The Eagles star said he was one who listened to the Crimson Tide coach.
Jalen Hurts’ journey from college football to the Super Bowl is a testament to his resilience, discipline, and growth. While he ultimately finished his college career at Oklahoma, his foundation was built at Alabama under the legendary Nick Saban. Hurts learned invaluable lessons from Saban that shaped him into the leader and competitor he is today.
Handling Adversity with Grace
One on the most defining moments of Hurts’ career came during the 2018 National Championship Game. As Alabama’s starting quarterback, he struggled in the first half against Georgia, leading Saban to bench him in favor of freshman Tua Tagovailoa. Most players in Hurts’ position might have reacted negatively, but he remained poised and supportive. Instead of sulking, Hurts encouraged Tagovailoa, who led Alabama to a thrilling overtime victory.
This moment exemplified the character Saban instilled in his players—putting the team above oneself. Hurts’ response earned him widespread respect, including from Saban, who later praised his maturity. This experience prepared Hurts for the ups and downs of an NFL career, where adversity is inevitable.
The Importance of Hard Work and Preparation
Saban is known for his relentless emphasis on preparation. His “Process” philosophy demands that players focus on daily improvement rather than worrying about outcomes. Hurts, who came to Alabama as a talented but raw quarterback, embraced this mindset.
Under Saban’s guidance, Hurts developed a tireless work ethic. Whether it was extra film study, additional reps in practice, or weight room sessions, he committed himself fully to getting better. Even after losing his starting job to Tagovailoa, Hurts continued to prepare as if he were still the starter. His work paid off in the 2018 SEC Championship Game when Tagovailoa suffered an injury. Hurts stepped in and led Alabama to a comeback win over Georgia—redeeming himself in the very stadium where he had been benched months earlier.
Leadership and Accountability
One of the most consistent traits Saban instills in his players is accountability. At Alabama, no one is bigger than the team, and every player is expected to hold themselves to a high standard. Hurts embodied this by setting an example for his teammates.
Even as a freshman in 2016, when he became Alabama’s first true freshman starting quarterback in decades, Hurts displayed maturity beyond his years. He quickly earned the respect of teammates and coaches by leading not just with his words, but with his actions.
His leadership continued even after transferring to Oklahoma in 2019. Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma’s head coach at the time, noted that Hurts’ presence elevated the entire program. His experience with Saban had taught him that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about actions.
Mental and Physical Toughness
Saban’s teams are built on toughness, and Hurts absorbed that mentality. As a dual-threat quarterback, he took plenty of hits but rarely showed signs of being rattled. His ability to stay composed under pressure is a direct reflection of Saban’s influence.
Beyond physical toughness, Hurts developed strong mental resilience at Alabama. Whether it was being benched on the biggest stage or competing daily against some of the best college football players, he learned how to stay focused and push forward. This mental toughness has served him well in the NFL, where he quickly established himself as a reliable leader for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Applying Saban’s Lessons in the NFL
Hurts has carried Saban’s lessons with him into the pros. His dedication to preparation, team-first mentality, and ability to overcome adversity have all been evident in his NFL career.
When he was drafted by the Eagles in 2020, many doubted whether he could be a franchise quarterback. Instead of letting the doubters affect him, Hurts stuck to what he learned at Alabama—control what you can control, put in the work, and stay ready. By 2022, he had led the Eagles to the Super Bowl, proving that the lessons he learned under Saban were still guiding him at the highest level.
Conclusion
Jalen Hurts’ time at Alabama was filled with highs and lows, but every experience under Nick Saban helped mold him into the quarterback and leader he is today. From handling adversity with class to embracing hard work and accountability, Hurts has embodied the values Saban preaches. As he continues his NFL career, it’s clear that the lessons learned from his Alabama days remain a cornerstone of his success.