In a winter of change, Eagles are learning that Jalen Hurts is no snowflake

Originally published by Mike Kaye at NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

After throwing for 3,851 yards and 32 touchdowns at Oklahoma as a senior, Hurts wanted to further his development at QB ahead of his jump to the NFL.

He hooked up with QB trainer Quincy Avery in Atlanta in preparation for the draft and Avery introduced him to Seth Makowsky, an Elite Mindset Coach based out of Los Angeles.

Makowsky’s training involves using chess as a vehicle to help his clients think faster on their feet and identify new strategies at a moment’s notice. Makowsky uses a chessboard to simulate formations, areas of attack and potential areas of weakness.

Makowsky has worked with Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson, one of Hurts’ NFL role models. Like with Watson, Makowsky’s first visit with Hurts was supposed to last a few minutes but ended up taking up a good chunk of the day.

“Two hours later, Jalen was still locked in and wanted more,” Makowsky told NJ Advance Media. “It’s just so clear that he’s committed to training his mind with the same vigor that he trains his body. He’s just on a mission to get better.”

Hurts came into the training without any knowledge of chess, so Makowsky was forced to teach him from scratch. But, Hurts’ lack of experience didn’t seem to matter, as he immediately wanted to face off against his trainer without much of a tutorial.

“What I loved about Jalen is that he wanted to compete right away, without any apprehension or any fear of failure,” Makowsky said. “He wanted to just be thrown in the fire and he was able to learn from any of the mistakes he made.He was just laser-focused on improving.”

Makowsky’s training wasn’t just a scene out of The Queen’s Gambit.

The trainer worked with Hurts on the field as well, looking to build the connection between the board and the turf. That’s when the light bulb turned on for Hurts.

“When Jalen saw the connection of how this made him better, he fully bought in, fully engaged and it was the only thing that mattered at that moment,” Makowsky said. “There were no distractions, there was no checking phones, he was laser-focused like he is on the field when he wants to improve.”

Makowsky noticed early on that Hurts’ attention to detail wouldn’t allow for distractions or negativity. He’s so immersed in improving that anything outside of positive influence doesn’t really appeal to him. It’s not worth his time.

That’s why he’s was able to overcome the obstacles thrown in his way throughout his college career. It’s also why he’s been able to grab his opportunity with the Eagles by the wings and help the much-maligned offense fly again.

Hurts isn’t a carrot that will be smushed under pressure or an egg that will hide behind a tough exterior.

Hurts is wired to be a coffee bean because he won’t allow himself to fall victim to his environment. Instead, he will do all he can to change his surroundings for the better.

So, bring on the rumors, turn up the adversity and welcome the QB competition because Hurts can handle it all. Hurts has been here before, and he knows he can overcome it.

After all, that’s how Hurts got to where he is today.

“He doesn’t let any nonsense get in the way of his mission,” Makowsky said. “There’s such a clarity in what his mission is because there’s no moment that is too big for him.”