The NFL is full of young talent striving to make their mark in a league that demands not just physical excellence but a deep understanding of the game. One such rising talent is Seattle Seahawks rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe. After an impressive collegiate career at Alabama, Milroe has landed in the Pacific Northwest with aspirations to become the next great signal-caller in Seattle. Yet, what’s turning heads early in his pro journey isn’t just his athleticism or raw arm strength—it’s his determination to learn, adapt, and evolve. Surprisingly, one of his biggest sources of inspiration comes not from a Seahawks legend, but from a current rival quarterback: Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Milroe and Hurts have more in common than just sharing the same first name. Both are dual-threat quarterbacks who played for the University of Alabama, and both have had to fight through adversity to prove their value as passers—not just athletes who can run. But Milroe’s admiration for Hurts goes far beyond their shared past or playing style. It’s about Hurts’ mentality, leadership, and evolution as a quarterback in the NFL.

A Shared College Lineage

Milroe’s connection to Hurts begins with Alabama football. Although they never played together—Hurts transferred to Oklahoma before Milroe arrived—they are part of the same quarterback lineage. Milroe watched Hurts rise as a freshman in Tuscaloosa, hold his own under pressure, and then handle the loss of his starting job to Tua Tagovailoa with remarkable grace and maturity. That experience, Milroe has said in interviews, shaped his understanding of what it means to be a leader even when the spotlight shifts.

Hurts’ journey from Alabama to Oklahoma and ultimately to NFL stardom in Philadelphia is not the conventional path for a quarterback. He was doubted, labeled a “system quarterback” by critics, and projected by some as a future NFL running back or gadget player. Instead of giving in, Hurts doubled down on developing his throwing mechanics, decision-making, and command of the offense. Now, he’s a Pro Bowler and one of the top quarterbacks in the NFC. That kind of perseverance and transformation is exactly what Milroe is studying.

Emulating a Model of Growth

Since arriving in Seattle, Milroe has immersed himself in film study—not just of the Seahawks’ offense under new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, but of quarterbacks across the league. Hurts’ tape has become a frequent go-to. Milroe is particularly focused on how Hurts reads defenses, handles pressure, and uses his legs not just as an escape mechanism but as a tactical advantage.

During OTAs and minicamp, Milroe reportedly told teammates and coaches that he admired how Hurts “commands the huddle” and “doesn’t flinch when things go sideways.” Those qualities are already earning Milroe praise in Seattle’s quarterback room. Veteran teammates have commented on his work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to ask questions rather than pretend to have all the answers.

What’s clear is that Milroe isn’t content to rely on his athletic ability alone. He understands that in the NFL, raw tools aren’t enough. Developing the mental game—timing, poise, pre-snap reads, and leadership—matters just as much. That’s the lesson he’s learning from Hurts, a player who once faced his own doubts but rose to meet the moment with hard work and self-belief.

Early Impressions in Seattle

The Seahawks didn’t draft Milroe expecting him to start Week 1. With veteran Geno Smith still in place, Milroe has the luxury of learning without the immediate pressure to produce. But that doesn’t mean the organization isn’t excited about his potential. Head coach Mike Macdonald and general manager John Schneider have both praised Milroe’s maturity and hunger to improve.

Teammates have echoed that sentiment. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba said Milroe is “always trying to learn something,” and tight end Noah Fant added that Milroe has already shown flashes of brilliance on scout team reps. His mobility is a clear asset, but what’s impressing coaches the most is his command in meetings and his ability to pick up complex concepts quickly.

The coaching staff has quietly tailored a developmental plan for Milroe that includes extensive work with quarterbacks coach Kerry Joseph, additional film study sessions, and situational walkthroughs. The team wants him to build confidence and refine the mental side of quarterbacking—a process Hurts also undertook early in his NFL career.

A Long-Term Vision

For Jalen Milroe, the path to becoming a starting NFL quarterback may take time, but he’s embracing the journey with the mindset of a student. By modeling parts of his preparation after a rival like Jalen Hurts, he’s showing humility, ambition, and a willingness to grow.

That’s exactly what successful quarterbacks do—learn from those who have walked the path before them, even if they wear different jerseys on Sundays.

Milroe’s story is still in its early chapters. But if he continues to draw on the example of players like Hurts, combine it with his own talent, and lean into the development resources around him in Seattle, the Seahawks might just have something special brewing at quarterback. In a league always searching for the next breakout star, Jalen Milroe is quietly putting in the work to ensure his name is ready to be called.