Jalen Hurts stands as a beacon of hope and achievement among Philadelphia’s sports elite. While the city cherishes stars like Bryce Harper and Joel Embiid, neither has yet delivered a championship. Hurts, however, etched his name into Philadelphia lore with a commanding performance in Super Bowl LIX last February. As he enters his sixth NFL season, the quarterback is poised to further cement his legacy by targeting franchise records, particularly with his rushing prowess.
Currently, Hurts has amassed 55 rushing touchdowns, placing him second in the Eagles’ history behind the legendary Steve Van Buren, who holds the record with 69. Hurts also ranks ninth on Philadelphia’s all-time touchdown leaderboard, which includes rushing, receiving, and return touchdowns:
- Harold Carmichael – 79
- Steve Van Buren – 77
- Brian Westbrook – 68
- Tommy McDonald – 67
- Pete Pihos – 63
- Timmy Brown – 62
- Mike Quick – 61
- Wilbert Montgomery – 58
- Jalen Hurts – 55
The announcement comes as Hurts continues to leverage the controversial “Tush Push” play, a tactic that has significantly contributed to his rushing success. Over the past three seasons, he has averaged 14 rushing touchdowns per year. If he maintains this pace, Hurts will tie Van Buren’s rushing touchdown record in 2025 and surpass Brian Westbrook on the all-time touchdown list.
The “Tush Push” and Its Impact
Whether embraced or criticized, the “Tush Push” remains a staple in the Eagles’ playbook. An offseason attempt to ban the play failed to gain traction among NFL owners, ensuring its continued presence in the upcoming season. This strategic advantage not only aids Hurts in his pursuit of records but also solidifies his role as a dual-threat quarterback.
According to analysts, Hurts’ ability to execute this play effectively has been a game-changer. “The ‘Tush Push’ maximizes Hurts’ strengths,” says NFL analyst John Clayton. “It’s a testament to his versatility and the Eagles’ innovative approach.”
Historical Context and Comparisons
Hurts’ potential to rewrite the Eagles’ record books invites comparisons to past franchise greats. Steve Van Buren, a Hall of Famer, set a high bar during his eight seasons with the team from 1944 to 1951. Meanwhile, Brian Westbrook, another Eagles legend, remains a benchmark for modern players.
From 2022 to 2024, Hurts’ 42 rushing touchdowns highlight his consistency and resilience. His performance not only reflects individual excellence but also the evolution of the quarterback position, where mobility and adaptability have become crucial.
Looking Ahead: Records and Team Goals
While Hurts is on the brink of individual milestones, his focus remains on team success. With Saquon Barkley joining the backfield, the dynamics may shift, potentially affecting Hurts’ rushing opportunities. However, the duo’s collaboration could enhance the Eagles’ offensive versatility.
Despite the presence of Barkley, Hurts has a chance to break the Eagles’ single-season rushing touchdown record, set by LeSean McCoy in 2011 with 17 touchdowns. Yet, Hurts’ priorities likely lie beyond personal accolades. “Winning another Super Bowl is the ultimate goal,” Hurts stated in a recent interview. “Records are great, but championships define legacies.”
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Hurts and his quest to make history. The quarterback’s journey reflects not only his personal ambition but also the hopes of a city eager for continued success on the gridiron.
