Jalen Hurts didn’t waste time setting the tone after the Eagles wrapped their first training camp practice of the year on Wednesday. Before heading into meetings, the quarterback laid out exactly what matters to him as Philadelphia keeps building into a new system: “discipline and unity.”
Hurts said the summer went well and that he used it to stay close with teammates while the team worked through its transition.
“I feel like it was a good summer - a really good summer. I’ve been able to spend time with the guys and really build toward everything we’ve transitioned to. Everybody’s very hungry and excited to go to work, and we’re really focused on that.
I’d say one of my main points coming in, especially talking to my teammates and getting a sense of where we are throughout the summer and where we’re going, is the importance of discipline and unity.
I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to carry and protect the intimacy of this team and what we do, because it takes all of us. And we know that there are challenges that come throughout the year, we’re not looking forward, we’re really just focused on where we are right now, and taking advantage of this training camp.
So, to come out here, and have the conditioning test, have the first day be out here to get it in, it’s a good start, a good foundation. Just going to continue to progress forward and take it one day at a time.“
That theme carried through the rest of his comments. Hurts said he’s always deliberate about bringing teammates together away from the building, and he believes that kind of work shows up once the season starts. He pointed to getting younger players together, something he also did before the 2024 season, along with working individually with teammates.
“I think it was really good to have everybody all-in on it going into this offseason, and have everybody expressing and showing that hunger to build and kind of learn each other’s personalities a bit so we can go out there and thrive on the field. So, I was definitely excited about that, and I think it’ll pay forward - the work will show.”
Hurts also said the message from Nick Sirianni set the standard right away when camp opened. The head coach’s first words in the team meeting centered on being aligned and together, which Hurts said stuck with him.
“Honestly, it starts with Coach Sirianni and his message. And, his first words in yesterday’s team meeting was about being together and being aligned, and when I was taking notes of it, I just thought about, 100 percent alignment and zero entitlement. So, as a team, that’s what everybody’s pushing.”
On the offensive side, Hurts expressed confidence in Sean Mannion, saying, “I think Coach [Mannion] is going to be just fine. He’s gotta lot of structure and a lot of intentionality behind what he does.”
Hurts added that at this stage in his career, his job is to help Mannion by doing his part and helping connect the old with the new. He noted that he has had a new offensive coordinator every year and said there isn’t much different for him heading into this season.
He also touched on Jalen Carter’s new contract, though he did not expand on it in the comments provided.
Among the other topics Hurts covered was rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon, whom he praised for his heart and his hunger for the game. Hurts also joked about how long he’s been around, noting that Lemon was in high school when Hurts was drafted to the Eagles.
When asked what makes for a strong camp at quarterback, Hurts said it starts with getting on the same page with the offensive coordinator and then making sure the rest of the offense is on the same page too.
“I’m always seeking alignment, and then I think with different pieces that come and go, it can make that challenging or it can make it easier.”
Hurts also spoke about DeVonta Smith’s growth, calling him polished and, now, really smooth. He recalled their Alabama days, when other receivers declared for the draft and Smith stayed, and said Smith has always carried the hunger to be the guy even when he had to wait his turn.
He closed by weighing in on LeBron James joining the 76ers, calling it huge for Philadelphia and saying it will be exciting to have such a dominant sports figure in the city.
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