How Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts — who just signed a $255 million contract — went from infamously benched in college to the highest-paid player in the NFL

Tyler LaulettaApr 18, 2023, 19:04 IST

Jalen Hurts celebrates after a win against the Washington Commanders.AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.

Jalen Hurts reached a five-year, $255 million extension with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The deal makes him the highest-paid player in NFL history by average annual value.

Jalen Hurts signed a five-year, $255 million extension with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jalen Hurts runs with the ball against the New York Giants.AP Photo/Matt Rourke

Hurts has played just three seasons in the NFL, but has quickly established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in football.

Jalen Hurts reacts after a play against the New York Giants.AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Hurts' journey from college to the NFL to his huge payday has been quite a ride.

Jalen Hurts runs onto the field ahead of a game against the New York Giants.AP Photo/Chris Szagola

Hurts began his football career as a quarterback at Channelview (Texas) High School.

Hurts committed to play college football at Alabama, and became the team's starter as a true freshman in 2016.

Jalen Hurts gets set to pass during a practice for Alabama.AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

In the 2016 season, Hurts led the Crimson Tide to a perfect 12-0 record in the regular season, including a dominant 30-12 win over arch rival Auburn in the Iron Bowl.

Jalen Hurts runs for a touchdown against Auburn.AP Photo/Butch Dill

Alabama entered the College Football Playoff as the No. 1 seed, but was ultimately beaten by the Clemson Tigers in the championship game.

Jalen Hurts runs with the ball against Clemson.AP Photo/David J. Phillip

In his sophomore season, Hurts once again was brilliant through the regular season, leading Alabama to an 11-1 campaign.

Jalen Hurts runs with the ball against Fresno State.AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

As the No. 4 seed heading into the playoff, Alabama upset Clemson in a rematch of the previous year's final, with Hurts earning offensive MVP honors.

Jalen Hurts lifts the Sugar Bowl trophy after a win against Clemson.AP Photo/Butch Dill

But the championship game was another story. After struggling in the first half against Georgia, Hurts was benched in favor of true freshman Tua Tagovailoa.

Jalen Hurts stands with Tua Tagovailoa on the sidelines during a game against Georgia.AP Photo/David J. Phillip

Tagovailoa led the Crimson Tide to a comeback victory, throwing the game-winning touchdown pass in overtime to DeVonta Smith.

After the game, Hurts embraced Tagovailoa as they celebrated as national champions.

Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa celebrate during Alabama's championship parade.AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

Heading into his junior year, Hurts started the season backing up Tagovailoa, despite having lost just two games as a starter in his college career.

Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts stand together during practice.AP Photo/Butch Dill

But Hurts stayed sharp all season, and was ready when called upon.

Jalen Hurts throws a touchdown pass against Auburn.AP Photo/Vasha Hunt

In the SEC title game, a rematch against Georgia, Tagovailoa went down with a foot injury with 11 minutes to play and Alabama trailing.

Jalen Hurts takes the field after Tua Tagovailoa is helped off due to injury.Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

Hurts stepped in and led the comeback, throwing for one touchdown and rushing for another to beat the Bulldogs.

After the game, Hurts and Tagovailoa embraced once again.

Tua Tagovailoa embraces Jalen Hurts after a touchdown.Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Tagovailoa would recover before the playoff, and lead Alabama back to the championship game to face off against Clemson.

Tua Tagovailoa runs with the ball against Clemson.AP Photo/David J. Phillip

This time, the Tigers got the best of the Tide, cruising to a 44-16 victory.

Tua Tagovailoa walks off the field after losing the championship game against Clemson.AP Photo/Ben Margot

With Tagovailoa established in the starting role at Alabama, Hurts announced that he would be transferring for his final year of eligibility.

Hurts went to Oklahoma, where he immediately took over the starting job under head coach Lincoln Riley.

Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley watches Jalen Hurts during practice.AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Hurts made an impression on his new teammates in the lead up to the season, squatting 600 lbs to the delight of the Sooners.

Oklahoma went 11-1 through the regular season, with Hurts putting up stunning numbers.

Jalen Hurts evades a defender against Kansas.AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

Hurts played his way into the Heisman race, but the award was ultimately won by LSU's Joe Burrow.

Heisman candidates Joe Burrow, Justin Fields, Jalen Hurts, and Chase Young pose with the trophy.AP Photo/Jason Szenes

Oklahoma made the playoff as the No. 4 seed but lost in the semifinal to Burrow's LSU.

Jalen Hurts dives for a touchdown against LSU.AP Photo/John Amis

After reaching the college football playoff with two different teams, Hurts declared for the 2020 NFL Draft.

Jalen Hurts gets set to throw at the NFL Combine.AP Photo/Michael Conroy

Hurts had to wait until the second round of the draft, when the Philadelphia Eagles selected him with the 53rd overall pick.

The Eagles had already committed a big contract to then-starter Carson Wentz, but general manager Howie Roseman has always been aggressive in adding quarterback talent.

Carson Wentz throws as Jalen Hurts and Nate Sudfeld look on.Yong Kim/Pool Photo via AP

After a lackluster year from Wentz, Hurts took over the starting job in Week 14 of the season.

Doug Pederson speaks with Jalen Hurts and Carson Wentz on the sideline.AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Heading into 2021, the Eagles traded away Wentz to the Indianapolis Colts, opening the door for Hurts to take over the starting role.

Jalen Hurts makes a throw against the Las Vegas Raiders.AP Photo/Denis Poroy

The Eagles went 8-7 in Hurts' 15 starts in 2021, sneaking into the playoffs as a wild card team.

Jalen Hurts jogs off the field after a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.AP Photo/David Becker

Hurts impressed as a dual-threat talent, throwing for 16 touchdowns and rushing for 10 more.

Jalen Hurts fakes a throw against the Detroit Lions.AP Photo/Rick Osentoski

The Eagles fell to the Buccaneers in the first round of the playoffs, but Hurts established himself as the team’s starter.

Jalen Hurts gestures to the sidelines during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.AP Photo/Jason Behnken

In 2022, Hurts made the leap to greatness, leading the Eagles to a 14-3 regular season.

Jalen Hurts takes the field for a game against the Tennessee Titans.AP Photo/Chris Szagola

Throughout the year, Hurts' QB sneak, with the help of the Eagles' offensive line, proved one of the most dominant plays in football.

Jalen Hurts lines up under center against the New York Giants.AP Photo/Chris Szagola

The Eagles cruised through the NFC playoffs, defeating the Giants and 49ers.

Jalen Hurts celebrates with Lane Johnson after a play.AP Photo/Chris Szagola

Hurts led the Eagles into a Super Bowl matchup against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes speak at NFL Media Day ahead of the Super Bowl.AP Photo/David J. Philip

While the Eagles came up short, Hurts played one of the best games in Super Bowl history.

Jalen Hurts evades a defender at the Super Bowl.AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Despite coming up short in the big game, Hurts showed enough for the Eagles to make him the highest-paid man in football.

Jalen Hurts reacts after a play against the Green Bay Packers.AP Photo/Chris Szagola

In addition to his earnings on the field, Hurts makes plenty of money off the field as well.

Jalen Hurts smiles after winning the NFC Championship against the San Francisco 49ers.AP Photo/Chris Szagola

He's a partner with Columbia, showing off their outdoor wear.

Hurts also took part in a campaign with Frosted Flakes.

Champs Sports is another brand that Hurts has a relationship with.

Hurts even has his own brand of gear, which takes advantage of his "Breed of 1" slogan.

Hurts knows how to have fun as well. He's been known to show up at Sixers games, supporting his fellow Philly athletes.

He's also a sharp dresser, showing up to games in some of the best fits in the NFL.

Hurts told GQ that of his first million dollars, he spent around $30,000 on fashion and jewelry. He especially loves bomber jackets.

Hurts has also put together a rather impressive watch collection in his time as a pro.

In the same interview, Hurts said he donated roughly $60,000 to charitable causes.

Hurts also told GQ he was still driving the same car he drove in college while on his rookie deal. Given his new extension, that might be changing soon.

Hurts also said he put $70,000 aside from his rookie deal to help his younger sister when it came time to pay for college.

Jalen Hurts poses with his family after a game.Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

With his new contract, Hurts has plenty to spend on more sharp suits, and is set to stay in Philly for quite some time.

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How Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts &mdash; who just signed a $255 million contract &mdash; went from infamously benched in college to the highest-paid player in the NFL