Jalen Hurts, the star quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles and Super Bowl contender, has often spoken about the significant impact that his time under Nick Saban at Alabama had on his development, both on and off the field. Hurts, who played for the Crimson Tide from 2016 to 2018, learned more than just football fundamentals during his time in Tuscaloosa. His relationship with Saban shaped his leadership style, mental toughness, and approach to overcoming adversity — qualities that have become vital to his success in the NFL.
One of the most important lessons Hurts learned from Saban was the concept of “competitive maturity.” Saban, known for his intense coaching style, instilled in Hurts the value of maintaining composure regardless of the situation. Hurts experienced adversity firsthand during his college career, particularly in the 2018 National Championship Game. After Hurts was replaced by Tua Tagovailoa during the second half of the 2017 title game, it would have been easy for the young quarterback to become disheartened. However, Saban’s emphasis on mental resilience allowed Hurts to continue supporting his teammates and preparing for his next opportunity.
In 2018, Hurts showed remarkable maturity when he returned to lead Alabama to victory in the SEC Championship game after taking over for an injured Tua Tagovailoa. His ability to step in under pressure and excel on the big stage was a direct result of the lessons he learned from Saban about preparation, focus, and handling adversity with grace.
Saban also taught Hurts the importance of leadership. As a young player, Hurts was already known for his humility and work ethic, but Saban’s mentorship helped him refine these traits. Hurts learned how to lead not only with words but with actions, setting a strong example for his teammates. This leadership would prove crucial in his transition to the NFL, where he has taken command of the Eagles’ locker room and led them to the Super Bowl.
Perhaps most importantly, Saban emphasized the value of focusing on the process rather than the outcome. Hurts has credited his mindset — staying focused on the task at hand, rather than getting caught up in external pressures — to his time with Saban. It’s a philosophy Hurts has carried with him throughout his professional career, and it has been a key factor in his remarkable rise as an NFL quarterback.
In short, the lessons Hurts learned from Nick Saban have been foundational in his development as a leader, a quarterback, and a person. These lessons have helped him thrive under pressure and continue to grow in the high-stakes world of professional football.
