Former OU football QB Jalen Hurts 'really moved by' receiving O ring

Jalen Hurts returned to OU last weekend to receive his master's degree in human relations. But that wasn't the only presentation for the Philadelphia Eagles’ star quarterback.

OU athletic director Joe Castiglione presented Hurts with his O ring at a special reception the athletic department stages for athletes who graduate.

"He was really moved by that," Castiglione said. "He didn't realize we have that tradition.

"It was awesome to be able to have him here to present it in front of the other athletes and their families."

Hurts has become one of the National Football League's best quarterbacks. He played three years at Alabama, then came to OU as a graduate transfer. Now Hurts has degrees from both schools.

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"I’m not where I am, if it wasn't for this university," Hurts said when presented the ring.

Hurts was in Norman for only a year, but Castiglione said that while at OU, Hurts told Castiglione and others that he would finish his master's degree.

"It says a lot about him that he would come back for graduation," Castiglione said. "He certainly kept his word. Which is so Jalen. He's an authentic leader."

Berry Tramel: Berry can be reached at 405-760-8080 or at [email protected]. He can be heard Monday through Friday from 4:40-5:20 p.m. on The Sports Animal radio network, including FM-98.1. Support his work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today.

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