NFL Network star Michael Robinson has apologised after calls to be fired over Jalen Hurts remarks, with the Eagles QB sidelined for the rest of the season due to a blood clot
Michael Robinson speaks to NFL Network at Super Bowl LVIII
Michael Robinson as apologized for his comments on Jalen Hurts(Image: Getty Images)
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NFL Network star Michael Robinson has apologised after facing calls to be fired over comments about Jalen Hurts, in which he suggested the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback was “getting himself out of the fray”.
The 2026 season has been a difficult one for the Eagles and Hurts. Earlier this month, All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson announced his retirement, while the team has also been hit by a string of injuries, with Hurts the latest to be sidelined.
However, before the quarterback's blood clot diagnosis emerged, Robinson admitted his initial reaction was that Hurts was effectively downing tools amid the Eagles' struggles.
"It looked like they were trying to pin the outcome of this season on Jalen Hurts just so that they could have an excuse later on to move on from Jalen Hurts. And, again, I'm not saying I know nothing, guys," Robinson said, speaking on NFL Network.
"But if I'm just playing devil's advocate here, and I'm thinking that way, if I'm Jalen Hurts — or anybody in Jalen Hurts' camp — I'm saying, 'Well if everybody's hurt, I'm hurt, too.' To me, it looked like Jalen is kind of getting himself out of the fray so that this lost season … he's pulling himself out so that this doesn't look like it's on me."
Robinson's comments have drawn widespread criticism from fellow football analysts and fans, prompting the NFL Network star to issue an apology.
"I want to sincerely apologize to Jalen Hurts, his family, the Philadelphia Eagles organization and fan base for my comments last Thursday," Robinson wrote in a social media post. "They were unfounded and I never should've speculated on a health issue of a player nor his commitment to the team."
Robinson's apology came after it emerged that Hurts would miss the remainder of the 2026 season following the diagnosis.
Last week, Hurts was ruled out of Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers after developing a superficial blood clot in his calf. The Eagles lost 25-14 and initially opted against placing their quarterback on injured reserve, only to reverse that decision on Saturday.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Monday morning that Hurts is expected to be sidelined for around three months to undergo treatment after doctors discovered multiple blood clots in his lungs. His agent, Nicole Lynn, also released a lengthy statement confirming the next steps in his treatment.
After starting the season 2-0, the Eagles have lost four straight to the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars and te Panthers. Despite sitting at 2-4, Philadelphia's season is far from over, with three consecutive NFC East games up next.
The Eagles face the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night before taking on the Washington Commanders on Sunday Night Football and hosting the New York Giants. Winning all three would take the franchise to 5-4 and give them tiebreakers over their divisional rivals, potentially proving crucial in the playoff race.