Doug Pederson on Jalen Hurts: The Obsession That Changed the Eagles' Future

In a candid revelation, former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson opened up about his deep admiration for quarterback Jalen Hurts, a player who has since become the cornerstone of the Eagles’ resurgence. Speaking with a passionate tone, Pederson revealed the intense focus the Eagles had on Hurts, calling it an “obsession.”

"We were obsessed with Jalen Hurts," Pederson said. "To every man, it was, 'Let's pull the trigger on this kid.'"

Pederson's words highlight a pivotal moment in the Eagles' history — when the coaching staff, despite questions surrounding Hurts' potential, decided to trust him with the starting role. The decision to make Hurts their future quarterback has now paid dividends as he has blossomed into one of the NFL's most dynamic and promising quarterbacks.

When Pederson and the team made the call to draft Hurts in 2020, it raised eyebrows across the league. At the time, Carson Wentz was still considered the franchise quarterback. But the Eagles' coaching staff knew something that many outsiders didn't — Hurts was the future, and it was time to pull the trigger.

That “obsession” Pederson speaks of was rooted in Hurts' unique blend of leadership, athleticism, and raw potential. Despite facing skepticism, the Eagles chose to move forward with Hurts, and the gamble paid off as Hurts helped lead the team to a Super Bowl appearance and quickly became the face of the franchise.

In a season filled with high expectations and major decisions, Pederson’s insight into the Eagles' faith in Hurts is a reminder of how trust in a young quarterback can reshape the future of an entire franchise.

The bond between coach and quarterback was undeniable, and with Hurts now firmly in the driver's seat, the Eagles' future looks brighter than ever.