The Eagles finished their first training camp practice of the year on Wednesday, but before they went off to meetings, quarterback Jalen Hurts stopped to talk to reporters. He opened up talking about the summer and his focus as the team comes back together to continue building a new system.
“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.“
Here’s what else the QB had to say:
On connecting with teammates
Hurts said that he’s always intentional about trying to get the guys together away from the building, and feels like that works is reflected in the season. The QB talked about being able to get some of the younger guys together, which was something he did ahead of the 2024 season, and then also work with individual teammates, as well.
“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.”
The quarterback said that the standard was set by head coach Nick Sirianni in his first words to the team to open training camp, and the commitment to being aligned.
“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 OC Sean Mannion
“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 went on to say that he’s at a point now in his career, where he needs to step in and help Mannion in terms of keeping up his end of the deal — not necessarily be of service to the new OC, but to help bridge the old and the new. With the QB having a new OC annually, he noted that there’s really nothing different going into this season.
On Jalen Carter’s new contract
Other notables
- Hurts said that the number one thing he’s seen from rookie WR Makai Lemon has been his heart, and his hunger for the game. The QB quipped that it’s a little different for him now, having been in the league so long that Lemon was actually in high school when Hurts was drafted to the Eagles.
- As for what constitutes as a good camp for the quarterback, he explained that it’s all about getting on the same page with his offensive coordinator heading into the year and then relaying everything to his teammates so they’re all on the same page.
“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 talked about DeVonta Smith’s development over the years and said that the WR has always been really polished, but he’s really smooth at this point in his career. The QB recalled back to their college days at Alabama when all the other receivers declared for the draft, but Smith didn’t, so he’s someone who has had to take a backseat at times, but he’s always had that hunger to be the guy.
- He also commented on LeBron James joining the 76ers, and Hurts said that it’s huge for the city of Philadelphia and will be exciting to have such a dominant sports figure in the city.
