Quarterback Jalen Hurts capped off what has been a fantastic season in the NFL by leading the Philadelphia Eagles to victory at Super Bowl LIX. After scoring two touchdowns and throwing for 232 yards, the NFC champions were too strong for the Kansas City Chiefs in a 40-22 triumph. Here is a look at where Hurts ranks across the major US sports.

With Hurts signed for the Eagles until the end of 2028, Philadelphia will believe they can have more success over the next few years in the NFL. The 26-year-old had his best season yet in 2024, finishing with a passing percentage of 68.7% and a quarterback rating of 103.7.

Although Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens), and Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) are all performing at a high level for their respective franchises, Hurts may be on the verge of something special in the league.

The Eagles have had some great quarterbacks over the last couple of decades, but their latest is someone they can build their team around. It is hard to see them not being in the mix come the post-season again next year.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Becoming the New Face of the NBA

When it comes to the NBA, there is no shortage of huge stars. LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Nikola Jokić have all produced consistently high performances over the last decade. However, there is an argument to suggest that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the new face of the league.

The Oklahoma City Thunder point guard is a three-time NBA All-Star, however, this season he is on course for his first NBA MVP regular season crown. The 26-year-old was named the Player of the Month in both November and December. He returned to Toronto in December, scoring 30 points against the Raptors in a 129-92 victory.

Oklahoma City is bidding for its first NBA Finals appearance since 2012 this season. They have not won an NBA Championship in 46 years. With Gilgeous-Alexander at the top of their game, they have a great chance of ending that wait. Just like with Hurts in the Eagles team, The Thunder know they have a player who can be the difference in big matches against the leading teams in the sport.

Leon Draisaitl Is Proving to Be an Edmonton Oilers Great In the NHL

When the Edmonton Oilers drafted Leon Draisaitl in the third round of the 2018 NHL Draft, few could have imagined the success he’d have for the franchise.

He has already won the Art Ross Trophy (leading points scorer), Hart Memorial Trophy (regular season MVP), and Ted Lindsay Trophy (most outstanding player).

After scooping those individual honors, Draisaitl’s focus this season will be on helping the Oilers win the Stanley Cup. As of 19 February, they are +600 favorites in the NHL betting. They lead the Pacific Division after 55 games, claiming 72 points from those matches.

Draisaitl signed a new contract with the Oilers worth $112 million last September. The Oilers were desperate to tie him down to a longer deal just like the Eagles were with Hurts in 2024. They will be hoping the German can play a big part in delivering their first championship win since 1990.

Shohei Ohtani Proves Dodgers Were Right to Sign Record-Breaking Deal

Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani became a free agent in 2023, which led to a raft of MLB franchises trying to land the three-time MVP. He eventually signed a record-breaking $700m deal with the LA Dodgers. It was described as the biggest sports deal in history at the time.,

The Dodgers will claim it is good business on their part, as Ohtani helped them win the World Series in 2024 in his first year at the franchise. He was also named the AP World Athlete of the Year for 2024.

Ohtani has strong claims for being the biggest sports star, not just in North America, but the world right now. If Hurts can follow up his Super Bowl-winning season with another big year, he could push for a contract that is close to the numbers Ohtani is receiving. The two-way player is breaking records all the time in the MLB and Hurts will be hoping to do something similar in the NFL during his career.

Hurts will be back in action for the Eagles later this year when they host the NFL Kick-Off Game on 4 September.

By: Chris Bates