Jalen Hurts' former teammate provides insight into what makes him great

Tua Tagovailoa used to play football with Jalen Hurts. Those were their days together at The University of Alabama. College. A blip. It's been a few years since the two quarterbacks shared the practice field, and on Wednesday, both finally put a stop to that streak. After practice, Tagovailoa provided insight into what makes Hurts […]

Ian Kayanja

Aug 24, 2022 6:56 PM EDT

Tua Tagovailoa used to play football with Jalen Hurts.

Those were their days together at The University of Alabama. College. A blip. It's been a few years since the two quarterbacks shared the practice field, and on Wednesday, both finally put a stop to that streak.

After practice, Tagovailoa provided insight into what makes Hurts a different quarterback, drawing on memories from college and his observations from practice.

“I think first things first, with Jalen, when I went to Alabama, he was a hard worker, in the weight room, in the classroom, and on the field,” he said. “He had to be the first into the weight room, he had to be the first one out onto the field, sprints he had to be first.

"So, it really tells you how he goes about his life. It tells you about how he kind of sees things, how he looks at things, and obviously he’s a competitor, he never wants to be last. That tells you a lot about him.”

Jalen Hurts' character

The two allegedly still keep in light contact throughout the offseason. They aren't best friends by any means, but occasionally they share text messages and words of encouragement, Tagovailoa said.

“I remember last season we were texting each other quite a large amount,” the Miami QB said. “For me, when I ended up playing the Saints, he played the Saints prior. I texted him about that. He gave me some tips.

“He texted me about playing another team, I gave him some tips. Just things like that. I think that was cool. I know our relationship with me and Jalen is not going to go anywhere. … regardless of how many times we talk throughout the year, throughout the week, or if we don’t.”

Hurts, despite a contentious quarterback battle while at Alabama, is still available to aid Tagovailoa — an action that displays his character. And it's also what makes him Philadelphia's offensive leader and franchise quarterback.