Jalen Hurts Gets Pro Bowl Call-Up after Being Fifth Alternate
The offseason just got a little shorter for Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. In a late-January twist that has Eagles fans buzzing, Hurts has been officially elevated to the NFC Pro Bowl roster. Originally designated as a fifth alternate, the QB1 is now set to suit up for the Pro Bowl Games in San Francisco.
This selection marks a significant moment in an otherwise debated season, adding another accolade to his growing resume. Whether you view his 2025 campaign as a solid output or a statistical regression, one thing is certain: the league still views him as one of the NFC’s premier signal-callers.
Here is a breakdown of how he made the jump from alternate to active participant, what his numbers really looked like this year, and what this means for the Eagles heading into the offseason.
From Fifth Alternate to Starter Territory
The path to the Pro Bowl isn’t always a straight line. When the initial rosters were announced at the end of the regular season, Hurts found himself on the outside looking in—specifically, in the “fifth alternate” slot. Usually, being that far down the list means you’re booking a vacation, not a flight to the Moscone Center.
However, the attrition rate of the NFL postseason and players opting out due to injury often reshuffles the deck. On January 30, 2026, the announcement dropped: Hurts was in.
This elevation isn’t just a clerical move; it’s an opportunity. It extends Hurts’ season into late January and puts him back in the national spotlight alongside the league’s elite. For a competitor like him, the chance to compete even in the modified, skills-focused format of the modern Pro Bowl Games is rarely something to turn down.
A Look Back at the 2025 Season
Context is king when evaluating this selection. Why was there a debate about his spot in the first place? Let’s look at the tape and the stat sheet.
Hurts started 16 games in the 2025 season, piloting the Eagles to an 11–5 record in those starts. Winning games remains the most important statistic for a quarterback, and double-digit wins are nothing to sneeze at. Through the air, he completed 65% of his passes for 3,224 yards. He tossed 25 touchdowns against just six interceptions—a touchdown-to-interception ratio that most offensive coordinators would kill for.
Where the conversation gets heated is the ground game. Hurts added 421 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. While these are solid numbers for 90% of the league’s quarterbacks, they represent a dip in rushing volume compared to his earlier, MVP-caliber seasons. Critics pointed to fewer designed runs and a more conservative approach as reasons he wasn’t an initial lock for the roster.
Regardless of the “eye test” debates on sports radio, the production was undeniable enough to keep him in the conversation, eventually leading to this third career Pro Bowl selection (following nods in 2022 and 2023).
The Eagles’ Growing Pro Bowl Presence
He isn’t flying solo to San Francisco. His addition bolsters an already impressive contingent of Eagles players representing the NFC. This points to a roster that, despite the ups and downs of the season, remains loaded with top-tier talent.
Hurts joins a crew that includes:
- Cam Jurgens
- Cooper DeJean
- Quinyon Mitchell
- Zack Baun
- Jalen Carter
Seeing the quarterback alongside young defensive stars like Mitchell and Carter, plus reliable trench warriors like Jurgens, serves as a reminder of the core talent Philadelphia has locked in. It turns the Pro Bowl Games into a mini-reunion for the Birds, giving fans a reason to tune in to an event that often struggles for viewership.
What This Means for 2026 and Beyond
Short term, we know the plan: Hurts reports to the Pro Bowl. He participates in the skills challenges and the flag football games. It’s good exposure, good vibes, and a chance to end the football year on a high note.
Long term, however, this selection adds a layer of nuance to the offseason narrative. The Eagles are heading into a period of evaluation regarding roster construction and coaching decisions, especially with the hire of Sean Mannion and Josh Grizzard as new offensive coaches, with Mannion being the offensive coordinator and Grizzard being the passing game coordinator. Having your quarterback earn his third Pro Bowl nod reinforces the idea that the “window” is very much open.
It counters the “regression” narrative. A quarterback who goes 11-5 with 33 total touchdowns and low turnovers is a franchise pillar, even if the style of play has evolved from the heavy-rushing days of 2022. As the front office looks at the 2026 draft and free agency, they aren’t looking for a QB. They are looking for pieces to maximize a Pro Bowl passer.
The Final Verdict
The Eagles QB added to the 2026 Pro Bowl as the fifth alternate: what happened? Simply put, talent and availability collided.
While the season might have had its bumpy moments, Hurts’ elevation to the active roster is a testament to his standing in the league. It validates a season of efficient, winning football. As we watch him throw passes in San Francisco, the focus shifts to how he and the Eagles can turn individual accolades into team hardware next season.
We will keep tracking updates from the Pro Bowl Games and any statements from the team as the offseason officially kicks into high gear.
