Photo:Patrick Smith/Getty; Kevin Sabitus/Getty

Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes

Patrick Smith/Getty; Kevin Sabitus/Getty

“I’ve learned so much,” the 26-year-old Philadelphia Eagles quarterback told reporters on Monday, Feb. 3. “It’s the same as any other game and, you know, I think the moments are the moments. But ultimately, you know, every game has its lessons — good, bad or indifferent. So, just being able to become wiser, grow and mature and take all these lessons in for the next season and the next games.

“It’s had a great driving force,” continued Hurts as he reflected on the loss two years ago. “It lit a flame, lit a fire in me, and to have this opportunity again is exactly what you work for.”

Hurts was one of an impressive lineup of Eagles and Chiefs players (including his rival, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes) who were interviewed during Opening Night, a media event leading up to the big game in New Orleans on Sunday, Feb. 9.

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Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes

This year, Hurts is grateful for the chance to play once more at the Super Bowl.

“It’s a blessing,” he told reporters on Feb. 3. “To see all the hard work pay off and have this opportunity again, it means everything,”

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Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles

“How about QB1, man? I love when people doubt him,” said Mailata,according to ESPN.

“We always talk about limiting the outside noise or the white noise, whatever you want to call it,” the left tackle continued, per the outlet. “But I know he hears that and I think he plays his best when he feels like people doubt him.”

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Whether he pays attention to his doubters or not, Hurts is staying focused as he prepares for Super Bowl LIX.

“Every game is the same in terms of focus,” Hurts told PEOPLE at Opening Night. “Over time, your focus evolves because you evolve as a person. So, you want to continue to try to transfer it to be the best you can as opportunities come.”

source: people.com