JUST 10 MINUTES AGO: NFL legend Jason Kelce broke his silence with a powerful statement defending Jalen Hurts after the game against the Buffalo Bills: “What’s happening to him is a crime against football — a blatant betrayal of everything this sport stands for.

How can people be so cruel? 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.

To me, Jalen Hurts is one of the most special players this league has ever seen. Instead of criticizing him every time the team struggles, people should be behind him and supporting him.”

In a thrilling, low-scoring affair at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, the Philadelphia Eagles edged out the Buffalo Bills 13-12 in a Week 17 clash that had all the intensity of a playoff preview.

The game, played under cold, rainy conditions on December 28, 2025, saw the Eagles’ defense shine brightly, holding the high-powered Bills offense to just 12 points and forcing crucial stops in the final moments.

Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense struggled at times, managing only one touchdown and relying heavily on field goals, but the victory improved Philadelphia’s record to 11-5, keeping them firmly in contention for a high seed in the NFC playoffs.

The contest was decided in the dying seconds when Bills quarterback Josh Allen scored on a tush push-style touchdown run to pull within one point, but Buffalo’s aggressive decision to go for a two-point conversion failed as Allen’s pass sailed incomplete.

The Eagles’ defense, led by standout performances from players like Jalyx Hunt and Jalen Carter—who blocked an extra point earlier—celebrated wildly as they preserved the narrow win. For the Eagles, it was a gritty road victory against one of the AFC’s top teams, showcasing their resilience despite offensive inconsistencies.

However, the post-game narrative quickly shifted to quarterback Jalen Hurts, who completed 13 of 27 passes for around 110 yards and one touchdown while adding some key scrambles. Critics pointed to the offense’s second-half stagnation, where Philadelphia managed minimal yardage and punted repeatedly, failing to put the game away earlier.

Social media and pundits alike renewed calls questioning Hurts’ performance in big moments, especially in adverse weather, reigniting debates about his ability to carry the team consistently.

Just minutes after the final whistle, NFL legend and retired Eagles center Jason Kelce broke his silence with a fiery, impassioned defense of his former quarterback. Kelce, who spent years snapping the ball to Hurts and witnessing his growth firsthand, did not hold back in condemning the backlash.

“What’s happening to him is a crime against football — a blatant betrayal of everything this sport stands for,” Kelce declared.

“How can people be so cruel? 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.”

Kelce’s words resonated deeply within the Eagles community and beyond, highlighting what he sees as unfair scrutiny on a player who has consistently delivered in high-stakes situations. Hurts, known for his stoic demeanor and leadership by example, has long been praised for his work ethic and accountability.

Throughout his career in Philadelphia, he has led the team to multiple playoff appearances, including a Super Bowl victory in recent years, often elevating those around him without seeking the spotlight.

Kelce emphasized this, stating, “To me, Jalen Hurts is one of the most special players this league has ever seen. Instead of criticizing him every time the team struggles, people should be behind him and supporting him.”

The statement comes at a pivotal time for the Eagles, who are defending Super Bowl champions navigating a competitive season filled with highs and lows. Earlier in the year, reports of internal frustrations surfaced, with some anonymous sources suggesting teammate dissatisfaction with the offense’s execution.

Kelce himself has addressed such rumors in the past, getting emotional while defending Hurts’ body of work and urging the team to communicate openly.

His latest outburst underscores a recurring theme: the quarterback often bears the brunt of criticism, even when victories are secured through collective effort, particularly a dominant defense.

Hurts’ supporters argue that his dual-threat ability—combining precise passing with elite rushing—makes him uniquely valuable, yet weather-dependent games like this one expose vulnerabilities in the passing attack. In the Buffalo matchup, key connections with receivers like A.J.

Brown and tight end Dallas Goedert provided sparks, including a crucial touchdown pass, but inconsistencies allowed the Bills to hang around. Still, the win was a testament to the team’s overall depth, with the defense repeatedly bailing out the offense.

Kelce, now a beloved figure in retirement through broadcasting and his popular podcast, has remained a vocal advocate for the Eagles organization. His protective stance toward Hurts reflects the bond forged over years in the trenches, where Kelce’s leadership at center allowed Hurts to thrive early in his career.

Many fans echoed Kelce’s sentiment online, rallying behind the quarterback and calling for more patience as the playoffs approach.

As the regular season winds down, the Eagles face one final game before postseason action, with seeding implications on the line. Wins like this one against elite competition bolster their case as legitimate contenders once again.

Yet Kelce’s powerful words serve as a reminder of the human element in professional sports—the toll of relentless criticism on players who pour everything into the game.

In an era where quarterbacks are dissected endlessly, Kelce’s defense highlights the need for perspective. Hurts has proven time and again his ability to lead comebacks and shoulder responsibility, traits that define great players.

If the Eagles are to repeat as champions, unity and support will be key, starting with backing their quarterback through thick and thin.

Kelce’s timely intervention may just be the spark needed to refocus the narrative. As he aptly put it, football is about winning together, not tearing down those who fight hardest for it. With the playoffs looming, the Eagles—and Hurts—appear ready to silence the doubters once more.