Here’s why Michael Jordan showed up at Eagles-Cowboys opener to watch Jalen Hurts

The Philadelphia Eagles opened their season with a divisional clash against the Dallas Cowboys, but the spotlight wasn’t only on the field. Six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan made a rare NFL appearance in Philadelphia on Sept. 4, sitting alongside his wife, Yvette Prieto, as a guest of quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Jalen Hurts honors Michael Jordan with touchdown celebration and custom cleats

Hurts didn’t waste the chance to pay tribute to the NBA legend in attendance. After scoring his first touchdown of the night, the Eagles quarterback threw up Jordan’s famous 1992 Finals shrug. Cameras quickly zoomed in on Jordan, who smiled as Hurts nodded to one of the most iconic gestures in sports history.Hurts was also wearing a pair of Air Jordan 11 “Love Hurts” cleats, customized with his personal tagline. The cleats debuted on opening night, tying his Jordan Brand partnership directly to the player who built the brand’s legacy.ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Jordan was at Lincoln Financial Field as Hurts’ guest, underscoring the bond the two have developed since the quarterback became the first Jordan Brand athlete to win a Super Bowl MVP. Hurts joined Jordan in Greece this summer for the “Board of Greatness” event, alongside Luka Doncic, Carmelo Anthony, Maya Moore, and Paolo Banchero.

Michael Jordan’s rare NFL appearance marks return to spotlight

Jordan has kept a notoriously private life since retiring in 2003, but his presence in Philadelphia is part of a wider return to the public eye.

NBC recently announced that Jordan will serve as a “special contributor” as part of its new NBA broadcast deal beginning in October. It will be his first television role covering the league since his playing days.The Hall of Famer also sold his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets last year for $3 billion, while remaining involved in ventures like NASCAR’s 23XI Racing. For fans, seeing Jordan in the crowd at an NFL opener hinted at a more visible chapter for a figure who has typically stayed away from the spotlight.

Jalen Hurts sets the tone for Eagles’ repeat push

Philadelphia, led by its Super Bowl LIX MVP, leaned on Hurts’ dual-threat ability in the opener. He ran in two first-half touchdowns, including the one capped with his Jordan-inspired shrug, and controlled the game until storms delayed play for over an hour in the third quarter.For Hurts, the presence of Jordan was more than celebrity support. It symbolized the connection between two athletes defined by efficiency, dominance, and a relentless push for championships. Just as Jordan turned big moments into titles, Hurts is setting the stage for another Eagles run.