Shedeur Sanders is only at the start of his NFL journey, but he is already showing an understanding that success in the league comes from more than just arm strength and accuracy.
On Wednesday, after a joint practice between the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles, the rookie quarterback sought out Jalen Hurts for what became an extended, private conversation.
The two stood apart from their teammates, with Eagles head of security “Big Dom” DiSandro nearby.
For several minutes, Sanders listened intently as Hurts spoke. While the Philadelphia quarterback kept the finer details of their discussion to himself, he made it clear that the exchange was more than just pleasantries.
“I’ll keep the conversation intimate. We had a very lengthy conversation,” Hurts told reporters later. “He came to me and just wanted to talk. I’m always there… giving my perspective on what I see and how I’ve gone about things.”
Hurts focused on the mental side of the sport, the kind of advice that can only come from someone who has lived through NFL highs and lows.
“Ultimately, it takes a great deal of patience and hard work and a sense of resilience,” he said. “You gotta want it. You gotta want it. I’m supporting him from where I am and wishing him nothing but the best with this opportunity.”
Learning from a player who has been tested
Hurts’ words carry weight because his path to NFL stardom was far from straightforward. He entered college football at Alabama and led the Crimson Tide to two national championship appearances, but he famously lost his starting job to Tua Tagovailoa during the 2018 title game.
Instead of transferring immediately, Hurts stayed another season, supporting Tagovailoa while making the most of his limited opportunities.
When he did transfer to Oklahoma for his senior year, Hurts revitalized his career, finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting and proving himself as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football.
Even after being drafted in the second round by the Eagles in 2020, Hurts’ role was unclear. He began as a backup to Carson Wentz, only taking over late in his rookie season when the team struggled.
From there, he faced constant questions about whether he could be a long-term franchise quarterback. His response was to improve year after year, culminating in a 2022 season that saw him lead Philadelphia to the Super Bowl and cement himself as one of the league’s most complete quarterbacks.
It is that resilience – the ability to adapt, work, and remain mentally strong through uncertainty – that made Hurts’ advice to Sanders so valuable.
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