NFL veteran disrespects Jalen Hurts, denies building a team around him: “He’s not in…”

An NFL analyst has sparked controversy with a scathing take on Philadelphia Eagles’ star quarterback Jalen Hurts, claiming he “wouldn’t build a franchise around him” despite Hurts’ recent Super Bowl heroics. The critique comes after Darius Slay excluded Hurts from his top-five quarterbacks list—a snub that stunned fans following Hurts’ dominant Super Bowl LIX performance.

The MVP threw for 303 yards, rushed for 70, and scored three touchdowns to secure a 40-22 victory over the Chiefs, cementing his legacy as one of football’s elite. Yet, doubters persist, including a former QB whose critique has reignited debates about Hurts’ true value.

A backup QB’s bold claim about Jalen Hurts’ legacy

Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel, a career backup with just five starts in 13 seasons, recently doubled down on the skepticism. On FS1’s The Facility, Daniel argued that Hurts isn’t a foundational piece for a franchise.

“There are only four guys I’d take to start a franchise with… Jalen Hurts isn’t in the top 9 or 10,” he declared, questioning Hurts’ consistency and leadership despite the Philadelphia Eagles’ championship run.

Daniel’s take hinges on perceived flaws: Hurts’ 2024 regular-season dip (14 turnovers) and reliance on Philadelphia’s stacked roster. Yet critics note Daniel’s limited credentials—he never played in a Super Bowl, let alone won MVP honors. His analysis clashes with Hurts’ proven clutch gene, including six fourth-quarter comebacks last season.

Why the disconnect? Clashing metrics vs. moment magnets

Daniel’s critique reflects a growing divide in evaluating quarterbacks. Traditionalists prioritize stats like passer rating (Hurts ranked 8th in 2024) and interception rates, while modern analysts emphasize intangibles: leadership, poise, and elevating teams in high-stakes moments.

Jalen Hurts thrives in the latter category. His Super Bowl performance—outdueling Patrick Mahomes with pinpoint throws and gutsy scrambles—epitomizes his ability to deliver when it matters most.

The Philadelphia Eagles’ system, bolstered by weapons like A.J. Brown and Saquon Barkley, undoubtedly eases pressure. But dismissing Hurts as a “product of his roster” ignores his evolution. Since 2022, he’s improved his completion rate (68% in 2024), cut down on sacks, and mastered RPO schemes—a far cry from his early “game manager” label.

Why Hurts’ legacy defies easy labels

Hurts’ journey—from second-round pick to Super Bowl MVP—mirrors greats like Steve Young and Brett Favre, who faced early skepticism. His dual-threat prowess (43 rushing TDs since 2020) reshapes defenses, while his stoic leadership anchors Philly’s locker room. Teammates like Lane Johnson and Jason Kelce have lauded his work ethic, with Kelce calling him “the most prepared player I’ve ever seen.”

Yet, detractors like Daniel fixate on flaws. They point to his 3-5 record against top-10 defenses in 2024 or his occasional misreads under pressure. But even Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen have off days—what separates elites is resilience. Jalen Hurts has rallied from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit in the NFC Championship and outscored opponents 58-27 in playoff overtime periods.

Daniel’s hot take fuels debate but misses the forest for the trees. In a league where championships define legacies, Hurts has already etched his name alongside Philly greats. His Super Bowl MVP—awarded unanimously—speaks louder than armchair analysts. As the Philadelphia Eagles reload for another title run, Hurts’ focus remains clear: let trophies, not talk, silence doubters.