Jalen Hurts talks about holding himself to a high standard, being vaccinated, and more

Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts spoke to reporters after their first training camp practice in 2021, and talked about the goals he has for himself and the team, how he approaches being a leader, and also confirmed that he is vaccinated against COVID-19.

Hurts said it would be great to have both Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert at the tight position, and also joked that he told Ertz he might dye his hair blonde, too.

Here’s what else the quarterback had to say:

“It felt good being back out there today. Everybody getting the mojo back. We’ve done a lot of talking about what we’re gonna do, a lot of talking about installing stuff, the action plan, it’s all being put into place. Watched a lot of tape, and now we have the opportunity to put it all out there on the field, build that chemistry — obviously we worked out throughout the summer, got a lot of good work in in the offseason, but now we get the opportunity to get work in together as a team, and go in and compete against the defense, that’s a big part there. So, I think it’s very important for us to take advantage of the team reps we get in this training camp, and just continue to compete and continue to build.”

Hurts went on to say that he’s very excited about this opportunity. The QB noted that no ones holds him to a higher standard than himself, so whether he’s named the starter or has to compete for it everyday, he plans to put his best effort in every time he touches the field. He talked a lot about going out there and being the best leader and teammate he can be, and everything else will work out.

Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

As far as how he deals with the chatter that the team might bring in another quarterback — the continued reports that the Eagles are interested in trading for DeShaun Watson — Hurts said that he’s above it all and is only worried about what he can control.

Hurts was asked about working out one-on-one with Lane Johnson this offseason, and he said that the OL-veteran is a freak athlete and it’s been good getting a chance to build that chemistry and relationship.

“Work is work. We’ve been putting in a lot of work. We’ve been putting in a lot of work, and now it’s time to go out there and play.”

At the end of Wednesday’s practice, Hurts got together with the receivers, and the quarterback talked about how he likes to bring together different groups to talk about what they saw that day at practice, talk about the different things that they can build on, the good and the bad. The QB said that “climbing this mountain” is something they have to be patient with, but have to put the time in and remain diligent with the work.

Hurts was asked several time about being a leader and his teammates touting his leadership ability.

“People lead because their peers let them lead, and I’m a guy where I just out there and be myself. Like I said, go out there and be myself. I think my biggest thing is ain’t nobody going to follow me if I ain’t doing my job, so that’s the highest thing that I hold myself to, is going out there and executing, and doing it at a high level. Everything else always handles itself.”

Hurts talked a little bit about the offense differs from last year, and how their are some similarities, too. He’s experienced having new coaches, even pointing out that he’s had a new play caller every year since his freshman year in college. So, for him, the most important thing is working with the coaches and having a clear picture of how they want him to execute the offense.

The QB was asked what it’s like getting to work with veteran Joe Flacco.

“Joe Flacco, man, he has a ton of knowledge. Seeing how he looks at the game, he’s helped me so much. This whole time he’s been here we’ve been together. and it kind of helps it slow down for me — slows it down for me in a way. He’s very valuable.”

Hurts was asked what he wants to improve on coming off his four starts last season, and was quick to say, “win,” even noting that he’d like to win all their games and that’s his intention.