The bond between Jason Kelce and Jalen Hurts is still as strong as ever

The former Eagles teammates sat down to talk about the team’s Week 2 Monday night game, and there has been no love lost between the two.

There’s something so comforting about Jason Kelce and Jalen Hurts sitting down to chat before a huge Eagles game on Monday night. Despite the two being in completely different parts of their NFL career when they linked up in 2021, they formed a quick friendship built on respect and hard work.

Hurts has opened up with reporters a little more this season, but that pales in comparison to what we see when he sits down to talk to Kelce. It’s a small, and rare, glimpse into Hurts’ “real” personality — the one he tends to withhold from the outside, but not from those he trusts. The QB smiles from ear-to-ear throughout this ESPN interview, and it’s without question due to the fact his good friend is the one sitting across from him.

It should come as no surprise that the duo are super close. Their bromance was on display ahead of the 2023 season when Hurts joined the Kelce brothers on their New Heights podcast, and in the months since his retirement, Jason Kelce has unveiled a whole wardrobe of shirts with the QB’s face on them.

To open the ESPN interview, Kelce asked Hurts if he missed him, with the QB admitting that he does. He pointed out that he always tried to tell Kelce how much the center was appreciated, especially because a lot of guys don’t get their flowers until they’re done playing.

“HURTS: How you welcomed me, when I was a young player in here — nobody expected me to go in there and play, as a rookie…

KELCE: We knew.”

They talked a little more about how things are going since Kelce retired, and Hurts said that Cam Jurgens is doing a great job at center. The QB explained that the two have put in a lot of work and had a lot of conversations to get that working relationship where it needs to be.

Hurts was also asked about Saquon Barkley, and the quarterback said that they started building their rapport in the offseason, when he got to see the RB’s work ethic and dedication.

“HURTS: You never question a guy that works, and [Saquon Barkley] is a guy that works. Willing to do any and everything to help the team win. That’s all you can ask for.”

The QB said he’s exited about how they can all compliment each other as an offense, and what that looks for as they continue to develop together.

Hurts and Kelce talked about what it’s like for the quarterback now that he’s in charge of identifying protections. Hurts explained that he thinks that is the foundation of playing QB, and so being able to see more of those things, it allows him to have a deeper understanding of the game.

“HURTS: I just think having the time to develop those things now, and be exposed to those things now, I think it’s been a big help.”

The QB said that it’s about the mentality and philosophy of being prepared, but also knowing that things change every week.

“HURTS: Playing the position, it’s not about being right or wrong, it’s about having a plan. And so, that’s the goal, always have a plan.”

They talked about the collapse at the end of the 2023 season, but Kelce approached Hurts moreso about what he learned as a leader through those times. Hurts noted that having to push through and just keep trying is a mentality he’s always known to lean into, and to keep showing up for his teammates.

“HURTS: The one thing I respected about you so much was — you had a lot on your plate. You had a lot on your plate, you had a lot you were responsible for, but you always did it for the guy next to you. That’s the one thing I’ll always respect, because that’s what it’s about.”

Hurts went on to laud Kelce’s approach and his underdog mentality, and when Kelce tried to laugh off the compliment, Hurts made sure to tell him it he meant it.

“HURTS: I mean, I love you.

KELCE: Love you too.”

The two talked a little more about this year’s group of guys and Hurts being excited to continue climbing up a new mountain, and joked about the tush push — with the QB noting the only thing that bothers him about the play is the name, because that’s not what they call it. As they wrapped up the interview, Kelce tried to thinly veil his allegiance to the Eagles.

“KELCE: Go dominate. I mean, don’t dominate, I’m independent.

HURTS: Yeah, f*** that, we know what time it is.”