CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jalen Hurts set an NFL record last week, scoring his 15th rushing touchdown, breaking the record for quarterbacks set by Cam Newton back in 2011.
Hurts, who has established himself as one of the NFL's premier dual-threat quarterbacks, has seen his scores diminished by internet critics who say his runs aren't as good as Newton's. That's primarily due to the "tush push" quarterback sneak that's been perfected by Philadelphia's offense.
Newton isn't among the naysayers. Instead, he's a fan of Hurts breaking his record and wants him to keep balling.
"Jalen is definitely a product of a situation that is favorable to his strengths, similar to what I was, too," Newton said on his "4th & 1" podcast. "When I see Jalen Hurts doing it, it doesn't make me bitter. Records are documented to be broken."
Newton later said he didn't even know Hurts was on the cusp of breaking his record and reiterated he isn't bothered by Hurts' performance.
"I don't pay attention to that [expletive], I don't give a damn about it," he said. "I did this, bro. I'm able to sit back at night, take a cigar to work and give my honest opinion about sports. Who really can do what they want to do and speak on what they want to speak on? I'm in a great space right now. I'm not bitter, why would I be bitter?"
"Shatter that [expletive]," Newton said. "Man I didn't play the game for that, but my impact was felt ... Jalen Hurts, you're doing a hell of a job."