The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, 27, spoke to children during a segment on Good Morning America on Monday, March 9, while promoting his new children's book, Better Than a Touchdown. One young fan asked him if he had ever wanted to quit. Hurts reflected candidly on the question, revealing that there was indeed a time during his college years when he doubted his path.
"There was a lot of adversity in front of me," Hurts explained. "I was counted out, doubted, broken down, and scrutinized in every way. I just persevered. My passion overcame every ounce of doubt and every ounce of fear. That is the number one thing in life." He emphasized the importance of courage, perseverance, resilience, and passion, saying without those qualities he would not be where he is today.
Hurts was drafted by the Eagles in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, 53rd overall, after transferring from Alabama to Oklahoma. He initially served as a backup but quickly proved himself as a starter. Throughout his NFL career, Hurts has led the Eagles to two Super Bowl appearances, including Super Bowl LVII and Super Bowl LIX. He secured a decisive 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX and earned Super Bowl MVP honors.
Beyond football, Hurts earned a master's degree from the University of Oklahoma in May 2023, balancing his studies with his demanding professional career.
Reflecting on the Eagles' championship win in 2025, Hurts described the feeling as unparalleled. "For 364 days of the year, you work day in and day out—blood, sweat, and tears—for just one moment, and that's to hold that trophy," he said. The victory was made more meaningful by the defeat he experienced against the same team the previous year. Hurts has said he keeps an image of himself after that loss on his phone as a source of motivation, noting, "The motivation doesn't change. You hate losing more than you love winning. Winning feels good, but losing feels worse."
Hurts' story highlights not only his athletic skill but also the resilience and determination that have propelled him to the top of his sport. His openness about doubt, struggle, and perseverance serves as an inspiration to fans and young athletes alike, demonstrating that even elite players face moments of uncertainty and must rely on courage and passion to succeed.
This reflection underscores the lessons Hurts now shares with children, both through his book and his interviews, illustrating the importance of resilience in chasing one's dreams.
