Jalen Hurts was described as “HIM” after winning Super Bowl LIX with the Philadelphia Eagles, by none other than Kristenn Saban, the daughter of legendary Alabama head coach, Nick Saban.
The Eagles dominated the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans and won 40-22, although the score was a landslide 40-6 in the fourth quarter before Patrick Mahomes threw two late touchdowns. With just five incomplete passes all game, two touchdowns, and one rushing score, Hurts was named Super Bowl MVP to cap off a memorable season.
After the game, Kristenn Saban uploaded an Instagram story of Hurts in his Eagles uniform with the one-work caption “HIM” as she celebrated his success. Hurts spent his first three college seasons playing under Nick Saban at the Crimson Tide, before transferring to Oklahoma for this senior year.
Saban has since retired from coaching and was announced as a member of the 2025 College Football Hall of Fame Class, and now appears on ‘College GameDay’ alongside Pat McAfee. Although Hurts didn’t complete his collegiate career with Alabama after being benched for current Miami Dolphins quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, he honored coach Saban ahead of Super Bowl LIX.
“I got this from coach Saban,” Hurts said during his pregame press conference. “I think one thing he taught us all – and he taught us all, but not everyone listened. I was the one that listened.
“He taught us that every year is a new season, and it’s an opportunity to restart everything, so you start from the ground up. And you have to have that approach.
“I think just being able to improve from year to year since my freshman year at college and learn from all my experiences, learn from all of my lessons. Being able to stand here where I stand today, I think it’s because of that mentality — being determined, having that endurance to keep going and being diligent with the work.
(Image: @kristennsaban)
(Image: 2025 Michael Owens)
“The No. 1 thing that I’ve always wanted to do was quantify my work and make the most of those opportunities. And it’s kind of spoke for itself.”
Despite being 26-2 in his first two seasons, Hurts was benched for then-freshman Tagovailoa in 2018. Saban credited Hurts for his attitude at the time, but was forced to call upon him during the SEC Championship game that year after Tagovailoa suffered an injury in the fourth quarter.
The game was tied 28-28 when Hurts checked into the game, but he went 7-of-9 for 82 yards and threw the winning touchdown to hand the Crimson Tide a famous 35-28 victory. Hurts’ ability to check into the game under such pressure and deliver a win boosted his image, but also earned Saban’s respect unconditionally.
“Well, we’ve always had a lot of faith in Jalen, and, you know, I told him when we put him in when Tua got hurt, ‘It’s your time,'” Saban said after that game. “He certainly took advantage of it and did a fantastic job. I’m so proud of this guy for what he’s done this year, I can’t even tell you.”
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
