Three years ago today, the Philadelphia Eagles selected quarterback Jalen Hurts in the second round of the NFL draft – a choice reviled by the team’s fans.

On Monday, the Eagles held a press conference after signing Hurts to a five-year, $255 million contract extension intended to keep the former Alabama standout in Philadelphia through at least the 2028 season.

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“We have the draft coming up this week,” Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said. “You always look at talent, you look at what’s in the body, you look at what’s able to be the ceiling, the floor and all that. But sometimes people don’t concentrate on when you have the talent, what’s the odds of that person really maximizing every ounce of their talent today and in the future? That was really an evaluation of Jalen that superseded a lot of probably general consensus at the time, and we were awfully lucky to work with Jalen for the last three years.”

Philadelphia moved to sign Hurts even though he has a season remaining on his contract as a second-round draft choice. In his second season as the Eagles’ full-time starter, Hurts finished second in the voting for The Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player Award, made second-team All-Pro and was chosen for the Pro Bowl as he helped Philadelphia set a team record for victories and win the NFC championship before the Eagles fell to the Kansas City Chiefs 38-35 in Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12.

Even in defeat, Hurts had a rare performance with 304 passing yards, a touchdown pass, 70 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. No other player in NFL history has reached those four stats in the same game.

“Money is nice,” Hurts said on Monday. “Championships are better.”

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Hurts said the contract would not affect the process that had gotten him in position to sign it.

“This is not an arrival point,” Hurts said. “This is just a stop in the journey; this is just a point in the journey. The journey continues. And for us and what we want to accomplish as a team, we just want to continue to grow. As individuals on the team, we want to continue to grow, so we are stronger together when we fly together.

“I have mixed emotions right now. I am grateful; I am thankful. But – no buts – but I’m just so hungry. As I said, the hard work continues. The fire continues to burn.”

Lurie expressed a similar sentiment.

“This is the beginning of a career arc for a remarkable person and a remarkable player,” Lurie said. “And the future – we don’t even know. The ceiling? There is no ceiling.”

Lurie called Hurts a “culture-setter” for the Eagles.

“I think that franchises go through special moments,” Lurie said. “This is one for the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s crucial, no matter what, that you can find your quarterback for the present and the future, and to have that person be as sterling a character and as passionate about his craft and as dedicated as this young, 24-year-old is is remarkable. It takes a lot to get to that. I don’t ever underestimate the personal qualities or the talent qualities of somebody who has what Jalen has. It’s rare, and it’s not easy.”

Hurts’ new deal has the largest annual value of any contract in NFL history.

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“It’s kind of awkward sitting here talking about that anyways — talking about money and all that,” Hurts said. “I’m an old Southern boy. But I love football. This is my life. I’ve invested everything into this game since Day 1, being a coach’s kid and all those things. I know this is a building full of hungry individuals that are willing to do everything needed to be done to win. I’m grateful to lead their path.”

Hurts said the size of his contract wouldn’t change anything for him as far as football is concerned.

“The only thing I’ve ever wanted to do is to be the best version of myself, and that hasn’t changed,” Hurts said. “That won’t change. I am fortunate to have a great opportunity to do it in a special place. In the future, I just strive to continue to grow, strive to continue to lead, strive to continue to be the best version of myself that I can be and learn along the way.

“I play this game because I love the game. Not for any other reason than that. I truly love the game, and I hate to lose. This being a team sport, you get a certain thrill and gratification from doing that with someone else, from putting that work in with someone else, from everyone committing to one, common goal and trying to achieve that goal in the end.”

Hurts’ contract is the first in franchise history to carry a no-trade clause.

“Playing at Oklahoma, playing at Alabama, those are two very special places,” Hurts said. “But Philly – it’s a Philly thing. It’s different.”

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.