Jalen Hurts continues drawing praise from NFL legends as he refines his approach heading into the 2025 season.
The former Alabama and Oklahoma standout has worked tirelessly on both physical conditioning and mental preparation throughout the offseason.
Critics often point to the talent surrounding Hurts as the primary driver of his success. Others view him as a natural leader with championship potential.
Recent comments from a two-time Super Bowl champion have added weight to the latter perspective.
Hall of Famer Peyton Manning shared his thoughts on Hurts during a recent appearance on the Pro Football Focus podcast with Cris Collinsworth.
“He’s played so well in both of the Super Bowls, but I like the way he goes about it. He calls me a lot and asks me lots of questions. They actually run a lot of plays that we used to run. [Nick] Sirianni, to Frank Reich, to Tom Moore, sort of that chain. And he calls me with very specific questions about certain plays. So he’s a student of the game. Here’s another example—he squats 600 pounds, he can run over guys, he can throw it a mile. But his appreciation of the cerebral part of the game is what is impressive to me and how he’s taken his game to the next level and I think the sky is the limit for this guy,” Manning said.
Peyton Manning raves about Jalen Hurts on the PFF podcast with Cris Collinsworth:
Manning: “He’s played so well in both of the Super Bowls, but I like the way he goes about it. He calls me a lot and asks me lots of questions. They actually run a lot of plays that we used to… pic.twitter.com/MiyYHOynnY
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) August 12, 2025
Manning’s endorsement carries significant weight given his own legendary career.
The former Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos quarterback highlighted Hurts’ unique combination of physical gifts and mental dedication.
Collinsworth also noted Hurts’ intense focus during their conversation.
When asked if he had encountered anyone more locked in, Manning’s response was direct: “No.”
Hurts has already compiled an impressive resume, including multiple Super Bowl appearances and a championship.
His willingness to seek guidance from veterans like Manning demonstrates his commitment to growth.
As the Eagles prepare for another title run, their quarterback appears positioned to cement his place among the league’s elite.
