Jalen Hurts Named to TIME100 After Super Bowl Victory

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been celebrated for his remarkable accomplishments both on and off the field, earning a spot on TIME‘s 2025 list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. Announced on April 16, 2025, this honor comes shortly after he led the Eagles to victory in Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs, securing his place as a transformative figure in sports.

Hurts, 26, delivered an impressive performance in the Super Bowl, completing 17 of 22 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 72 yards and a touchdown, resulting in a 40-22 win. His efforts earned him the Super Bowl MVP title, solidifying his status as one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL.

The tribute written for Hurts by baseball legend Derek Jeter praised his resilience. Jeter remarked on Hurts’s growth from a challenging experience in the 2018 National Championship game when he was benched, emphasizing how Hurts used that setback to propel his success. “Jalen didn’t let a Super Bowl defeat in 2023 shake his confidence,” Jeter stated. “He used that loss as motivation and kept a picture of himself walking off the field after losing as his phone lock screen.”

Since being drafted by the Eagles in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Hurts has transformed the team’s fortunes, boasting a winning percentage of .787 and leading the Eagles to four playoff appearances over his five seasons. His commitment to excellence is matched by his dedication to community service.

In addition to his on-field achievements, Hurts founded the Jalen Hurts Foundation, which focuses on education and wellness for underserved youth in Philadelphia. One significant initiative, “Keep It Cool,” aimed to combat summer heat in public schools by donating numerous air conditioning units.

Alex Shorr-Parks, a prominent Eagles reporter, highlighted Hurts’s impact, stating, “Jalen is the engine of that team.” This sentiment underscores Hurts’s importance not only as a player but also as a leader who inspires his teammates and the community.

TIME’s annual list features a diverse group of influential figures across various sectors, and Hurts joins a prestigious lineup alongside other icons and change-makers. This recognition not only highlights his achievements in football but also emphasizes his potential to effect positive change beyond the sport.

As the NFL season progresses, Hurts aims to maintain his momentum while also inspiring the next generation, proving that resilience and determination go hand in hand with success.