Super Bowl hero Jalen Hurts recognized by TIME as one of the 100 most influential people

Jalen Hurts continues to rewrite the script of what it means to be a leader in sports and society. Already revered by Philadelphia Eagles fans as a generational quarterback, Hurts’ impact has now been immortalized on a global scale. In 2025, following his Super Bowl LIX triumph, Hurts has earned a place on Time Magazine’s prestigious list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World — specifically, under the “Icons” category.

This recognition isn’t merely about touchdowns or trophies. It’s a reflection of Hurts' unwavering determination, character, and leadership that extends far beyond football. As Derek Jeter eloquently put it in his tribute, “What Jalen Hurts went through in being benched during the 2018 National Championship game would break a lot of people down. But not Jalen; he focused on what he could control and found a new path to success.” That resilience, which defined his college days, now fuels his dominance on the professional stage.

Hurts was the only football player named to Time’s list this year, joining an elite group of athletes such as Simone Biles, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, and Leon Marchand. His inclusion follows a season that saw him lead the Eagles to a statement 40–22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX — a rematch two years in the making. Named Super Bowl MVP, Hurts delivered a flawless performance with 293 total yards and three touchdowns, capping a campaign of redemption that began with heartbreak in Super Bowl LVII.

But it's not just what Hurts does between the hash marks that makes him influential. His off-field contributions continue to inspire. In 2024, he launched the Jalen Hurts Foundation, pledging $5,000 per touchdown to install air conditioners in underfunded Philadelphia schools. His "Keep It Cool" initiative earned him the 2024 “Citizen of the Year” award from Governor Josh Shapiro — an honor reflecting his deep roots in the community.
Hurts also champions women’s sports, assembling an all-female management team and advocating for girls' flag football in Pennsylvania. His role as the global flag football ambassador for the 2028 Olympics speaks volumes about his forward-thinking vision and commitment to inclusion in athletics.
Derek Jeter captured the essence of Hurts when he said, “Sometimes people win, then exhale. Jalen is not exhaling. He’s embracing the next challenge.” That mentality has driven Hurts to a .787 win percentage since 2022, 105 total touchdowns, and a place in history as one of only four quarterbacks with 10,000 yards and 100 touchdowns in that span.
As Hurts steps into the global spotlight through Time’s 2025 list, his story reminds us that true icons rise not just through success but through the strength of their character — in victory, adversity, and everything in between.
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