
1. Introduction
Jalen Hurts has emerged as one of the NFL’s premier dual-threat quarterbacks, dazzling fans not just with his arm but also his legs. From changing jersey numbers to posting league-leading completion percentages and rewriting rushing TD history, Hurts has become a focal point in football discussions. This article explores the motivations behind his number change, tracks his completion percentage progression, and celebrates the rising tide of his rushing touchdowns.
2. Why Did Jalen Hurts Change His Jersey Number?
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College roots: At Alabama, Hurts donned No. 2—the same number he wore in high school. After transferring to Oklahoma, he switched to No. 1, a fresh start reflecting a new chapter.
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NFL transition: When drafted by the Eagles in 2020, No. 1 was taken by punter Cameron Johnston, so Hurts kept No. 2 in his rookie season. Ahead of the 2021 season, with Johnston gone, Hurts reclaimed his preferred No. 1.
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Meaning behind the number: While Hurts hasn’t explicitly given one reason, analysts and fans see No. 1 as a bold statement of leadership and his ascent as the team’s franchise quarterback.
Transition significance: The jersey switch signals more than aesthetics—it marks confidence, evolution, and Hurts’s growing identity and role within the Eagles franchise.
3. Completion Percentage: Year-by-Year Progression
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Rookie season (2020): Completed 52.0% of passes (77/148) for 1,061 yards, 6 TDs, and 4 INTs.
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2021: Improved to 61.3% with 3,144 yards, 16 TDs, and 9 INTs.
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2022: Jumped sharply to 66.5% while posting 3,701 yards, 22 TDs, and just 6 INTs.
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2023: Slight dip but still solid at 65.4% over 3,858 yards, 23 TDs, and 15 INTs.
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2024: Peaked at 68.7%, throwing for 2,903 yards, 18 TDs, and only 5 INTs.
Career aggregate: Over 77 games, Hurts owns a 64.4% completion rate.
Analysis:
Hurts’s trajectory from 52% to nearly 69% reflects his growth in accuracy, decision-making, and grasp of the professional game. The consistency in completion percentage, even amid offensive changes, speaks to his development as a reliable passer. Jalen Hurts stats.
4. Rushing Touchdowns: The Dual-Threat Dominance
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Yearly rushing TDs:
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2020: 3
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2021: 10
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2022: 13
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2023: 15
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2024: 14
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Career total: 55 rushing touchdowns.
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Comparative highlights:
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In 2023, his 15 rushing TDs tied for the most by a quarterback in a season.
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He became the first QB with 10+ rushing TDs in three consecutive seasons (2021–2023).
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Career total touchdowns (passing + rushing + receiving): 140 total.
5. Legacy, Records & Recognition
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Super Bowl MVP: Hurts earned the title in Super Bowl LIX, showcasing his dual-threat leadership.
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In the game, he threw for 221 yards, 2 TDs, and rushed for 72 yards, contributing significantly to the Eagles’ dominant win.
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Top QB rankings: He’s frequently placed among the NFL’s best, praised for rushing efficiency and mid-to-deep passing accuracy.
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Dual-threat QB record in playoffs: Holds the record for most rushing TDs in playoff history by a QB (10 TDs). Jalen Hurts stats.
6. Summary Table
Year | Jersey Number | Completion % | Rushing TDs | Notes |
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2020 | No. 2 | 52.0% | 3 | Rookie year, limited accuracy |
2021 | No. 1 | 61.3% | 10 | Breakout dual-threat season |
2022 | No. 1 | 66.5% | 13 | Efficiency and mobility surging |
2023 | No. 1 | 65.4% | 15 | Tied QB record for rushing TDs in a season |
2024 | No. 1 | 68.7% | 14 | Career-high accuracy and production |
Career | — | 64.4% | 55 | Career totals in games through 2024 |
7. FAQs
Q1: Why did Jalen Hurts change his jersey from No. 2 to No. 1?
A1: He switched to No. 1 after the punter holding that number left the team, and the number held personal significance from his time at Oklahoma. It also marked his stepping into his role as the franchise QB.
Q2: What is Jalen Hurts’s current career completion percentage?
A2: As of the end of the 2024 regular season, his career completion percentage is 64.4%.
Q3: How many rushing touchdowns has he scored in his career?
A3: Through 2024, Hurts has amassed 55 rushing touchdowns.
Q4: Has Hurts set any QB rushing touchdown records?
A4: Yes—he tied the single-season QB record with 15 rushing TDs in 2023 and is the first QB with at least 10 rushing TDs in three straight seasons.
Q5: What makes Jalen Hurts’s dual-threat game unique?
A5: His consistent improvement in passing accuracy combined with elite rushing production—evidenced by his rushing touchdowns and Super Bowl MVP performance—makes him one of the most complete and versatile QBs in the league. Jalen Hurts stats.
8. Conclusion
Jalen Hurts’s journey from No. 2 to No. 1 parallels his personal and professional ascent. His completion percentage trended upward each season, culminating in a league-leading 68.7% in 2024. Simultaneously, his rushing prowess—peaking at 15 touchdowns in 2023—cements his position as a premier dual-threat QB. With a Super Bowl MVP, record-breaking mobility, and refined accuracy, Hurts’s legacy continues to rise—wearing, fittingly, that iconic No. 1.
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