4TH AND 1

JALEN HURTS can squat 600 pounds, BUT THE SUPER BOWL MVP’S GREATEST STRENGTH MAY BE HIS MIND—AND HIS RELENTLESS DESIRE TO FINISH EVERY DRIVE.

- CLOVER HOPE

JALEN HURTS isn't at Disney World. On a gray March afternoon in Philadelphia, I find him at the Fitler Club, a sleek, members-only lifestyle hub hidden in a Center City alley overlooking the Schuylkill River. Hurts is seated in an industrial-style conference room against a backdrop of steel, locker-style cages. He has the relaxed look of an offseason athlete: all-black Jordan sweat-suit over a white tee, paired with Air Force Ones.

When I enter the room, his large hands are casually tapping an iPad that has a case covered in motivational quotes. On the back, a black-and-white sticker reads, in all caps, “IF YOUR ACTIONS INSPIRE OTHERS TO DREAM MORE, LEARN MORE, DO MORE, AND BECOME MORE, YOU ARE A LEADER.” Beside it: two crumpled, handwritten Post-it notes—one on expectations, another on integrity. A fresh pink Post-it encourages: “You are exactly where you are supposed to be. I love you. Follow God! I follow you.” It’s signed simply “B”—his fiancée, Bryonna Burrows. (Hurts later confirms that by the time this story runs, “You can call her my wife.”)

With Hurts six weeks removed from his biggest career win after five seasons with the Eagles, you might think he would still be riding the high of being named Super Bowl MVP. After years of intense scrutiny about his game, a crushing Super Bowl loss two years ago, and a transitional 2023–24 season, now that the team has soared to a championship on his wings, how does he feel? Hoorah.