Joel Embiid and Jalen Hurts nominated for ESPY awards
The ESPY awards recognize the best in sports, and Philadelphia's top athletes were nominated.
When the ESPY nominees were announced Wednesday by ESPN, two local athletes were among those up for awards.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been nominated for an ESPY in the best NFL player category. Sixers center and reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid was nominated for best NBA player.
Among other nominees, Lionel Messi, who recently signed with MLS’ Inter Miami after winning the 2022 men’s World Cup with Argentina, was nominated for the first time in Best Athlete, Men’s Sports.
Fan voting helps determine ESPY winners.
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Hurts led the Eagles to the Super Bowl, where the Birds lost to former coach Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs.
In addition to winning league MVP, Embiid led the NBA in scoring. However, coach Doc Rivers was fired following the Sixers’ latest second-round playoff exit (a Game 7 loss to the Boston Celtics), and Nick Nurse was brought in.