) April 24, 2023
Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts’ Big Day: pic.twitter.com/ipNWRAyVr7
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) April 24, 2023