There’s something so comforting about Jason Kelce and Jalen Hurts sitting down for a chat before a big Eagles game on a Monday night. Despite the two being at very different stages of their NFL careers when they got together in 2021, they quickly formed a friendship built on respect and hard work.

Hurts has opened up a bit to reporters this season, but that pales in comparison to what we see when he sits down with Kelce. It’s a small, rare glimpse into Hurts’ “real” personality — the one he usually keeps hidden from the outside world, but not from those he trusts. The QB is grinning from ear to ear during this ESPN interview, and it’s no doubt because it’s his good friend sitting across from him.

It should come as no surprise that the duo are super close. Their bromance was on display ahead of the 2023 season when Hurts joined the Kelce brothers on their New Heights podcast , and in the months since his retirement, Jason Kelce has unveiled an entire wardrobe of jerseys with the QB’s face on them.

To open the ESPN interview, Kelce asked Hurts if he missed him, to which the QB admitted that he did. He pointed out that he always tried to tell Kelce how much the center was appreciated, especially since a lot of guys don’t get their flowers until they’re done playing.

“IT HURTS: How you welcomed me, when I was a young player here. Nobody expected me to play there as a rookie…

KELCE: We knew it.”

They talked a little more about how things have been since Kelce retired, and Hurts said that Cam Jurgens has been doing a great job at center. The QB explained that the two have put in a lot of work and had a lot of conversations to get that working relationship where it needs to be.

Hurts was also asked about Saquon Barkley. The quarterback said they started building a bond during the offseason, when he saw the RB’s work ethic and dedication.

“HURTS: You never question a guy who works, and (Saquon Barkley) is a guy who works. Willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. That’s all you can ask.”

The QB said he’s excited about how they complement each other as an offense, and what that will look like as they continue to develop together.

Hurts and Kelce talked about what it’s like for the quarterback now that he’s responsible for identifying protections. Hurts explained that he thinks that’s the foundation of playing QB, and that by seeing more of that stuff, he gets a deeper understanding of the game.

“IT HURTS: I think it’s a big help that we have the time now to develop those things and come into contact with them now.”

The QB said it’s about the mentality and philosophy of being prepared, but also realizing that things change every week.

“IT HURTS: When you play the position, it’s not about whether you’re right or wrong, it’s about having a plan. And that’s the goal, always having a plan.”

They talked about the collapse at the end of the 2023 season, but Kelce approached Hurts more about what he’s learned as a leader during that time. Hurts noted that he’s always been known for his mentality of pushing through and just keeping trying, and staying committed to his teammates.

“IT HURTS: The one thing I respected about you was — you had a lot on your plate. You had a lot on your plate, you had a lot that you were responsible for, but you always did it for the man next to you. That’s the one thing I’ll always respect, because that’s what it’s all about.”

Hurts praised Kelce’s approach and his underdog mentality. When Kelce tried to laugh off the compliment, Hurts said he meant it.

“IT HURTS: I mean, I love you.

KELCE: I love you too.”

The two talked some more about this year’s group of guys and Hurts being excited to climb a new mountain, and joked about the tush push — with the QB noting that the only thing that bothers him about the game is the name, because that’s not what they call it. As they wrapped up the interview, Kelce tried to thinly veil his loyalty to the Eagles.

“KELCE: Go ahead and dominate. I mean, don’t dominate, I’m independent.

IT HURTS: Yeah, f*** that, we know what time it is.”