Star man Hurts has legends in his locker
HAMKansas City Chiefs v Philadelphia Eagles, Tonight, 11.30pm
JALEN HURTS cannot wait to make history at the Super Bowl tonight – and is drawing inspiration from other sporting legends as he prepares for the biggest game of his life.
The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback will take the field opposite Patrick Mahomes in the first meeting of two black QBs in the most high-profile game in American sports.
And while paying tribute to those who came before him, Hurts says basketball legends Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant have also inspired his preparations ahead of facing Kansas City Chiefs in Arizona.
He said: “You have to give credit to the historic moment that is about to take place.
“There has been a foundation laid before us, seven other African-American quarterbacks have played this game to begin to set the precedent of there being two in this game now.
“I think about the kids back home who have aspirations and goals to do big things, there are limitless possibilities in terms of them achieving their dreams. It’s historic and great to be part of.
“When you play in games, like Michael Jordan and Kobe talked about, it’s all about the details. It’s about eliminating external factors, things that don’t matter.
“I’m focusing on what’s important and I feel like all year that’s been my mentality.”
Mahomes has been struggling with a high ankle sprain which looked like it could rule him out of the AFC Championship game.
But as he has done before, the Chiefs’ QB battled through the pain and expects to be fit enough as he goes for his second Super Bowl ring.
“I don’t think you’ll know exactly until you get to gameday,” Mahomes said.
“I’m definitely in a better spot. I definitely can move around better than I was moving last week or two weeks ago.
“I’m just trying to get as close as I can to 100 per cent and then rely on some adrenaline. We know we have got a great challenge with the Eagles, it will be a great game.”