The early media days leading up to the Super Bowl have become somewhat infamous for awkward moments. This year was no different.
With media from around the world assembled in Arizona ahead of Super Bowl 57, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts stepped up to the mic to answer questions. And boy, did they get some strange ones.
During his press conference on Monday night, Sirianni faced what will likely be the easiest question he will ever be asked as an NFL head coach.
Reporter: “Is this a must-win game?”
Nick Sirianni: pic.twitter.com/kFA1IyqAzt
— Sporting News NFL (@sn_nfl) February 7, 2023
It’s a pretty safe assumption that any NFL coach on the brink of leading their team to a Lombardi trophy isn’t going to accept defeat before kickoff. Sirianni is no different in this regard.
Later, he faced another, possibly even more bizarre query: Which Eagles player would he be most opposed to his daughter dating?
Looking past the obvious fact that the question is completely irrelevant and inappropriate, Sirianni also had to remind the reporter in question that his daughter is five years old.
Nick Sirianni was asked who on the Eagles he wouldn’t let his daughter date.
“My daughter is five years old.”
Good to have Super Bowl Media Day back at full throttle!
— Dan Wetzel (@DanWetzel) February 7, 2023
Not the best look.
MORE: Sporting News’ NFL experts give Eagles slight edge over Chiefs in Super Bowl 57
Hurts also had an unusual encounter while at the mic, although his was less of a question and more a confession from the reporter. As the former Alabama and Oklahoma star looked on in bemusement, the reporter told him he “didn’t think the Eagles would get to the Super Bowl with you as their quarterback.”
Here’s the full exchange:
Reporter: “I gotta admit, I didn’t think the Eagles would get to the Super Bowl with you as their Quarterback.”
Jalen: “You’re not the only one.”
Reporter: “So I just wanted to tell you man to man.. I’m sorry.”
Jalen: “Cool.” pic.twitter.com/v40Po1efEY
— Eagles Nation (NFC Champs) (@PHLEaglesNation) February 7, 2023
Hurts played his way into the MVP discussion this season, racking up 35 total touchdowns and 4,461 total yards despite missing some games due to injury late in the regular season. He and his Eagles teammates posted an impressive 14-3 record and earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC.
MORE: A look back at Nick Sirianni’s awkward first press conference as Eagles head coach
All in all, Sirianni and Hurts both handled their respective situations pretty well. The questions/comments seemed designed to either fluster them and/or be just ridiculous enough for the internet to notice (it did), but they responded as professionally as they could have. Hopefully the questions get a bit more insightful as the big game draws closer.