Britain Covey, the smallest player on the Eagles roster, has shown great courage while defending All-Pro quarterback Jalen Hurts. Despite being tied with Boston Scott for the title of smallest player, Covey has proven himself to be a fierce defender and supporter of his teammate.
Five years after Joseph Santoliquito’s shocking piece on then quarterback Carson Wentz, the Hall of Fame writer dropped another stunning article centered around current Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. The report, published on Bleeding Green Nation, claimed that Hurts had become less accessible to media, fans, and teammates since signing a big $255 million contract extension. The article also suggested that Hurts had become more guarded and defensive, especially during the offseason when he was in high demand.
Sources within and around the team say Jalen Hurts “changed” since signing the big $255 million contract extension. His accessibility to media, fans, teammates had been limited. He became less accessible this season, according to numerous sources. In fairness to Hurts, who is very guarded to begin with, his defensive walls went up even higher with the many open hands coming at him pulling him in various directions last offseason—striking on his popularity when his brand was hot.
Following the release of this article, there were reports that Covey had some apprehension about approaching Hurts in the locker room. However, Covey quickly addressed these rumors, stating that Hurts is the best leader he’s ever been around and refuting claims that he was scared of him.
Normally I don’t respond to things like this because I’d hope that people don’t believe everything they hear/read. Jalen is the best leader I’ve ever been around. So you can hear it straight from me, not someone else. I NEVER said he was unapproachable, or I was scared of him
— Britain Covey (@brit_covey2) January 24, 2024
Covey also took to Twitter to express his support for Hurts, claiming that Hurts’ authenticity is what makes him a great leader and emphasizing his approachability both on and off the field.
I truly don’t get this narrative. Jalen’s authenticity is what makes him a great leader. He’ll eat lunch with the “lowest” ranking guys on the team, like myself. He is a great friend and teammate
— Britain Covey (@brit_covey2) January 24, 2024
He further clarified that Hurts’ personality is not intimidating or unapproachable, contradicting the narrative that had been circulating in the media.
Someone asked me if Jalen’s “stoic personality” turned people away and if he was intimidating/unapproachable. To which I basically said that I’ve had coaches like that in the past, but Jalen WASN’T like that – and the moment you talk with him you realize how approachable he is
— Britain Covey (@brit_covey2) January 24, 2024
It’s clear that Covey’s public support of Hurts has been a response to the growing pressure and scrutiny surrounding the quarterback, particularly in light of his new contract and the changes within the coaching staff. The media and some fans have been quick to criticize Hurts, but Covey’s defense of his teammate is a powerful statement in support of the quarterback.
