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Jalen Hurts, the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, soared to new heights this past season, culminating in a triumphant return of the Lombardi Trophy to Philadelphia. As the season progressed, skepticism surrounded Hurts, with critics labeling him merely a game-manager amidst a robust roster. However, he silenced doubts during the playoffs, leading his team to score an impressive 95 points combined in the NFC Championship game and Super Bowl.
Brian Dawkins, a legendary figure in Eagles history, anticipated this breakthrough. He recognized Hurts’ potential to silence his detractors after watching him endure an abrupt setback in his career.
In a pivotal college game, Hurts faced a critical moment when he was benched during the 2018 National Championship, making way for Tua Tagovailoa, who ultimately threw the championship-winning touchdown to DeVonta Smith, a future Eagles wide receiver. Dawkins reflected on this moment, saying, “When that happened, that taught me a lot about his character. That young man is who I saw being able to be introduced to Philadelphia and grow as a quarterback. And he’s still growing.”
However, with a Super Bowl ring now adorning Hurts’ finger—alongside two Super Bowl appearances in just three years—Dawkins has high expectations for his continued development. He emphasized, “For me, I’m baffled when people get mad when someone says Jalen is not playing to his potential. Certain games, he was not. I’m someone that I’m always critical of myself on film. When I’m not at my best, I’m honest with myself. And I’m sure he’s the same way. If he is the same way, he’d say the same exact things.”
Dawkins highlighted that Hurts excels in high-stakes situations, where his performance reaches another level, stating, “What sets him apart is when he’s healthy and he gets into those big environments, he plays at a different level. It’s a good problem, but when you flash that, people will always expect it. You gotta hold him to a higher standard.”
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Dawkins discussed more than just football. He collaborates with Boehringer & Lilly’s “It Takes 2” health initiative to raise awareness about type-2 diabetes and kidney disease. This commitment to health emerged during Dawkins’ illustrious Hall of Fame career and continues to drive him in retirement. He urges individuals to be proactive about their health by getting necessary urine and blood tests to detect potential issues early.
Dawkins revealed a personal connection to this mission, explaining, “Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure are conditions that my parents face. Once I learned that, the rest of this information hit home for me. It’s those individuals that need to take different tests to figure out if they are on the path to developing kidney disease or cardiovascular risk as well. Once I discovered this information, I felt it was crucial to ensure that my parents and their caregivers had the necessary information to get tested. Now, I believe that once I acquire wisdom, I’m supposed to share it. That’s where this campaign comes in.”
As he encourages others to prioritize their health, he prompts, “If someone popped into your mind, then that person needs to take action.”
Dawkins also talked about the much-debated “tush push” play, one that has defined the Eagles’ gameplay. This controversial play has been utilized successfully over 90 percent of the time, yet teams have proposed banning it due to its effectiveness.
Despite numerous attempts to replicate the play, Dawkins insists that others have failed to match the Eagles’ execution. “If you’re an Eagles fan, keep doing it! It’s tough to stop. It’s been stopped, it’s not 100 percent. Things happen—offensive lines might slip, defensive lines might be bigger. But for Jalen, he squats 600 pounds. Not every team has that element,” he noted.
As it stands, the tush push remains within the rules, and as long as that is the case, fans can expect to see it frequently showcased on NFL broadcasts in the future.
Annual Reflections for a Healthier Future
As Dawkins continues to advocate for health awareness and emphasizes the importance of early detection, his message resonates well beyond the football field. His commitment to sharing knowledge and supporting those at risk highlights a broader societal responsibility.
Fans and individuals alike can find inspiration in the dual commitment of Dawkins to both the Eagles’ legacy and proactive health management. His journey serves as a reminder that greatness extends beyond sports, touching the lives of many through education and awareness.
