On January 21, at the Divisional Playoffs, Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New York Giants, 38-7, at Lincoln Financial Field. Eight days later, they breezed past the San Francisco 49ers, 31-7, at the NFL Championship to set up a Super Bowl clash against the Kansas City Chiefs on February 12. Twenty-four-year-old NFL QuarterBack, Jalen Hurts, couldn’t thank Muhammad Ali and basketball great Michael Jordan more.

There’s one thing that binds many athletes despite their difference in sports; their source of inspiration. Unhesitatingly, many stars in the sporting world rate the greatest boxer and the twentieth century’s most outstanding athlete, Muhammad Ali, as the guiding light behind their success.

In his time, Muhammad Ali became a symbol of freedom against oppression. But restricted to the sport, he undoubtedly stood out as an ideal athlete. ‘The Greatest’ was a rare combination of agility, strength, and sheer athleticism. Even though he fought his last bout in 1981, several generations of boxers have looked up to him. His life became a catalyst for driving others to achieve more, to go beyond their usual self.

Jalen Hurts appreciates Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali

Lest it gets forgotten, ‘The Greatest’ himself looked up to another boxer for inspiration. Sugar Ray Robinson, like Ali, is frequently hailed as the greatest of all time. Many people today rank the four-time world champion as the best of all time. Ali grew up idolizing Robinson as a kid in Louisville, Kentucky.

Jalen Hurts joined the Eagles during the 2020 NFL drafts. In only his third season, the quarterback achieved career highs in passing. As an outstanding rusher, his stat for the 2022 season stood at 760 yards and 13 touchdowns.

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But for all his stellar performance, Hurts, during a press conference, said, “I think M.J. is up there along with Muhammad Ali. Transcendent. He was a relentless competitor. I’ve always admired that. He is my favorite athlete ever to do it.” 

Fans react to Jalen Hurts’ comments

John Clark, a sports reporter with NBC Sports Philadelphia, shared the post on Facebook. Fans joined immediately with their comments. Taking a cue from the quarterback’s statement, a user wanted the world to honor him for his contributions. How Hurts ‘shook up’ the world reminds one of how Muhammad Ali used to in his time.

The next user insisted on plain truth and admired Hurts’ humility and willingness to acknowledge the contributions of others. He heaped praises on the Houstonian, saying he belonged to an elite group of gifted people. After all, to win, one must go through many sacrifices.

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The following user congratulated Jalen and his team, The Philadelphia Eagles, and told them to stay grounded and that a favorable outcome will be theirs. Another user exhorted Hurts that since he acknowledged Michael Jordan, all his longings and requirements will get fulfilled! While appreciating Hurts and the team for a fantastic match, he retorted for the quarterback not to make any noise as he went.

The next user reminded that thanks to Hurts’ they got to watch ‘one more’ terrific match. Finally, the following user, probably confused by the quarterback’s outfit, mentioned that more than football, it was like he won the Daytona 500, the 500-mile NASCAR motor race. He said, “My boy looking like he just won the Dayton 500.”

Since its foundation in 1933, the Philadelphia Eagles have won the Super Bowl only once. In 2018, the team won its first at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. So it’s been five years, and the Eagles must be looking forward to their second championship win over the Chiefs. Eagles’ Jalen Hurts and Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes, two of the NFL’s most potent attacks, will square off in a potential duel for MVP honors.

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What is your take on Hurts’ comments? Do share your views and opinions with us in the comments below.