From Salon · Rann Miller · · 2m
Jalen Hurts shows the price of being unapologetically Black
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts' health crisis reveals racial bias in NFL.
In brief
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts' health crisis reveals racial bias in NFL. Jalen Hurts' blood clot diagnosis highlights systemic racism in NFL despite his performance. Originally reported by Salon.
Jalen Hurts' health crisis
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is out for the season to recover from a deep vein blood clot found after arriving in London for the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Racial double standard
A Philadelphia sports columnist claimed if Brock Purdy were the Eagles quarterback, he would be a god in Philadelphia due to his underdog story, but Hurts is Black and Purdy is white.
Blood clot severity
Hurts' initial diagnosis of a superficial vein clot has progressed to deep vein clots that have traveled to his lungs, requiring him to miss the rest of the season.
Racism in NFL history
The NFL banned Black players in 1933, allowed them back in 1946, and used racial stacking to believe Black athletes weren't smart enough to play quarterback.
Philadelphia's racist history
Philadelphia has a history of racism against Black quarterbacks, including Randall Cunningham, Donovan McNabb, and Michael Vick.
Hurts' unapologetic identity
Hurts is proud to be Black, makes crawfish, listens to Frankie Beverly and Maze, and doesn't ingratiate himself with the sports media machine.
Racist criticism
Hurts faces criticism for being unapologetically Black, with media labeling him as 'thug' or 'lazy' despite his lack of tattoos, cornrows, or womanizing.
Racism as systemic issue
Racistly-coded commentary disguised as asinine takes continues to fuel careers of journalists and athletes whose trajectories mirror playing days.
Hurts' performance
Hurts played a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London while recovering from a blood clot, a performance that will be praised.
Systemic racism
Black athletes face systemic racism in the NFL, with Hurts' health crisis revealing the price of being unapologetically Black.
What happens next
Hurts is expected to fully recover according to his agent Nicole Lynn, and his performance against the Jaguars will be praised.
The key point
Jalen Hurts' blood clot diagnosis highlights systemic racism in NFL despite his performance.
