A Super Bowl, a press conference, a swarm of cameras, and a million questions about the biggest game of his life. Two years ago, he stood in a similar spot, answering similar questions, preparing for a showdown with Patrick Mahomesand the Kansas City Chiefs. The result? A heartbreaking loss, despite playing one of the best games of his career. But this time, something feels different.
“I wouldn’t say I’m goal-oriented. I would say I’m value-based,” Hurts said Thursday, standing in front of the media just days before Super Bowl LIX.
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It’s the kind of answer that makes you pause. Not because it’s rehearsed, but because it perfectly captures who Hurts has become-a quarterback who sees the game as more than just a set of stats and highlights. A player who understands that leadership isn’t about the scoreboard, but about the standard you set every single day.
Two years ago, the Eagles were riding high into the Super Bowl, only to watch Mahomes and the Chiefs snatch the title away in the final moments. This year, the Eagles aren’t talking about revenge. They’re talking about discipline, execution, and trust-values that have kept them steady through a season filled with obstacles.
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Hurts’ leadership is a big part of that. It’s not just about the X’s and O’s; it’s about the culture he’s helped build. When asked about the strong female presence in his management team, he didn’t frame it as a statement-just as a reflection of choosing the best people to support him. “It happened very organically,” he explained. Intentionality over optics. Value over perception.
That’s why this time around, Hurts isn’t making any bold declarations. No promises, no guarantees-just a quiet confidence that this Eagles team is built differently. Winning? That’s not the motivation. Growth is.
And if that growth leads to a Super Bowl ring? That’s just proof that Hurts’ mindset might be the most valuable thing on the field this Sunday.