Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts Says Past Super Bowl Loss to Chiefs ‘Lit a Fire’ in Him

Rather than feeling deterred by a three-point loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2023 Super Bowl, Jalen Hurts says the defeat has “lit a fire” in him leading up to their 2025 rematch.

“I’ve learned so much,” the 26-year-old Philadelphia Eagles quarterback told reporters on Monday, Feb. 3. “It’s the same as any other game and, you know, I think the moments are the moments. But ultimately, you know, every game has its lessons — good, bad or indifferent. So, just being able to become wiser, grow and mature and take all these lessons in for the next season and the next games.

“It’s had a great driving force,” continued Hurts as he reflected on the loss two years ago. “It lit a flame, lit a fire in me, and to have this opportunity again is exactly what you work for.”

Hurts was one of an impressive lineup of Eagles and Chiefs players (including his rival, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes) who were interviewed during Opening Night, a media event leading up to the big game in New Orleans on Sunday, Feb. 9.

The Eagles quarterback is determined to give his best during the upcoming Super Bowl, which is the second of his career. Two years prior, the Eagles were the first to score just minutes into the first quarter, followed quickly by a touchdown by the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce. The game continued to be a back-and-forth one, with the Chiefs eventually winning 38-35 and taking home the prized Vince Lombardi Trophy.

This year, Hurts is grateful for the chance to play once more at the Super Bowl.

“It’s a blessing,” he told reporters on Feb. 3. “To see all the hard work pay off and have this opportunity again, it means everything,”

The Chiefs are just as motivated, with all eyes on the team’s star players, Mahomes and Kelce. If the Chiefs win the upcoming game, they’ll make NFL history by becoming the first team to win three Super Bowls in a row.

Hurts navigates the pressure by treating the most-watched sporting event in the United States like any other game. His method seems to be working. Hurts led the Eagles in a 55-23 win over the Washington Commanders during the NFC Championship game, and scored three rushing touchdowns. And he isn’t bothered by negative comments, according to his teammate, Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata.

“How about QB1, man? I love when people doubt him,” said Mailata, according to ESPN.

“We always talk about limiting the outside noise or the white noise, whatever you want to call it,” the left tackle continued, per the outlet. “But I know he hears that and I think he plays his best when he feels like people doubt him.”

Whether he pays attention to his doubters or not, Hurts is staying focused as he prepares for Super Bowl LIX.

“Every game is the same in terms of focus,” Hurts told PEOPLE at Opening Night. “Over time, your focus evolves because you evolve as a person. So, you want to continue to try to transfer it to be the best you can as opportunities come.”