Why Eagles QB Jalen Hurts should consider this new number

By Bruce Ewing | Last updated Mar 31, 2023 11:18 AM ET

It’s crazy to think that Philadelphia's No. 1 quarterback was originally drafted to be the No. 2 guy. Jalen Hurts has come a long way in three years. but now’s the time for him to go from hero to "zero."

Starting this season, most NFL players will have the option to wear the number "0" for the first time since 1973. (Offensive linemen must choose from numbers 50-79, and defensive linemen must wear 50-79 and 90-99.) The Eagles proposed the rule change allowing players to wear zero.

So far, only Jacksonville WR Calvin Ridley and Giants WR Parris Campbell have claimed the digit, but more are sure to follow.

Here’s why Hurts should wear the number:

Compensation

Not long ago, Hurts appeared in a commercial as part of Pepsi's "Made for Football Watching" campaign. In it, a tiny Hurts jumps out of a can of Pepsi Zero Sugar to call signals for a family’s pre-game snacks.

We’re not sure what Hurts was paid for the spot, but imagine how much more he’d make if his jersey number matched the can? Advertising types call that "synergy." Just think of all the zero-calorie products Hurts could sell, not that he needs the money.

Unless something goes terribly wrong, Hurts' next contract should pay him a salary with lots of zeros. Why not honor them on the uniform?

Motivation

Hurts is no stranger to motivational messaging. Last season, he trademarked the phrase “I had a purpose before anyone had an opinion” for his clothing line. But will he lose focus once he signs a large contract? Not if he carries a zero.

For some players, a big contract is the ultimate goal, but for Hurts it will always be a championship. The conference title was nice, but it does nothing for the 2023 season. A zero on the jersey of the team’s best player could serve as a reminder for the rest of the roster.

Inspiration

Did you know that "0" inspired Kobe Bryant’s career? After passing Michael Jordan on the NBA’s all-time scoring list in 2014, Bryant wrote a piece called “ Zero” for The Players Tribune explaining how his competitive fire started with one terrible game in a Philadelphia summer league.

Leading up to Super Bowl LVII, Hurts refused accolades by insisting the job wasn’t over. His "all or nothing" demeanor reminded many of the “Mamba Mentality" that made Kobe Bryant so great.

Last season, Hurts channeled Philadelphia's native son with a custom-made Kobe Bryant shirt after honoring him the year before by wearing a replica of Bryant’s high school jacket. Adopting the number that fueled Philadelphia’s greatest athlete would be a next-level tribute and deserves consideration from the city’s biggest star.

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