Former University of Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts did not win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, but the Oklahoma Sooners star continued to win hearts in interviews during the weekend, displaying the kind of character that makes his fans back in the Yellowhammer State proud.
In one interview on Friday, Hurts explained that he did not sign up to play for the Crimson Tide with winning championships as his motive.
“I just wanted to go in there, learn the lay of the land, find my place in the team and do what was best for the team,” he explained.
Fit in he did, as Hurts became the starter as a true freshman.
He said that feat, along with playing in the National Championship game that first season, is evidence that “you never know what life brings.”
“You’ve just got to keep your faith,” Hurts added. “Trust God. Know your why. Know why you do what you do. Keep faith and keep moving forward.
Life advice from Jalen Hurts. Very profound young man.
“Know your why – why you do what you do.” #Heisman #Oklahoma pic.twitter.com/Fda6Tsh0UJ
— Emily Van Buskirk (@Emilnem) December 13, 2019
Hurts certainly followed his own advice after losing the starting job to Tua Tagavaloia to begin Hurts’ junior season, being the consummate teammate and ideal leader from the sidelines. And, of course, when his time came during the SEC Championship against Georgia that season, Hurts came into the game and iconically guided the Tide to victory.
Speaking during the Heisman weekend, Hurts said, “I’m blessed to be here, blessed that I’ve overcome a lot. Blessed, but the journey is far from over.”
Before the trophy presentation itself on Saturday evening, ESPN played a must-see summary of that journey thus far.
Jalen Hurts’ Heisman Ceremony Story and Highlight Reel.
“When Jalen says, ‘I can handle anything.’ Believe him. He does so with a soldiers’ stoic intensity.” — Chris Fowler#OUDNA | #BoomerSooner pic.twitter.com/WDG1ivVZE8
— Sooner Gridiron (@soonergridiron) December 15, 2019
While his former head coach Nick Saban has consistently had nothing but the highest praise for Hurts, Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley also talked about what Hurts means as a person on Saturday night.
The Sooners head coach called Hurts’ journey “unprecedented.”
“The leader he’s been, the person he’s been at our program — it’s made a huge difference for our team,” Riley said.
“It’s made us a better team, made me a better coach,” he added.
Pamela Hurts on her sons’ incredible steadiness.
“As a child, he was the same way. Never would get rattled by anything. Taking on any challenge. No fear.”#OUDNA | #BoomerSooner pic.twitter.com/jzbRZWgxcl
— Sooner Gridiron (@soonergridiron) December 15, 2019
Jalen Hurts talked even more about his journey and his faith live on ESPN Saturday night.
Jalen Hurts on his path to the Heisman Ceremony.
“Keeping faith and always going hard. I’ve never given up, keeping perseverance and trusting God.”
“Bottom line, just gotta work hard and handle business.”#OUDNA | #BoomerSooner pic.twitter.com/d3LBqQBdDR
— Sooner Gridiron (@soonergridiron) December 15, 2019
RELATED: If character decides the Heisman Trophy, Jalen Hurts wins in a landslide
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
