by Ryan Steger

The 2025 Super Bowl was a thrilling showcase of two of the NFL’s most exciting quarterbacks: Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs. Both players have faced unique challenges on their paths to superstardom, and this year’s championship game only added another layer to their remarkable stories. As the league looks ahead, the outcome of this Super Bowl has wide-reaching implications for the future of both franchises and the larger landscape of the NFL.

Hurts’ journey to Super Bowl MVP is one of perseverance, resilience and redemption. His story began in the national spotlight during his time at Alabama. As the starting quarterback, he led the Alabama Crimson Tide to the 2018 National Championship game, reaching a record of 26-2 as the starting quarterback, but things took an unexpected turn when he was benched for Tua Tagovailoa (now the quarterback of the Miami Dolphins) in the second half of that game. Hurts’ unexpected exit from the national title game could have negatively shaped his career but instead, it fueled his determination.

Instead of transferring to a smaller program, Hurts chose to move to the University of Oklahoma for his final season, where he blossomed under the guidance of head coach Lincoln Riley. His time with the Sooners helped him develop into a more complete passer and ignited the confidence that would carry him into the NFL. Drafted by the Eagles, Hurts faced early doubts from critics who questioned whether he could become an elite quarterback. Yet, his unparalleled work ethic and leadership have helped him evolve into the face of the Eagles’ offense, culminating in his incredible performance in Super Bowl LVIII, where he dominated with his arm and legs, earning the game’s highest honor.

Hurts’ journey is proof that the path to greatness is not always linear, and his story inspires young athletes who may face setbacks but are determined to prove themselves.

The Kansas City Chiefs entered this Super Bowl as back-to-back defending champions, and with Patrick Mahomes leading the charge, it is easy to see why they remain one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL. Mahomes has already achieved a remarkable career and is now firmly in the conversation as one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. But as the Chiefs continue to enjoy success despite this year’s Super Bowl loss, questions loom about their core players’ longevity and the franchise’s future.

One key figure to watch is tight end Travis Kelce, whose combination of size, athleticism and football IQ has made him Mahomes’ favorite target. At 35 years old, Kelce is undoubtedly nearing the twilight of his career, but after another Super Bowl appearance and multiple Pro Bowl seasons, his retirement could be a topic of conversation. Will Kelce

choose to retire, or will he continue to chase titles for another few seasons? His decision will have major implications for both the Chiefs’ offense and the NFL landscape.

Despite the potential for changes, the Chiefs have one of the most talented quarterbacks in history, and if Mahomes is at the helm, they remain the team to beat. The franchise has built a strong supporting cast, with players like defensive star Chris Jones and young talents like rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy emerging as key contributors. Mahomes’ ability to elevate his teammates, even without the same level of superstar talent surrounding him as in previous years, suggests that the Chiefs will remain competitive in the coming seasons.

A major narrative around Mahomes’ career is his potential to challenge Tom Brady’s title as the NFL’s greatest quarterback of all time. Mahomes has earned his three Super Bowl rings, putting him on a fast track to challenging Brady’s seemingly out of reach seven Super Bowl championships. However, there is still a long way to go.

Brady’s longevity in the league allowed him to accumulate an unprecedented number of titles, but Mahomes’ combination of skills, youth and leadership makes him a formidable challenger. At just 29 years old, Mahomes has time on his side. With a solid supporting cast and a franchise that has consistently shown an ability to build around him, Mahomes’ window remains wide open. If he can continue to perform at this level and remain healthy, the prospect of Mahomes passing Brady in championships is very much in play, making every year that he adds to his legacy a crucial chapter in the debate about who is truly the greatest of all time. However, as of right now, Brady sits alone at the mountaintop and will stay there until proven otherwise.

The 2025 Super Bowl was a defining moment for both Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes, highlighting the incredible resilience and talent of both quarterbacks. As Hurts continue to grow and the Eagles look poised for future success, the Chiefs remain a powerhouse in the league with Mahomes at the helm. The potential retirement of key players like Travis Kelce could usher in a new era for the Chiefs, but if Mahomes is under center, they will remain contenders.

As the landscape shifts, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if Mahomes can catch Brady, if Hurts can lead the Eagles to another championship, and what the Chiefs’ future looks like as their stars evolve. The next few years in the NFL promise to be just as thrilling and unpredictable as this year’s Super Bowl.