So, you're looking for Jalen Hurts' number. It’s pretty simple: Jalen Hurts wears number 1 for the Philadelphia Eagles. But honestly, if you’ve followed his career from the days in Tuscaloosa to the bright lights of Philly, you know that number on his back has a whole lot of history behind it. It wasn't always a "1," and the switch actually says a lot about who he is as a leader.
He’s currently the face of the Eagles franchise, especially after leading them to a Super Bowl LIX victory and taking home the MVP trophy in early 2025. When you see that midnight green jersey with the big "1" on the chest, you're seeing a guy who intentionally chose that look to mark a fresh start and his status as the undisputed leader of the team.
From the Deuce to the Uno: The College Years
Back in his Alabama days, Hurts was synonymous with the number 2. He wore it in high school at Channelview, and he kept it while lighting up the SEC as a true freshman. He once mentioned that he originally picked "2" because of his older brother. It was a family thing.
But things got complicated when he transferred to Oklahoma.
When he arrived in Norman, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb—who is obviously a star in his own right now for the Cowboys—already had the number 2 on lock. Hurts is a guy built on respect. He didn't want to come in as a transfer and demand someone else’s number, even though Lamb actually offered to give it up.
Instead, Jalen pivoted. He grabbed number 1.
That single season with the Sooners changed everything for his draft stock. He put up insane numbers, finished second in the Heisman race, and realized he actually liked the way the "1" looked on him. It felt like a "QB1" statement.
Why He Wore Number 2 as a Rookie
When the Eagles drafted him in the second round in 2020, people expected him to grab the "1" immediately. He couldn't. At the time, punter Cameron Johnston had it.
NFL veterans usually don't just hand over their numbers for free, and Hurts, being the teammate he is, just rolled with it. He went back to his roots and wore number 2 during his rookie season. If you have a Hurts jersey with a "2" on it, keep it. Those are basically collector's items now. It represents that weird, transitional year where he was backing up Carson Wentz before eventually taking the reins.
As soon as Johnston signed with the Houston Texans in the 2021 offseason, the number 1 opened up. Hurts didn't hesitate. He snatched it.
The Impact on the Fans (and Jersey Sales)
It’s wild how much a number change can impact the business side of things. After switching to number 1 and cementing himself as the starter, Hurts' jersey sales skyrocketed. By the end of the 2024-2025 cycle, he was consistently in the top three of all NFL merchandise sales.
Only his teammate, Saquon Barkley—who has been a monster for the Eagles' ground game lately—really challenged him for that top spot in Philly.
📖 Related: Newark Catholic Girls Basketball: Why This Small-School Program Stays at the Top
It’s not just about the stats, though. For Eagles fans, the number 1 has become a symbol of the "new" era. For years, the team was defined by different eras—the McNabb days, the Foles miracle, the Wentz rollercoaster. Now, when you walk through Lincoln Financial Field, it’s a sea of 1s.
Is He the Best #1 in Eagles History?
Before Hurts, the number 1 wasn't exactly legendary in Philadelphia. It was mostly worn by kickers and punters. Guys like Gary Anderson or the aforementioned Cam Johnston.
Hurts is actually the first non-kicker to wear the number for the franchise.
Considering he's now a Super Bowl champion and a multi-time Pro Bowler, it’s safe to say he’s already the greatest to ever wear it in Philly. He’s turned a number usually reserved for specialists into a symbol of a dual-threat powerhouse.
A Quick Breakdown of the Numbers:
- High School (Channelview): Number 2
- Alabama (2016-2018): Number 2
- Oklahoma (2019): Number 1
- Eagles Rookie Year (2020): Number 2
- Eagles Starter (2021-Present): Number 1
Key Takeaways for Fans
If you're looking to buy a jersey or just settled a bet with a friend, here is what you need to remember. Jalen Hurts is #1. He’s been wearing it since 2021. If you see a highlight of him in a #2 jersey, you're looking at either his Alabama days or his rookie NFL season.
🔗 Read more: Evangelical Christian School and the Barrett Jones Legacy: What Most People Get Wrong
For anyone trying to track down authentic gear, make sure you're looking for the "1." With the way he's playing in 2026, those jerseys aren't going to be discounted anytime soon. If you're a collector, hunting for a game-worn or signed rookie #2 jersey is the move, as those are far rarer than the current #1 kits. Keep an eye on the official Eagles pro shop or NFL Shop for the latest "Super Bowl MVP" editions that usually feature special patches.