Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts made a statement upon arrival in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs. He sported a sweatshirt featuring an image of the very cleats that drew the NFL's attention and a subsequent fine earlier in the season. The image on the sweatshirt even included black bars censoring the footwear.
The backstory to the cleats involves a $5,628 fine levied by the NFL for violating the league's uniform policy. Hurts wore mismatched Jordan Brand cleats, one dark green and the other Kelly green, during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. At the time, the Jordan Brand stepped in and covered the fine, proclaiming, "We’re paying the fine. You can’t ban greatness."
Hurts explained the situation, stating his intended Jordan Columbia 11s didn't arrive on time. He opted for the mismatched cleats he had on hand for a photoshoot, a look he liked enough to wear in the game. This wasn't an isolated incident; Hurts also wore mismatched cleats in an earlier game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
This Super Bowl appearance marks Hurts' second, offering a chance for redemption after a loss in his first. He's among a select group of quarterbacks who've returned to the Super Bowl after an initial defeat, and a victory would place him alongside legends like Len Dawson, Bob Griese, and John Elway.
Fans can catch the Eagles-Chiefs showdown on FOX or stream it live on Tubi.
