“It’s a business trip:” Eagles QB Jalen Hurts explains how his Houston homecoming is just another game for him
For the first time in his NFL career, Eagles QB Jalen Hurts will travel back to his hometown of Houston to play in front of the NRG Stadium crowd.
It’s been a childhood dream for the Houston native, but don’t expect Hurts to let the moment get to him.
Eagles’ QB1 doesn’t miss a beat
“It’s a business trip,” Hurts told reporters this week. “I think going back to Houston should be fun. It’s always been a dream of mine to play in NRG/Reliant Stadium. I’ve spent a lot of time in that city, my childhood growing up in Houston, going to watch the Texans play, being in the Texans facility as a kid, going to watch high school playoff games in that stadium and not having the opportunity to play in it. I’ll have an opportunity this week and I’m looking forward to playing back home. It’ll be fun.”
Hurts has been unfathomable since he stepped on an NFL field. Every step of the way this season, Hurts has remained calm, cool, and collective despite the Eagles hype train continually ramping up with every win.
Through seven games, Hurts has put forth an MVP-esque campaign. He’s compiled 16 total touchdowns while committing just two turnovers. His 105.1 passer rating ranks fifth among starting quarterbacks and he’s currently the fifth-highest graded quarterback per Pro Football Focus, earning am 85.0 offensive mark thus far.
Hurts’ No. 1 wideout and best friend, AJ Brown, believes his quarterback is in for a memorable homecoming Thursday night.
“It means a lot more, where you’re from, you’re playing in front of your fans and friends and family most importantly, and it’s the type of feeling where they’re just proud of you,” Brown told reporters. “That’s where you started. I’m sure [Hurts] dreamed of playing in NRG. This is his first opportunity, I’m sure he’s going to ball out.”
The Hurts-Brown combination has been electric this season. This past weekend, Hurts found Brown six times for 156 yards and three touchdowns. Houston has been decent against the pass this season, boasting the eighth-best pass defense in the NFL. Nevertheless, Hurts and his top wideout have been firing on all cylinders as of late. There’s no reason to doubt this tandem now.
Houston is where Hurts found his love for football. Playing under his father at Channelview High School, the Eagles signal caller learned how to be a professional. Hurts’ godfather also worked for the Texans during those years and frequently took young Jalen to the stadium on Sundays.
“It was just an experience for me to be around the game and be around professionals,” he said. “I was always around high school athletes, but being around professionals.”
Hurts is expecting a lot of family members to be in the stands for Thursday’s contest. But in the end, none of that matters as much the game itself in Hurts’ eyes. He’s a true football guy, through and through.
“While it is exciting, my process doesn’t change,” the Eagles QB said. “My mentality doesn’t change. Every week is a business trip. It’s a business trip. That’s how I’m treating this week. Nothing changes.”
More on the Eagles:
- Robert Quinn can make NFL history this season >>
- Emmanuel Acho shares another terrible Eagles take >>
- Confirmed: Micah Parsons wants to be an Eagle >>
- Eagles Injury Report for Thursday night >>
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