Philadelphia, PA – June 18, 2025
One of the most respected voices in Eagles history has had enough.
Brandon Graham, Super Bowl LII hero and one of Philadelphia’s longest-tenured players, came to the defense of quarterback Jalen Hurts this week after the latest round of national rankings once again left the Eagles signal-caller on the outside looking in. When CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco released his annual “Top 100 NFL Players” list and omitted Hurts altogether, Graham didn’t mince words.
“It’s crazy. This man led us to back-to-back Super Bowls, one ring, one runner-up, and people still act like he’s not elite,” Graham said in a radio interview on 94WIP. “If this was another team, another city, he’d be top ten easy. They just keep disrespecting him.”
Hurts’ exclusion sparked heated debate among fans and analysts. Despite throwing for over 3,800 yards, adding 18 rushing touchdowns, and posting a 12–5 regular season record in 2024, the 25-year-old quarterback continues to be overlooked by major media outlets. Even more confusing, ten Eagles players made the Top 100 list — from A.J. Brown to Lane Johnson — but not the man orchestrating the offense.
Graham’s comments echoed the frustration within the locker room. “We all see what he does every day — the preparation, the leadership, the calm in clutch moments,” Graham continued. “If that doesn’t make you one of the best, what does?”
Hurts, characteristically stoic, didn’t address the snub directly but posted a cryptic message on X: “Still climbing.” Teammates like Jordan Mailata and Devonta Smith liked the post immediately, signaling quiet support.
Nationally, the narrative continues to underrate Hurts, perhaps due to Philadelphia’s bruising style or the polarizing “Tush Push” play that has become a staple of their offense. But inside the NovaCare Complex, the message is clear: they ride with No. 1.
“Keep sleeping on him,” Graham concluded, “because when it’s January, and you’re watching Hurts dominate again, just remember who warned you.”
The disrespect may fuel another MVP-caliber campaign. If so, the league won’t be able to ignore him much longer.
