The Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts has opened up on the impact of losing Jason Kelce at the end of the 2023/24 NFL season as the star quarterback explains how he’s now had to step up into a greater leadership role.
Regarded as one of the best centers in the history of the game, Kelce bowed out of the sport at the age of 36 after helping the team win the 2017 Super Bowl against the New England Patriots. He also helped lead them to another appearance in 2022, although they were beaten by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Yet whilst the Ohio-born offensive player is a seven-time Pro Bowler and a six-time first-team All-Pro, Hurts revealed it’s actually his absence and sense of responsibility that’s missing the most at the Lincoln Financial Field Stadium. “We had a great player in Jason Kelce,” the 26-year-old Hurts told 94.1 WIP. “Who took on a lot of responsibility and, as a result of that, I was told not to worry about a lot of things.
“And so my eagerness to learn over the years kind of was halted because of who we had, but now times are different, and I’m excited for that journey and this opportunity.”
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Since he had to step up, the quarterback has made 2903 passing yards for 18 touchdowns whilst adding an extra 14 as a rusher as he strikes up a formidable relationship with Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 2000 yards and 15 touchdowns too.
The 14-3 Eagles won the NFC East and now head into the NFL Playoffs against the Green Bay Packers on January 12 in the Wild Card round. Jordan Love’s Packers finished third in the NFC North with an 11-6 record. Kick-off in Philadelphia will be at 16:30 ET/13:30 PT.
