Introduction
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has captured headlines not only for his dynamic play but also for his jersey number change, leadership presence, and core philosophy. This article dissects three pivotal aspects: (1) whether he’s playing tomorrow, (2) the story behind his switch from number 2 to number 1, and (3) some of his most notable quotes that define his mindset.
1. Is Jalen Hurts Playing Tomorrow?
If you’re wondering whether Jalen Hurts will be on the field “tomorrow,” here’s the latest as of September 4, 2025. The Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up for their 2025 season opener against the Dallas Cowboys—set for Thursday night in Week 1. All current reports confirm that Hurts is healthy and will be starting, with Sam Howell likely to serve as the backup after Tanner McKee was ruled out due to a fractured thumb.
In addition, Hurts enters the new campaign with renewed mental clarity and confidence, having just lifted the Lombardi Trophy as Super Bowl LIX MVP. So yes—he’s very much expected to play tomorrow night without injury concerns.
2. The Number Switch: From #2 to #1
One of the most symbolic moves of Hurts’s career was his jersey number change—shifting from #2 during his rookie year to #1 starting in the 2021 season.
Background & Timeline
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In college, Hurts donned #2 at Alabama (his high school number), then switched to #1 at Oklahoma in his senior season to honor the legacy worn by CeeDee Lamb.
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When drafted by the Eagles in 2020, he initially couldn’t claim #1—it belonged to punter Cameron Johnston—so he wore #2 as a rookie.
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After Johnston departed in free agency before the 2021 season, Hurts seized the opportunity to switch to #1—a number he had long desired.
Symbolism & Significance
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The switch wasn’t just cosmetic: wearing #1 stressed that Hurts had taken over as the Eagles’ undisputed starting quarterback. It symbolized his new leadership role.
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Historically, Hurts became the first non-kicker in Eagles history to wear #1. At Oklahoma, the change reflected his evolution from backup to go-to guy; returning to #1 in the NFL mirrored that mindset shift.
3. Memorable Jalen Hurts Quotes
Jalen Hurts is as well-known for his mindset as his skill. Here are some of his most inspiring quotes:
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“I respect this grind, I respect the process, and I respect what it takes to be great.”
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“We have a standard for ourselves and it only rises.”
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“No one expected the kid from Houston with the long dreadlocks to take over, and that’s exactly what I did.”
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“The most important thing is to be where your feet are.” — a powerful reminder to remain present.
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“Effort will never be questioned.” — a testament to his work ethic.
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“Never get too high, never get too low. Take it day by day, and just continue to learn.”
These quotes consistently highlight themes of humility, perseverance, leadership, and presence—attributes that define both his character and his public persona.
Summary Table
| Topic | Insight |
|---|---|
| Playing Tomorrow | Yes, as of Sep 4 2025, Hurts is healthy and slated to start opener. |
| Number Change (#2 → #1) | Symbolic transition to reflect leadership; number availability enabled it. |
| Inspirational Quotes | Reflect his ethos: grind, presence, growth, leading by example. |
FAQs
Q1: Will Jalen Hurts play tomorrow night?
Yes—he’s fully healthy and confirmed to start in the Week 1 opener.
Q2: Why did Jalen Hurts change his number from 2 to 1?
He originally wanted #1 but wore #2 as a rookie due to availability. When #1 became available in 2021, he switched to symbolize his role as the team’s starting QB and assert his leadership.
Q3: Was Jalen Hurts the first non-kicker to wear #1 for the Eagles?
Yes. That switch marked a historic moment—the first non-kicker in franchise history to wear #1.
Q4: What are some of his most popular quotes?
Memorable ones include:
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“Effort will never be questioned.”
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“The most important thing is to be where your feet are.”
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“We have a standard for ourselves and it only rises.”
Q5: Does his number hold similar significance in college?
Yes. At Alabama, he wore #2, then switched to #1 at Oklahoma as a statement of leadership and to distinguish himself, a pattern that continued into his NFL career.
Conclusion
Jalen Hurts’s evolution—from college standout to NFL star—has been marked not just by his performance, but by symbolic moves like his number change and the powerful ethos encapsulated in his quotes. His number transition aligns with his growing leadership role, and he’s all systems go for the season opener tomorrow night. His words—rooted in process, accountability, and presence—offer a blueprint for both athletes and non-athletes aiming to excel.
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