I’m Sorry, Jalen. An Open Letter of Apology to Jalen Hurts: From Underrated QB to Unmistakable Servant Leader.
Dear Jalen,
Let me confess something awkward. I’ve been an Eagles fan for most of my life*. I grew up just outside Philly, so I’ve screamed “Fly Eagles Fly” since I was 10 years old. However, I missed what was right in front of me.
You see, before Super Bowl 59, in a conversation with my brother Josh (an even bigger Eagles fan), I said, “Jalen is a very good quarterback, I’m just not sure he’s a great one.” Oh, how wrong I was. That’s the moment I regret most. Because it wasn’t just underestimating your game. I failed to recognize you as one of the best contemporary examples of servant leadership today. And, as someone who literally runs a blog about servant leadership, that’s downright embarrassing.
Jalen, you exemplify every principle of servant leadership:
Selflessness
Servant leaders pull in the blame and push out the praise. You do this constantly. After the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory, instead of basking in personal glory, you deflected praise: “Defense wins championships… they gave us opportunities… that’s why we were able to do what we do.”
Empathy
You never shy from acknowledging pain, setbacks, and growth, whether it is your own or others’. There are many examples of your empathy, but for me, what stands out is your moment with Devonta Smith, late in Super Bowl 59, when you told him you loved him and said, “It’s been a ride.”
Resolve
Servant leaders stay true to their vision through adversity. You also embody this. Reflecting on your journey, from being benched in the National Championship, transferring, to rising through setbacks, you said:
“I’ve been at the mountaintop and the valley low. The thing that I understand is every year, it resets. Every year is a new challenge. And every year, those new challenges require a new work ethic and a new faith.”
Virtuousness
After the biggest win of your career, you didn’t brag. You pointed upward and said, “God is good… I couldn’t do any of these things without the guys around me.” Integrity and humility personified.
Authenticity
You don’t act; you’re the same Jalen in the locker room, pressers, and huddles. “Every game… every ounce of preparation – it’s for the benefit of the group.” You even describe leadership as being a “coffee bean” – someone who changes the environment for the better.
Nonpartisanship
You highlight everyone’s contribution. From star receivers to offensive linemen to defensive leaders. Before the Super Bowl, you praised the Georgia alumni for shaping team culture: “…starts with Nakobe Dean… their ways seep through this team.”
Thoroughness
Your preparation is legendary. The first Sunday after your Superbowl victory, you were back on the field training. You said: “I respect this grind, I respect the process, and I respect what it takes to be great.” That’s what servant leaders do: consistently prepare so they can better serve their teams.
So Jalen, I join the chorus of people apologizing for underestimating you. But my apology is different. I never doubted your arm strength or decision-making. I’m sorry for missing the deeper truth: that you are a stellar example of servant leadership in action on the field, in the locker room, and in the community.
I’ll keep cheering “Fly, Eagles, Fly” from the stands. But more than that, I’ll keep learning from your example. Thanks for reminding me and the world, that greatness isn’t just measured in touchdowns. It’s measured in service.
Go Birds.
Sincerely,
Ben Lichtenwalner
Learn more about servant leadership and The ACRONYM Model of SERVANT-Leadership at ModernServantLeader.com.
* As a current Michigan native, who was born and raised outside Detroit until I was 10, I am obligated to share that I also cheer for the Detroit Lions and fear the NFC Championship title this year, when the two teams will face each other.
