Winning the Super Bowl is the ultimate achievement in the NFL, a culmination of teamwork, strategy, and individual brilliance. Behind every championship victory, there’s an architect who rises to the occasion in the biggest moments. This year, that architect was Jalen Hurts, whose game-defining performance against the Kansas City Chiefs earned him the Super Bowl MVP title and solidified his place among the league’s elite quarterbacks.
Hurts’ journey to this moment has been nothing short of remarkable. Once doubted as a passer and questioned for his ability to lead a team to the highest level, Hurts silenced his critics with a masterclass performance on the grandest stage. Completing 17 of 22 passes for 293 total yards and 3 touchdowns, Hurts was the driving force behind the Philadelphia Eagles’ dominant victory. His poise, precision, and playmaking ability were on full display, proving that he belongs in the conversation with the NFL’s best.
The Super Bowl MVP Selection Process
The Super Bowl MVP award is unique in its selection process, blending fan engagement with expert analysis. Unlike the NFL MVP award, which is decided solely by a panel of sportswriters, the Super Bowl MVP incorporates input from fans. However, the two groups don’t carry equal weight. Fans’ online votes account for 20% of the total decision, while the remaining 80% is determined by a panel of 16 specialized journalists.
Voting takes place in real-time, with all ballots submitted by the final two minutes of the fourth quarter. This dynamic process allows the media panel to adjust their votes if something monumental happens in the closing moments of the game. This year, however, the decision was straightforward, thanks to the Eagles’ one-sided dominance and Hurts’ standout performance.
Historically, quarterbacks have dominated the Super Bowl MVP honors. Of the 58 winners to date, 33 have been QBs, followed by wide receivers (8) and running backs (7). This trend continued in 2023, as Hurts joined the likes of Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, and Joe Montana as a Super Bowl MVP. While Eagles linebacker Josh Sweat made a compelling case with 6 tackles, 3 QB hits, and 2.5 sacks, Hurts’ statistical brilliance and leadership ultimately tipped the scales in his favor.
The Pete Rozelle Trophy
The Super Bowl MVP is awarded the Pete Rozelle Trophy, a football-shaped award named in honor of the legendary NFL commissioner who revolutionized the league. While the title comes with no cash prize, it carries immense prestige, symbolizing excellence on the sport’s biggest stage. For Hurts, the trophy is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and ability to deliver under pressure.
Hurts’ Journey to Greatness
Hurts’ path to Super Bowl MVP was anything but conventional. Drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, he was initially seen as a project quarterback with raw talent but questionable passing ability. After taking over as the Eagles’ starter in 2021, he steadily improved, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities and leadership qualities.
The 2022 season was a breakout year for Hurts, as he led the Eagles to a 14-3 record and the NFC’s top seed. His combination of arm talent, athleticism, and football IQ made him one of the most dynamic players in the league. By the time the Super Bowl arrived, Hurts was no longer an underdog; he was a bona fide star ready to prove himself on the biggest stage.
A Legacy in the Making
Hurts’ Super Bowl performance was more than just a personal triumph; it was a statement to the entire NFL. In a league dominated by elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow, Hurts proved that he belongs in the same conversation. His ability to excel in high-pressure situations, combined with his work ethic and humility, has endeared him to fans and teammates alike.
As the confetti fell and the celebrations began, Hurts stood tall as the face of a franchise and a city. His Super Bowl MVP performance was not just a crowning achievement but a promise of more to come. At just 24 years old, Hurts has already etched his name in NFL history, and his journey is far from over.
Jalen Hurts’ Super Bowl MVP performance was a defining moment in his career and a testament to his growth as a player and leader. By delivering on the grandest stage, he has cemented his status as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. The Pete Rozelle Trophy is a fitting reward for a player who has overcome doubt, embraced challenges, and risen to the occasion when it mattered most. For Hurts and the Eagles, this victory is not just a celebration of a championship but the beginning of a new era of excellence.
