The Philadelphia Eagles’ 2025 campaign came to a frustrating halt in the NFC Wild Card round, falling 23-19 to the San Francisco 49ers. For a team that hoisted the Lombardi Trophy just a year ago, the early exit stung - and the emotions were plain to see.
On the final episode of HBO’s Hard Knocks: In Season, which followed the NFC East throughout the year, cameras captured a quiet moment as Jalen Hurts and his wife, Bryonna Burrows, left Lincoln Financial Field arm in arm. Hurts, dressed in all black, walked with the composure fans have come to expect.
Burrows, wearing a vintage green Eagles jacket with black pants and a fur hat, stayed close by his side. It was a rare public glimpse into the personal life of a quarterback who’s known for keeping things close to the vest.
Despite the loss, Hurts made his message clear on camera: the Eagles will be back.
That belief isn’t just empty talk. Hurts finished the 2025 season with 3,224 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 421 rushing yards with eight scores on the ground. While those numbers were a step down from his 2024 MVP-caliber campaign, they still reflect a quarterback who can beat defenses in multiple ways - and who remains the heartbeat of Philly’s offense.
Still, the noise has been building. Critics have questioned Hurts' ability to elevate the team back to championship form.
Some have gone as far as to question his coachability and willingness to adapt - particularly when it comes to running the ball or making throws over the middle. It’s the kind of speculation that tends to swirl around any elite quarterback who falls short of expectations.
But one of Hurts’ most respected former teammates isn’t having it.
Jason Kelce, who retired after the 2024 season and remains a revered figure in Philadelphia, stepped in to defend his former QB. Calling into 94 WIP-FM, Kelce addressed the growing narrative surrounding Hurts and shut it down with conviction.
“I don't believe that the narrative out there that Jalen Hurts can't do these things,” Kelce said. “From my experience, that’s just not who he is.”
And Kelce would know. The two shared the field for years, built trust in the huddle, and led the franchise to a Super Bowl title together. If there’s anyone qualified to speak on Hurts’ leadership and work ethic, it’s the future Hall of Fame center who snapped him the ball.
Yes, Hurts' 2025 numbers were a dip from his previous season. But context matters.
The Eagles battled injuries, inconsistency, and a tougher schedule. And even in a “down” year, Hurts still accounted for over 3,600 total yards and 33 touchdowns.
That’s not regression - that’s resilience.
The Eagles’ season didn’t end the way they wanted. But if you’re betting against Jalen Hurts bouncing back, you haven’t been paying attention.
The man’s been proving people wrong his entire career. And with the backing of locker room leaders past and present, don’t be surprised if he uses this offseason as fuel.
Philly may be out - but they’re far from done.