Just minutes after the Philadelphia Eagles’ disappointing loss to the Washington Commanders, one of the most respected voices in franchise history stepped forward — and his words immediately shifted the conversation.
Brian Dawkins, the legendary Eagles safety and Pro Football Hall of Famer, broke his silence with a powerful public statement defending quarterback Jalen Hurts amid mounting criticism following the loss. Dawkins’ remarks, delivered with unmistakable conviction, resonated across the NFL landscape and reignited debate over how star quarterbacks are judged in moments of adversity.
“What’s happening to him is a crime against football,” Dawkins said. “A blatant betrayal of everything this sport stands for.”
The comments came as Hurts faced intense scrutiny from fans and analysts after Philadelphia struggled offensively in the 24–17 defeat. While the Eagles’ season remains very much alive, the loss sparked an emotional response among the fan base — one that Dawkins clearly felt had crossed an unacceptable line.
Brian Dawkins Calls Out the Criticism
Dawkins did not mince words when addressing the backlash directed at Hurts. He questioned not only the fairness of the criticism but also the mindset behind it.
“How can people be so cruel?” Dawkins continued. “Criticizing a young man who’s carrying the team on his shoulders, who’s been there every week, giving his all, never asking for attention, never blaming anyone — who’s simply trying to win.”
For many Eagles fans, Dawkins’ defense struck a nerve. Known throughout his career for accountability, leadership, and emotional honesty, Dawkins carries immense credibility within the Philadelphia community. His support of Hurts was not seen as a casual endorsement, but as a deeply considered statement rooted in firsthand experience.
A Quarterback Under the Microscope
Jalen Hurts has become one of the most closely watched quarterbacks in the NFL. Since taking over as the Eagles’ franchise leader, he has delivered playoff success, elite-level performances, and a Super Bowl appearance — all while embodying a calm, team-first approach.
Yet with success comes expectation. In high-profile losses, quarterbacks often become the focal point of criticism, regardless of broader team issues such as play-calling, injuries, or defensive breakdowns.
Following the Commanders game, social media quickly filled with calls questioning Hurts’ decision-making, leadership, and long-term ceiling. While some critiques were rooted in football analysis, others veered into personal attacks — something Dawkins strongly rejected.
“To me, Jalen Hurts is one of the most special players this league has ever seen,” Dawkins said. “Instead of criticizing him every time the team struggles, people should be behind him and supporting him.”
Leadership Beyond the Stat Sheet
One of the central themes of Dawkins’ defense was Hurts’ leadership — an element that does not always appear in box scores.
Hurts has consistently taken responsibility after losses, often deflecting blame away from teammates and coaching decisions. He rarely engages in public excuses, choosing instead to emphasize preparation, accountability, and improvement.
That approach has earned respect inside the Eagles’ locker room, where teammates routinely describe Hurts as steady, disciplined, and relentlessly focused.
Former players and analysts echoed Dawkins’ sentiment, noting that leadership during adversity often defines a franchise quarterback more than individual statistics.
“In this league, everyone wants perfection,” one former NFL executive said. “But what you want from your quarterback is composure, consistency, and trust. Hurts checks those boxes.”
Why Dawkins’ Words Matter
Brian Dawkins is not merely a former player offering commentary. He is a symbol of the Eagles’ identity — toughness, resilience, and loyalty. When Dawkins speaks, Philadelphia listens.
Throughout his Hall of Fame career, Dawkins experienced both triumph and heartbreak in Philadelphia. He understands the pressure of playing under the city’s intense spotlight and the emotional toll that comes with it.
By publicly defending Hurts, Dawkins effectively drew a line between healthy criticism and destructive negativity.
“This is not about protecting someone from accountability,” a longtime Eagles reporter noted. “It’s about recognizing when criticism stops being productive and starts undermining the very culture fans claim to care about.”
The Bigger Picture for the Eagles
Despite the loss to Washington, the Eagles remain firmly in contention. Coaches and players have emphasized that the focus remains on correcting mistakes, preparing for the next opponent, and maintaining internal unity.
Hurts himself has not responded publicly to Dawkins’ comments, consistent with his tendency to keep such matters internal. Those close to the team say he remains focused, using criticism as fuel rather than distraction.
Head coach Nick Sirianni has also reiterated his confidence in his quarterback, emphasizing trust and long-term vision rather than short-term reaction.
“We win together and we lose together,” Sirianni said earlier this week. “Jalen embodies that.”
A Message to the Fan Base
Ultimately, Dawkins’ message extended beyond Hurts alone. It was a call for perspective — a reminder that greatness is built over time, not measured by a single game.
Football, as Dawkins made clear, is a team sport defined by collective effort and shared responsibility. Turning on a leader during difficult moments, he suggested, risks eroding the foundation that success is built upon.
“Supporting your leaders when things are hard,” one former Eagles player said, “that’s how championship cultures survive.”
As the Eagles move forward, Dawkins’ words will likely linger — not just as a defense of Jalen Hurts, but as a challenge to fans and observers alike.
Criticism will always exist in professional sports. But as one of Philadelphia’s most revered figures reminded everyone, respect, loyalty, and perspective still matter.
And in Brian Dawkins’ eyes, Jalen Hurts has more than earned them.
