The 2025 NFL season kicked off with exactly the kind of chaos fans expect when the Eagles and Cowboys meet under the lights. Philadelphia’s defense made headlines early after Jalen Carter was tossed from the game for spitting at Dak Prescott, but the moment that stole the show came from Jalen Hurts.
Hurts makes primetime statement against Dallas
With Michael Jordan sitting in the stands, Hurts ran in his first touchdown of the season and broke out the legend’s iconic shrug. Cameras immediately cut to Jordan, who cracked a smile as the Eagles quarterback paid homage to one of basketball’s most famous Finals moments.
Jordan first broke out the shrug in 1992 after burying six threes against Portland in the NBA Finals. The move became a part of sports history, a way of saying, “I don’t even know how this is happening.” Hurts seemed to channel that same energy as Philadelphia jumped ahead of its rival.
COLD: JALEN HURTS HITS THE MICHAEL JORDAN SHRUG AFTER RUNNING FOR A TOUCHDOWN.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) September 5, 2025
🥶🥶
Hurts spent a lot of time this off-season with Michael Jordan, and MI has become a close mentor and friend to Jalen.
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The Eagles leaned on the ground game in the first half, pounding in two touchdowns, including Hurts’ short scamper. It was a fitting start for the reigning Super Bowl MVP, who shredded the Chiefs last February with over 220 passing yards, 72 rushing yards, and three total scores. Oddsmakers slotted Hurts with the seventh-best MVP odds entering the season, but his swagger on opening night suggested he plans on climbing that list fast.
For Philadelphia, the mission is clear: repeat as champions. And just like Jordan once turned cold-blooded moments into rings, Hurts is already setting the tone for another title chase.
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