Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman has seen his share of elite signal-callers during his playing days and now as the voice of Monday Night Football. This week on ESPN's Get Up, Aikman came to the defense of Jalen Hurts amid recent criticism.
"I believe Jalen can do anything that he's asked to do," Aikman said. "I go back to early in his career. We had them in the playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was Jalen's first year as a starter. They did not play well in that game offensively. They really struggled, and they needed to be better throwing the football."
Remarkable Turnaround
Aikman pointed to Hurts' dramatic improvement as proof of his dedication.
"And the very next year, it was remarkable the turnaround that we saw from the passing game and from Jalen Hurts," Aikman continued. "What that proved to me is he's a quarterback that puts in the time to do everything he can to be his best."
High Expectations for 2026
Despite the criticism Hurts has faced this offseason, including recent ESPN reports about dysfunction, Aikman expects the Eagles QB to bounce back.
"Whatever he's been challenged with this offseason, I fully expect him to come out and play the kind of football that we're accustomed to seeing him play," Aikman concluded.
Track Record Speaks
Since becoming the Eagles' full-time starter in 2021, Hurts has compiled a 40-18 regular season record, led Philadelphia to Super Bowl LVII, and earned Pro Bowl honors in consecutive seasons.
The Eagles open their season September 13th against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field.
