A Lesson on "Giving Up" from Jalen Hurts
Start writing a post
Sports

A Lesson on "Giving Up" from Jalen Hurts

Don't confuse re-prioritizing your time and passion with "being a quitter."

130
A Lesson on "Giving Up" from Jalen Hurts
Sooner Sports

From an early age, we're told to never quit. We're told that no one likes a quitter. "Quitting," whatever exactly that might mean, is stigmatized to the point where people are legitimately fearful of the social backlash that might come with leaving something they've always done—even if they're not happy. Oftentimes people are scared to move-on from something they've know they have no future in and choose to continue what they're doing because it's simply the easiest and safest option. Taking a risk can be huge, but if it's something you're truly passionate about, so can the rewards.

This is when we introduce our record-breaking OU Quarterback, Jalen Hurts. Jalen Hurts is a transfer from the University of Alabama. His freshman year at Alabama, Hurts was the SEC Offensive Player of the Year and SEC Freshman of the year. Sophomore year, he lead the Crimson Tide to a 13-1 season before being benched at halftime in the College Football National Championship Game. Hurts did not start his junior year, but in a twist of fate, actually relieved the injured starting Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and Alabama defeated Georgia in the SEC Championship game under Hurts' leadership.

After that season he made an announcement that shocked the sports world. Jalen Hurts was transferring to the University of Oklahoma. There were people that understood, but there were also people who were enraged—people that hurled all kinds of insults at the new OU quarterback. People called him a sellout, a quitter, and some die-hard Alabama fans even disowned him under a harsher label: "traitor." However, it didn't take Jalen long to settle in his new position. After only 224 days of being in Norman, Hurts was elected team captain.

Hurts' passion was on display from the very moment he stepped on the field. In his debut, he shattered an Oklahoma Quartberack (and we've had some really good ones) opening record for total yards. Ever since the start of the season, it's been the Jalen show. Emerging as a Heisman frontrunner, Hurts is elevating the Sooners to a national championship-caliber team. Needless to say, Jalen silenced his haters—and he's not even close to being finished.

Jalen Hurts is a testimate to not giving up. It was a massive risk for him to drop everything he'd come to know in Alabama and transfer to Oklahoma and start all over again. However, deep down, I think Jalen never doubted himself for a second. It's evident every gameday that Jalen Hurts loves the game of football. He might've moved on from a situation where he wasn't where he wanted to be, but he absolutely, unequivocally did not quit.

So often we're pressured with the social repercussions of "giving up" or "quitting" that we forget to see the big picture. We get so immersed in how people will perceive us that we forget to stop and think "Where do I want to be? What do I want to do?" Know that you are in control, and ultimately the best decision you can make is the decision that's best for you. If you ever feel like you're stuck between a rock and a hard place facing the prospect of the status quo, or something completely new—but something you're passionate about—the solution is simple. Think "What would Jalen Hurts do."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

63043
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

41307
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

961892
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

211491
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments