A Clash of Loyalties: What Happened Between Jalen Hurts and His Former Teammates

What Happened After the Commanders Win

Entering the first week of the 2026 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles' offense was getting put to the test. After firing the former offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo at the end of the Eagles' 2025 playoff run, the team hired Sean Mannion to take over. The performance of the Eagles' offense in their opening game against the Washington Commanders was a mixed bag, but one thing stood out—Jalen Hurts' resilience and leadership.

"You've got to give credit where credit is due. Jalen showed exactly why he's a franchise quarterback," said former Eagles linebacker James Smith after the game. "But the criticism from some of my teammates? That really stung."">

Smith, who spent five seasons with the Eagles before joining the Commanders in 2026, made headlines by publicly criticizing the way some ex-teammates handled their reaction to Hurts' performance during the Commanders game. His comments came after a particularly brutal fourth-quarter drive where Hurts, despite being under pressure, led his team to a crucial field goal that ultimately gave them the lead.

The Backstory: From Eagles to Commanders

James Smith's relationship with the Eagles was never a straightforward one. He joined the team in 2021 as a young, promising linebacker and quickly became part of the defensive core that helped shape their identity during their playoff runs. His role in the 2024 season, particularly in the NFC Championship game, earned him respect among teammates and fans alike.

However, by early 2026, Smith was traded to the Washington Commanders, marking a major shift for both him and the franchise. While his departure was met with mixed reactions within the Eagles' locker room, it was the way some teammates reacted post-trade that really caught Smith off guard.

• Smith had always been vocal about his respect for Hurts and the leadership he provided during his time in Philadelphia.
• He described their relationship as one built on trust and mutual understanding, even during the most challenging moments of the season.
• What surprised him was the sudden shift in tone from former teammates who once praised Hurts' ability to rally the team under pressure.

Why the Backlash?

Smith's comments didn't just come out of nowhere. The narrative around Hurts had been evolving since the Eagles' playoff exit, with some fans and analysts pointing fingers at his performance in crucial moments. However, Smith's perspective was different—he watched from the sidelines as Hurts led the Commanders to a win that many believed would have been impossible without his gritty, determined play.

"I've seen Jalen do things that other quarterbacks just don't. That fourth-quarter drive? He didn't just make plays—he inspired his team to believe again," Smith said in an interview with our team. "But the way some people talk about him now is... it's not what I saw during my time there."">

What struck Smith most was how the criticism seemed to come not from a place of analysis, but from a place of bitterness or jealousy. "It's one thing to critique someone's performance, but it's another when you're attacking the man behind the jersey," he added.

A Deeper Look at Team Loyalty

This incident brings to light an important question: How do we define loyalty in professional sports? Smith's story isn't unique—he's not the only former player who has spoken out about how criticism from former teammates can feel more personal than it should. But what makes this situation stand out is the context of the season itself.

The Eagles have been undergoing a major transformation since their 2025 playoff run. New coaches, new systems, and fresh faces all played a role in reshaping the team's identity. For someone like Smith, who once played such a key role in that system, it was difficult to see how those dynamics had shifted.

"I never thought I'd be on the other side of that kind of criticism," Smith reflected. "It made me realize how fragile some of these relationships can be in sports, especially when they're based on shared experiences and memories."">

What This Means for the NFL's Culture

This situation raises broader questions about how professional athletes interact with each other in the media—especially when one has moved to a new team. The rise of social media and instant communication has made it easier than ever for fans, analysts, and former teammates to voice their opinions, but it's also created an environment where criticism can quickly escalate into personal attacks.

In many ways, Smith's comments echo the larger conversation about respect in professional sports. As players age and move between teams, they often become the subject of scrutiny—especially if they're perceived as having changed sides or failed to meet expectations.

"You can't control what people say, but you can control how you respond," Smith said. "I've always believed that in sports—and in life."">

The Way Forward

As the NFL continues to evolve, so too must its culture around loyalty and criticism. Smith's decision to speak out publicly shows a willingness to stand by his convictions, even when it's not easy. But for fans and analysts alike, there's an important lesson here: while debate is healthy in sports, it should be grounded in facts, not emotion or ego.

The Eagles' 2026 season will be watched closely as they continue to rebuild under Mannion's leadership. Meanwhile, the Commanders, led by Hurts and his new teammates, are looking to build momentum after a promising start to the year. And while Smith may have taken a step back from the field, his voice remains an important one in this ongoing conversation.

In the end, what we see is a complex interplay of loyalty, identity, and the shifting sands of professional sports. Smith's story isn't just about Jalen Hurts or the Eagles—it's about the way we remember and talk about athletes who have moved on, and whether their legacies are defined by their current teams or their past contributions.