GOOD NEWS 🚨 Philadelphia Eagles star Jalen Hurts has been named by TIME magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in global sports
In a significant recognition of his growing impact beyond the football field, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been named one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in global sports for 2025. The annual list, which highlights individuals who are reshaping their industries and influencing culture on a worldwide scale, places Hurts alongside some of the biggest names in athletics, underscoring his rapid evolution from promising NFL prospect to a genuine cultural force.
At just 27 years old, Hurts has already built an impressive resume. Selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Eagles, he spent his first season as a backup before seizing the starting role in 2021. Since then, he has led Philadelphia to two NFC Championship appearances and one Super Bowl (2023), earning the reputation as one of the league’s most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks. His 2022 season, when he became the first player in NFL history to record 3,000 passing yards and 700 rushing yards in a single campaign, cemented his status as an elite talent.
In 2024, despite playing through a lingering shoulder injury, Hurts once again delivered a Pro Bowl-caliber performance, guiding the Eagles to a 14-3 regular season and another deep playoff run.
Yet TIME’s decision to include Hurts on its global sports influence list reflects far more than statistical achievement. The magazine, in its profile accompanying the announcement, praised the Alabama native for “redefining what it means to be a modern quarterback” while simultaneously using his platform to address social issues, mental health, and community investment.
Hurts has consistently spoken about the importance of mental health in professional sports—an area still stigmatized in many locker rooms. After the Eagles’ narrow Super Bowl LVII loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023, he was open about the emotional toll of falling short on the biggest stage. Rather than retreating, he used that moment to normalize conversations about disappointment and resilience, telling reporters: “It’s okay to not be okay sometimes. The most important thing is what you do next.” That candidness resonated deeply with younger athletes and fans alike.
Off the field, Hurts has also become a visible advocate for education and economic opportunity in underserved communities. In 2023, he launched the Jalen Hurts Foundation with a focus on providing scholarships, school supplies, and after-school programs in Philadelphia, Channelview (Texas), and his hometown of Houston. The foundation has already awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to high school students pursuing higher education, many of whom are first-generation college students.
Hurts frequently visits local schools, hosts book drives, and speaks directly to students about perseverance and the value of education—often drawing from his own experience as a walk-on at Alabama who eventually earned a starting role and a national championship.
His influence extends to fashion and popular culture as well. Known for his polished yet understated style, Hurts has become a regular on best-dressed lists during NFL Draft week, Super Bowl media days, and awards shows. He has collaborated with major brands and appeared in high-profile advertising campaigns, helping to broaden the image of what an NFL quarterback can look like and how he can engage with mainstream culture. In a league where quarterbacks are often expected to conform to a narrow archetype, Hurts has carved out space to be both intensely competitive and quietly expressive.
The TIME recognition arrives at a pivotal moment in his career. Entering the 2025 season, Hurts is widely viewed as a frontrunner for NFL MVP honors. The Eagles have retooled their offensive line and wide receiver group around him, signaling the franchise’s belief that he can lead them to the franchise’s second Super Bowl title. Analysts note that his unique combination of pocket presence, improvisational ability, and elite rushing threat makes him particularly difficult to defend in today’s pass-heavy NFL.
Beyond statistics and accolades, what truly sets Hurts apart is the way he carries himself. Teammates frequently describe him as “steady,” “humble,” and “relentless.” Head coach Nick Sirianni has called him “the heartbeat of our team,” while veteran center Jason Kelce—before his retirement—often pointed to Hurts’ work ethic as the standard for younger players. That leadership style has earned him respect across the league, even among opponents.
Hurts’ inclusion on the TIME 100 sports list also highlights a broader shift in how influence is measured in athletics. No longer is it enough to simply excel on game day. Today’s most impactful athletes are expected to use their platforms to shape conversations, support communities, and represent values that extend beyond wins and losses. In that respect, Hurts has embraced the responsibility wholeheartedly.
For a young man who once faced questions about whether he could succeed as a full-time NFL quarterback, the journey to global recognition has been swift but far from accidental. From his days splitting time between quarterback and receiver at Alabama, to stepping into the starting role in Philadelphia under intense scrutiny, to now standing among the most influential figures in international sports, Hurts has proven that quiet determination and consistent character can move mountains.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on Jalen Hurts—not only because of what he can do with a football, but because of the example he continues to set for millions watching around the world. Being named to TIME’s 100 most influential people in global sports is not merely a personal milestone; it is public confirmation that his impact has already transcended the game itself.
