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If you didn't know who Clint Hurtt was and he walked into a room, you'd probably assume he was a football coach. As it turns out, you'd be absolutely right. Hurtt joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024 as the team's defensive line coach and senior defensive assistant. This offseason, he added the title 'associate head coach' to his growing resume.
Recently, however, he became the star of a viral clip that offered fans a glimpse into just how strongly he believed in one of Philadelphia's newest draft picks. The Eagles' social media team shared behind-the-scenes footage from the 2026 NFL Draft showing Hurtt passionately advocating for international prospect Uar Bernard.
As the draft progressed, Hurtt made his feelings known to general manager Howie Roseman and the rest of the front office. His message was simple: Don't let this player get away. Eventually, the Eagles granted that wish by selecting Bernard with the 251st overall pick in the seventh round.
Much has already been made of Bernard's remarkable athletic profile. The Nigerian-born defensive tackle posted a 4.63-second 40-yard dash and a 39-inch vertical leap at the International Player Pathway Program's pro day. Philadelphia's decision to gamble on him has been praised, and a 'gamble' it is. As most know, he has never played an organized football game.
His traits helped get him noticed, but Hurtt has consistently pointed to something else when discussing Bernard's potential. Recently, he added a statement via the Philadelphia Inquirer's Olivia Reiner that carries weight, especially given that Coach isn't the type to offer praise casually.
Hurtt isn't simply evaluating a prospect from afar. Coach Hurtt personally worked out Bernard before the draft and came away convinced that the raw prospect possessed the mindset necessary for development. The development process is already underway. Reiner also pointed out that the rookie arrived ready for a scheduled 9 a.m. workout at 7:45 a.m. For Hurtt, those moments mattered just as much as the eye-popping testing numbers. Now, the challenge shifts from evaluation to development.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has already urged fans to remain patient with Bernard's progress, which is sound advice. The rookie is attempting something almost unheard of: learning professional football after never playing organized football. Still, he has the confidence of the organization that added him. They want to be proven right, not proven wrong. If Eagles fans are searching for reasons to be optimistic, they don't have to look much further than Hurtt's confidence. When one of the organization's most respected coaches continues praising a player's talent, character, and work ethic, and he does so this enthusiastically, it's hard not to wonder if the Eagles may have uncovered another developmental gem.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles' defensive line coach Clint Hurtt raves about Uar Bernard
Continue reading...
Recently, however, he became the star of a viral clip that offered fans a glimpse into just how strongly he believed in one of Philadelphia's newest draft picks. The Eagles' social media team shared behind-the-scenes footage from the 2026 NFL Draft showing Hurtt passionately advocating for international prospect Uar Bernard.
Clint Hurtt saw more than athletic traits in Eagles rookie Uar Bernard
As the draft progressed, Hurtt made his feelings known to general manager Howie Roseman and the rest of the front office. His message was simple: Don't let this player get away. Eventually, the Eagles granted that wish by selecting Bernard with the 251st overall pick in the seventh round.
Much has already been made of Bernard's remarkable athletic profile. The Nigerian-born defensive tackle posted a 4.63-second 40-yard dash and a 39-inch vertical leap at the International Player Pathway Program's pro day. Philadelphia's decision to gamble on him has been praised, and a 'gamble' it is. As most know, he has never played an organized football game.
His traits helped get him noticed, but Hurtt has consistently pointed to something else when discussing Bernard's potential. Recently, he added a statement via the Philadelphia Inquirer's Olivia Reiner that carries weight, especially given that Coach isn't the type to offer praise casually.
Hurtt isn't simply evaluating a prospect from afar. Coach Hurtt personally worked out Bernard before the draft and came away convinced that the raw prospect possessed the mindset necessary for development. The development process is already underway. Reiner also pointed out that the rookie arrived ready for a scheduled 9 a.m. workout at 7:45 a.m. For Hurtt, those moments mattered just as much as the eye-popping testing numbers. Now, the challenge shifts from evaluation to development.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has already urged fans to remain patient with Bernard's progress, which is sound advice. The rookie is attempting something almost unheard of: learning professional football after never playing organized football. Still, he has the confidence of the organization that added him. They want to be proven right, not proven wrong. If Eagles fans are searching for reasons to be optimistic, they don't have to look much further than Hurtt's confidence. When one of the organization's most respected coaches continues praising a player's talent, character, and work ethic, and he does so this enthusiastically, it's hard not to wonder if the Eagles may have uncovered another developmental gem.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles' defensive line coach Clint Hurtt raves about Uar Bernard
Continue reading...
