WATCH: Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts praise Big 12 Conference for producing Super Bowl-level NFL talent

On3 imageby:Steve Samra02/12/23

SamraSource

Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes
(Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts had nothing but praise for the Big 12 Conference as they prepare to do battle in Super Bowl LVII.

Mahomes played his college ball at Texas Tech, while Hurts began his career at Alabama before blossoming as a quarterback when he transferred to Oklahoma.

In addition to the two quarterbacks who will face off in Sunday’s game, the Big 12 also produced Brock Purdy by way of Iowa State, the quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers, who Hurts had to go through to get to the Super Bowl.

Having the two Super Bowl quarterbacks and three out of the four signal callers for the teams who made it to Championship Weekend is special for the Big 12. Mahomes and Hurts agreed, as they showered the conference with praise prior to playing each other.

“It’s exciting. You saw TCU was in the national championship. It didn’t go their way, but the Big 12 was in the national championship,” stated Mahomes. “And then to have the quarterbacks, not only be and Jalen but Brock [Purdy] in the final four. Three of the quarterbacks. It shows that we’re continuing to evolve the game.

“I mean, the Big 12 was running the spread I think before anybody. Showcasing what it could be like to throw the football and make plays happen at the quarterback position. So I’m excited. It’s the first time, but it won’t be the last time. There’s a lot of good Big 12 quarterbacks coming out.”

While Hurts didn’t play in the Big 12 as long as Mahomes, he stated that he recognizes from the onset of his collegiate career how much respect the conference commanded.

“I’ve always had a very high respect for offense in the Big 12, and football in the Big 12. My respect for the conference definitely grew when I had to play in the conference,” stated Hurts. “You see all the quarterbacks that come through the Big 12.

“Obviously Pat and myself playing in this game, I think it’s a great representation of the conference.”

The Big 12 has undergone some huge changes, but it’s evident they’ll continue to produce NFL talent and be one of the sport’s top conferences moving forward. At least Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts believe so.