He did it.
After years of being told he was just a "system QB" or a runner who couldn't quite win the big one, the image of Jalen Hurts holding Lombardi Trophy finally became a reality in February 2025. It wasn't just a win; it was a 40-22 statement against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. If you follow the Eagles, you know this wasn't just about a ring. It was about the guy who kept a photo of the Chiefs celebrating their 2023 win as his phone wallpaper for two years.
Talk about a revenge tour.
The Night Philly Reclaimed the Throne
The atmosphere in New Orleans was thick. Super Bowl LIX wasn't supposed to be a blowout, but the Eagles' defense, led by Vic Fangio, turned Patrick Mahomes’ night into a nightmare with six sacks. Yet, the story stayed on the guy under center. Jalen Hurts didn't just play; he operated.
He finished 17-of-22 for 221 yards and two touchdowns. He added 72 yards on the ground. Most importantly, he didn't blink. Seeing Jalen Hurts holding Lombardi Trophy on that podium in the Caesars Superdome felt like the natural conclusion to a story that started with him being benched in college at Alabama.
Honestly, the way he clutched that silver trophy—right hand on the Lombardi, left hand on the MVP award—said everything. He told reporters afterward that he measures success by "rings and championships," not the stats.
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But the stats were pretty wild too.
Breaking Down the Super Bowl LIX Masterclass
People forget how much pressure was on Hurts heading into the 2024-2025 season. The 2023 collapse was brutal. Philly looked lost. But Howie Roseman went out and got Saquon Barkley, who ran for over 2,000 yards in the regular season, and suddenly the pressure shifted.
In the Super Bowl, Hurts used that to his advantage. He joined Joe Montana as the only quarterbacks to ever throw for 200+ yards and two scores while rushing for 50+ yards and a touchdown in a Super Bowl. That's elite company.
"When you hoist those trophies, it's more so about the journey and less about the results," Hurts said during the post-game frenzy.
It's a classic Jalen-ism. Stoic. Focused. Kinda makes you want to run through a brick wall for the guy.
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Key Moments That Led to the "Lombardi Pose"
- The Cooper DeJean Pick-Six: A rookie defensive back taking one to the house early in the game took the lid off the stadium.
- The 3rd-and-Long Dagger: Hurts hitting A.J. Brown on a rope in the second quarter to set up a touchdown.
- The Victory Formation: Taking that final knee. The moment the clock hit zero, the camera stayed on Jalen. He didn't jump or scream immediately. He just stood there for a second, soaking it in.
Why the "Cigar Photo" Went Viral
Social media nearly broke an hour after the game. Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News captured a shot of Hurts sitting on the floor in the back of the locker room. He had a celebratory cigar in his mouth and was just... looking at the trophy.
It was the ultimate "quiet after the storm" moment.
For fans, that image of Jalen Hurts holding Lombardi Trophy in the privacy of the locker room was more powerful than the trophy presentation on the field. It replaced the 2023 screensaver of defeat. It represented the 37-10 record he’s compiled as a starter since 2022—the second-best winning percentage in the league, trailing only Mahomes himself.
Comparing LVII and LIX: The Growth of QB1
In Super Bowl LVII, Hurts was incredible, but a lost fumble proved costly in a 38-35 loss. In LIX, he was flawless. He protected the ball. He let Saquon Barkley (who had a monster postseason, averaging 147 yards per game) carry the heavy lifting when the defense stacked the box.
Basically, he evolved.
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He went from a quarterback who had to do everything himself to a floor general who knew exactly when to strike. His passer rating in the 40-22 win was a staggering 119.7.
What This Means for the Eagles’ Future
Philadelphia is in a weirdly good spot for 2026. Usually, teams have a Super Bowl hangover, but the Eagles finished the 2025 regular season 11-6. Even after a tough playoff loss to the 49ers recently, the foundation is there.
Hurts is now one of the few active QBs with a ring and an MVP trophy. He’s already 3rd all-time in rushing touchdowns by a quarterback with 63. He’s chasing Cam Newton’s record of 75, and at his current pace, he might hit that by 2027.
But if you ask him, he probably doesn't care about the 75. He wants the second ring.
Actionable Insights for Eagles Fans
- Watch the Replays: Go back and look at the third-quarter drive where Hurts converted three straight third downs with his legs. It's a masterclass in game management.
- Check the Mic'd Up: The NFL Films "Mic'd Up" for Super Bowl LIX shows Hurts telling Nick Sirianni "Keep the main thing the main thing" while up by 18 points. It's vintage Jalen.
- Follow the Offseason: Keep an eye on how the Eagles handle the aging vets like Brandon Graham, who got his second ring in LIX before heading toward retirement.
The image of Jalen Hurts holding Lombardi Trophy isn't just a sports photo. For the city of Philadelphia, it’s a receipt. It’s proof that the "process" worked and that they found their franchise leader for the next decade.
Keep an eye on the 2026 draft and free agency. The Eagles have a window that is wide open, and with Hurts at the helm, the "Lombardi Pose" might become a recurring theme in the City of Brotherly Love.