{
  "id": 3990785,
  "title": "From benched, doubted and overlooked, to Super Bowl MVP",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/from-benched-doubted-and-overlooked-to-super-bowl-mvp",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-28T16:01:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SB Nation",
    "slug": "sb-nation",
    "url": "https://www.sbnation.com/videos/1126442/from-benched-doubted-and-overlooked-to-super-bowl-mvp"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Jalen Hurts, once a quarterback with massive potential at Alabama, faced an early setback when he was benched in the 2018 National Championship. This disappointment could easily lead to a narrative of Jalen as a washed-up player with no hope. However, this moment turned out to be the catalyst that propelled him to greater heights.\n\nDespite being overlooked and considered a benchwarmer, Hurts remained patient and took every opportunity that came his way. After spending two productive seasons at the University of Oklahoma, he was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2019 NFL Draft. The team doubted him, believing him to be a backup who would rarely see action. However, Hurts remained confident and worked tirelessly to prove them wrong.\n\nHis hard work paid off when he earned a Super Bowl MVP award after leading the Eagles to victory in Super Bowl LII. This victory was not just a testament to his skills on the field, but also a reflection of his resilience and determination in the face of adversity. From being a doubter to a champion, Jalen Hurts' journey is an inspiring tale of overcoming obstacles and proving naysayers wrong.",
  "summary": "It’s easy to simply say Jalen Hurts stinks. Not like a smelly person or anything, but bad at football. Which is a bit of a lazy read. In recent years, he hasn’t exactly fit the mold of a traditional QB and could maybe fairly be called a tush-push merchant, but those labels massively overshadow one […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}