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“I Said You Need to Go…”: Nick Saban Rescued Jalen Hurts From Torpedoing His Career

Published 02/11/2023, 12:00 PM EST

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Jalen Hurts is on the verge of stepping into a historical battle. The Eagles QB overcame the odds to head into the Super Bowl. As he takes on Patrick Mahomes and the fearsome Chiefs, the NFL world will take a moment to recall how far the QB has come. However, what would have happened to Hurts and his career if coach Nick Saban didn’t stop him from doing this?

Hurts’ rise to the top was riddled with highs and lows. Four years ago no one would’ve envisioned a Super Bowl in Hurts’ near future. But that day is drawing closer and closer. The QB’s coach during his time with the Alabama Crimson Tide opened up about what he told Hurts ahead of a major decision.

Jalen Hurts overcame the odds

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Nick Saban witnessed the crossroads of Jalen Hurts’ life where he had to make a choice that would determine his future. When Hurts graduated from Alabama and wanted to transfer, Saban steered him in the direction he thought would benefit the QB.

The head coach elaborated, “I said, ‘You need to go to Oklahoma. They got the best coach to develop you as a quarterback. And you’re going to be around the best players, so that’s going to enhance your chances of having success.’ He did that.” Roughly four years ago, Hurts was replaced by Tia Tagovailoa as the starter for Alabama.

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Read More: “A Lot of People Didn’t Want Me”: Amid Jalen Hurts’ Phoenix Rise, Crazy Reactions of Fans Resurface on Social Media

He was on the verge of transferring to Miami or Maryland but was suggested otherwise. Today he stands on the cusp of holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Saban also reiterated how proud he was of the QB and all that he has accomplished.

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Hurts will face this biggest challenge yet as he heads into the Super Bowl

The change in Hurts’ career trajectory led to him being a runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. And now, fans have borne witness to his remarkable progress within a short span. Within the next few days, the man who was replaced as a starter could potentially hold up the Super Bowl trophy.

USA Today via Reuters

Stories like Hurts’ never cease to amaze. Throughout the game’s history, the least expected individuals shined the brightest. The NFL world will set their expectations sky-high as Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes go head-to-head for the ultimate prize this Sunday.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Jalen Hurts bolsters his MVP credentials ahead of Patrick Mahomes with a notable record

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Written by:

Anika Gomez

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Anika Gomez is an NFL writer at Essentially Sports. She holds a degree in Journalism, Psychology, and Communicative English from the National School of Journalism and Public Discourse. Anika loves American Football, Formula 1, Basketball, and Tennis.
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Edited by:

Hitesh Nigam