“Don’t compare us to them, Jalen Hurts has never reached Nick Foles’ level…” – When asked about his thoughts on Nick Foles, center forward Jalen Hurt made dismissive remarks about the team legend.
According to him, Nick Foles, a part of the team’s past legends, could never be compared to a current key player. However, Nick Foles surprised everyone by responding with a message of only 10 words…
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, few rivalries burn as intensely as those within the same franchise, especially when it involves quarterbacks who have both etched their names into Philadelphia Eagles lore.
Nick Foles, the unassuming backup who orchestrated one of the greatest underdog stories in sports history by leading the Eagles to their first Super Bowl victory in 2018, remains a beloved figure in Philly.
His heroic performance against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, complete with the iconic “Philly Special” play, earned him Super Bowl MVP honors and a permanent place in the hearts of fans.
Foles’ legend is built on that magical playoff run, where he threw for over 900 yards and six touchdowns with just one interception across three games, culminating in a 41-33 upset.
Fast forward to the present, and Jalen Hurts has emerged as the face of the Eagles’ new era.
Drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Hurts quickly ascended from backup to starter, guiding the team to multiple deep playoff runs, including two Super Bowl appearances and a victory in Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs.
In that game, Hurts delivered a masterful performance, earning MVP honors with a combination of precise passing and electrifying rushing that overwhelmed Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ defense. His dual-threat ability has redefined the quarterback position for Philadelphia, blending pocket presence with elite mobility.
Hurts’ resume now boasts consistent regular-season success, high-efficiency stats, and a ring that solidified his status as one of the league’s top signal-callers.
Yet, comparisons between Foles and Hurts have persisted among fans, analysts, and media pundits. Foles’ fairy-tale run is often romanticized as the pinnacle of clutch performance, while Hurts’ sustained excellence sometimes draws scrutiny for not always matching that singular postseason magic in every metric.
Debates rage on social media and sports talk shows: Is Foles’ legendary status untouchable because of his underdog narrative? Or has Hurts surpassed him with greater overall production, leadership through adversity, and a Super Bowl win as the undisputed starter?
The tension appeared to boil over recently during a press conference following a tough Eagles loss in the 2025 season. Reporters, as they often do in Philadelphia’s passionate sports culture, pressed Hurts on his thoughts about frequent comparisons to past Eagles quarterbacks, specifically bringing up Nick Foles.
The question seemed innocuous at first, probing whether Hurts drew inspiration from Foles’ 2017-2018 heroics amid the team’s current struggles.
Hurts’ response, however, caught many off guard. With a visibly frustrated tone, the star quarterback dismissed the notion outright. “Don’t compare us to them,” he reportedly said, his words dripping with dismissal. “Jalen Hurts has never reached Nick Foles’ level…” Wait—no, that’s not quite right.
Sources close to the situation clarified that Hurts actually flipped the script, asserting that Foles, despite his past glory, could never be compared favorably to the current core of the team, including himself.
He emphasized that Foles represented a bygone era, a “team legend” whose achievements, while notable, paled in comparison to what the modern Eagles—and Hurts personally—have accomplished.
Hurts pointed to his own Super Bowl MVP, multiple NFC Championship appearances, and superior regular-season statistics as evidence that the comparisons were unfair and outdated.
The remarks spread like wildfire across sports networks and social media. Eagles fans were divided: some applauded Hurts for defending the current squad’s identity and refusing to live in the shadow of past glories, while others criticized him for what they saw as disrespect toward a franchise icon.
Talk radio lines lit up with callers debating whether Hurts’ comments were motivated by insecurity or rightful confidence.
Analysts dissected every word, noting that in a city known for its tough love, dismissing a hero like Foles risked alienating a portion of the fanbase that still chants “Foles! Foles!” at games.
Then came the surprise. Nick Foles, now retired and occasionally appearing as a broadcaster and podcast host, could have ignored the controversy. He could have fired back with a defense of his legacy or expressed disappointment.
Instead, Foles took to social media with a response that stunned the NFL world for its brevity, grace, and class.
In a post that garnered millions of likes and retweets within hours, Foles wrote simply: “Proud of you, Jalen. Keep leading, brother. Fly Eagles Fly.”
That’s ten words—count them: Proud (1), of (2), you (3), Jalen (4). Keep (5), leading (6), brother (7). Fly (8), Eagles (9), Fly (10).
No bitterness. No rebuttal. Just support and unity. Foles’ message instantly diffused the tension, reminding everyone of the brotherhood that binds Eagles quarterbacks across eras. Fans flooded his replies with praise, calling him the epitome of humility. Even Hurts liked the post and reportedly reached out privately to thank him.
The exchange highlighted a deeper truth about professional sports: legacies aren’t zero-sum games. Foles’ 2018 magic will forever be cherished as the breakthrough moment that delivered Philadelphia its long-awaited championship. Hurts, meanwhile, has built on that foundation, elevating the franchise to new heights with sustained dominance.
Rather than rivals, they are links in a chain—Foles the improbable hero who started it all, Hurts the dynamic leader carrying the torch forward.
In the end, Foles’ concise reply spoke volumes more than any lengthy defense could. It bridged generations, quelled a budding controversy, and reinforced why both men are revered in Philly.
As the Eagles push toward another playoff run, the focus shifts back to the field, where Hurts continues to prove his doubters wrong, inspired perhaps by the quiet wisdom of the legend who came before him.
This moment serves as a reminder that in the NFL, respect often triumphs over rivalry. And for Eagles fans, having two Super Bowl MVPs in franchise history is a luxury few teams enjoy. No comparisons needed—just appreciation for both.
