• The Philadelphia Eagles, 2024 Super Bowl champions, launch NFL Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys.
• Jalen Hurts draws motivation from the 2023 Super Bowl loss, keeping it as his phone screensaver.
• The Eagles’ roster, from veterans to rookies, focuses on the new season, not past triumphs.
• NFL Week 1 features 18 Alabama-connected players in the Eagles-Cowboys matchup and a packed schedule of exciting games.

A Champion’s Drive: Jalen Hurts’ Motivation for NFL Week 1

As NFL Week 1 arrives, the Philadelphia Eagles, fresh off their 2024 Super Bowl victory, are ready to take the field. Quarterback Jalen Hurts remains a focal point, not just for his on-field heroics but for his relentless mindset. In the NFL Network special America’s Game: The 2024 Eagles, Hurts revealed he still uses a photo from the 2023 Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs—where red-and-gold confetti fell during their 38-35 celebration—as his phone screensaver.

“That loss changed me,” Hurts shared. “It hurt, but it fueled us to become champions.” This resilience defines Hurts as he leads the Eagles into NFL Week 1, starting with a high-stakes showdown against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night. His ability to turn pain into progress is a reminder that setbacks can spark greatness, whether you’re on the gridiron or chasing personal goals.

Eagles Set the Tone for NFL Week 1

The Eagles open NFL Week 1 at Lincoln Financial Field, hosting the Dallas Cowboys in a primetime clash. As 2024 Super Bowl champions, they’ll raise a banner to mark their 40-22 victory over the Chiefs on February 9, 2025. But don’t expect the team to linger on the celebration. Head coach Nick Sirianni brushed off the ceremony, saying, “I didn’t even realize it was banner night. We’re locked in for NFL Week 1.”

This forward-focused mentality runs deep. Safety Reed Blankenship, a former West Limestone High School star, echoed Sirianni’s sentiment. “The banner’s great for fans, but we’re ready for NFL Week 1,” he said. “I haven’t tackled anyone since the Super Bowl, so I’m itching to go.” Blankenship’s enthusiasm reflects the Eagles’ hunger to compete, not coast on past success.

The team’s locker room, from seasoned players to fresh-faced rookies, shares this mindset. “It’s not just one person—it’s the whole squad,” Blankenship noted. “Our new guys don’t act like they’re joining a defending Super Bowl team. They’re here to grind and get better.” This culture of growth positions the Eagles as a force in NFL Week 1 and beyond.

Alabama Shines in NFL Week 1’s Spotlight

The Eagles-Cowboys game, dubbed the Alabama Game of the Week, highlights 18 players from Alabama high schools and colleges. This strong representation underscores Alabama’s role as a football talent hub, making NFL Week 1 especially exciting for local fans. Seeing homegrown stars like Blankenship compete on this stage adds a layer of pride to the season opener.

Read also: NFL 2025 Season Kickoff: 5 Storylines to Watch in Week 1

NFL Week 1 Schedule: What to Watch

NFL Week 1 delivers a thrilling lineup of games across Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Monday. Here’s the full schedule (all times Central, with point spreads from BetMGM):

• Thursday, September 4, 2025
  • Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles (-8.5), 7:20 p.m. (NBC)
• Friday, September 5, 2025
  • Kansas City Chiefs (-3) vs. Los Angeles Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil, 7:00 p.m. (YouTube TV)
• Sunday, September 7, 2025
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5) at Atlanta Falcons, 12:00 p.m. (WBRC, WCOV, WDFX)
  • Cincinnati Bengals (-5.5) at Cleveland Browns, 12:00 p.m.
  • Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts (-1), 12:00 p.m. (WTVY)
  • Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars (-3.5), 12:00 p.m.
  • Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots (-2.5), 12:00 p.m.
  • Arizona Cardinals (-6.5) at New Orleans Saints, 12:00 p.m. (WIAT, WHNT, WKRG, WAKA)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) at New York Jets, 12:00 p.m.
  • New York Giants at Washington Commanders (-6), 12:00 p.m.
  • Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos (-8), 3:05 p.m. (WZDX)
  • San Francisco 49ers (-2.5) at Seattle Seahawks, 3:05 p.m. (WALA)
  • Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers (-2.5), 3:25 p.m. (WIAT, WTVY, WHNT, WKRG, WAKA)
  • Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams (-3), 3:25 p.m.
  • Baltimore Ravens (-1) at Buffalo Bills, 7:20 p.m. (NBC)
• Monday, September 8, 2025
  • Minnesota Vikings (-1.5) at Chicago Bears, 7:15 p.m. (ABC, ESPN)

From divisional battles to the international Chiefs-Chargers matchup in Brazil, NFL Week 1 promises non-stop excitement.

Why the Eagles’ Approach Resonates

The Eagles’ ability to move past their 2024 Super Bowl win while learning from the 2023 loss is a blueprint for success. Hurts’ choice to keep that confetti-filled moment close isn’t about dwelling on failure—it’s about staying driven. It’s like keeping a photo of a race you didn’t win to push you through your next training session. That mindset sets the tone for NFL Week 1.

Read more:  Cowboys vs. Eagles NFL Season Opener

As someone who’s followed football for years, I’ve seen teams get trapped by their own hype. The Eagles’ focus on the present, paired with respect for the past, makes them a team to watch in NFL Week 1. Their opener against Dallas is more than a game—it’s a declaration of grit and teamwork.

For fans, especially in Alabama, NFL Week 1 is a chance to rally behind local stars and dive into a new season of heart-pounding action. So, grab your game-day gear, fire up the TV, and get ready for NFL Week 1. The Eagles are set to fly—will you be watching?

Aliha

Hi, I’m Aliha! I’ve been a huge NFL fan for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing my thoughts, updates, and insights about the game. Whether it’s big plays, team news, or behind-the-scenes stories, writing about the NFL gives me a chance to connect with fellow fans who share the same passion for football.