Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Hurts files for trademark on another phrase

By Bruce Ewing | Last updated 2/28/23

“I had a purpose before anyone had an opinion.”

That’s the phrase Eagles QB Jalen Hurts wants to trademark, per trademark attorney Josh Gerben. Hurts said it during a media session prior to Super Bowl LVII, and now he’d like to use it for his clothing line.

This isn’t the first time Hurts tried to coin a phrase. Last summer he filed a trademark for “Hurts so good.” That phrase already appears on his products, although John Cougar Mellencamp may have something to say about that.

Hurts isn’t the first NFL player to file for a trademark, and he won’t be the first Eagles quarterback to wear his own quotes. In the early 1990s, Randall Cunningham wore custom-made hats that read “Let me be me” on the sidelines. Teammates hated it then, but things are much different now.

Jalen Hurts has filed a new trademark for:

"I HAD A PURPOSE BEFORE ANYONE HAD AN OPINION"

The filing indicates that @JalenHurts plans to use the phrase for a brand of clothing.#JalenHurts #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/xtWYZh7WVR
— Josh Gerben (@JoshGerben) February 24, 2023

Earlier this year, Seattle’s Geno Smith filed a trademark for “They wrote me off. I ain't write back though.” That was in reference to his postgame interview after beating the Broncos. That’s clever, but a former Seahawk may have him beat.

Marshawn Lynch owns trademarks for his “Beast Mode” nickname, “I’m just here so I don’t get fined” and “About that action, Boss.” Three trademarks may seem like a lot, but it’s nothing compared to some players.

Former Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel owns 10 trademarks, including “Johnny Cleveland.” Robert Griffin III applied for seven trademarks in just his rookie year, and according to Business Insider, Tom Brady has 128 active trademarks.

Hurts probably won’t get that far, but could he trademark a sideline pose, as Tim Tebow did with “Tebowing”? Maybe he’ll trademark his face and hair, as Colin Kaepernick did.

We’ll find out eventually, but in the opinion of Philly fans, Hurts' purpose now should be signing a contract extension.

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