While Jalen Hurts may be going head-to-head against fellow quarterback Patrick Mahomes, both athletes know they are already making history. It's the first time two Black signal-callers will square off on American sports' biggest stage. Regardless of the scoreboard on Feb. 12, these two are winners.
After growing up near Houston, Jalen attended University of Alabama from 2016 to 2018 before being displaced by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. He later transferred to the University of Oklahoma for the 2019 season, then entered the NFL draft.
While Jalen tries to keep his private life away from the public eye, the NFL star recently made headlines when he was seen walking across the field with Bryonna "Bry" Burrows after the Eagles' NFC Championship win. While they aren't ones to kiss and tell, fans will be looking for them on game day.
During his career, Jalen has built an all-female management team. "I have a team of straight hustlers," he previously told Sports Illustrated. "And that's how I am on the field and off the field."
When he's not throwing touchdowns, Jalen makes it a priority to volunteer with various charities. As seen on Instagram, he has worked with the Eagles Autism Foundation, Operation HOPE and various youth football camps. "Spreading Love & Positivity With Some Young Dreamchasers," he wrote on Instagram in June 2021. "Every Seed Has The Potential To Change The World!"
Before competing in Super Bowl 2023, Jalen was asked about facing critics in his career. "I had a purpose before anybody had an opinion," he said during a Feb. 9 press conference. "It's not about anyone else." When reporters remained silent, the quarterback added, "Y'all know y'all liked that one."
According to NFL Therapy, Jalen can deadlift 656 pounds. And before he even stepped foot onto a college campus, he was benching 275 pounds. Impressed now?