BREAKING: Eagles’ $200 Million Superstar QB Jalen Hurts Shakes the World, Named in TIME’s 2025 List of 100 Most Influential People!

On April 16, 2025, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts cemented his status as a global icon by being named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025. This prestigious recognition comes on the heels of Hurts’ extraordinary 2024-25 NFL season, where he led the Eagles to a commanding 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, earning Super Bowl MVP honors. At just 26, the $255 million quarterback has transcended football, becoming a cultural force through his on-field excellence, off-field philanthropy, and unwavering resilience. Here’s an in-depth look at why Hurts’ inclusion on the TIME 100 list is a game-changer and what it means for the NFL, Philadelphia, and beyond.

A Meteoric Rise to NFL Stardom

Jalen Hurts’ journey to the TIME 100 list is a testament to his relentless drive. Drafted in the second round by the Eagles in 2020, Hurts faced skepticism early in his career. His college career at Alabama included a high-profile benching during the 2018 National Championship, an experience that could have derailed many athletes. Instead, Hurts transferred to Oklahoma, thrived, and carried that resilience into the NFL. As Derek Jeter, who penned Hurts’ TIME profile, noted, “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.”

Since becoming the Eagles’ starting quarterback in 2021, Hurts has rewritten the franchise’s record books. He’s led Philadelphia to four consecutive playoff appearances, two Super Bowl appearances, and a Super Bowl LIX title in 2025. His 2024 season was a masterclass, with a 14-3 regular-season record, 4,463 total yards, and 38 touchdowns, earning him Pro Bowl honors. In the Super Bowl, Hurts dazzled with 221 passing yards, two touchdown passes, and a record-breaking 72 rushing yards for a quarterback, securing MVP honors. His ability to perform under pressure has made him one of only seven quarterbacks in NFL history to reach multiple Super Bowls and win one in their first five seasons, joining legends like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes.

Off-Field Impact: A Champion for Change

Hurts’ influence extends far beyond the gridiron. His inclusion in TIME’s “Icons” category, alongside figures like Serena Williams and Simone Biles, reflects his transformative work in Philadelphia and beyond. Through the Jalen Hurts Foundation, launched in 2024, he has donated $200,000 to install air conditioning units in Philadelphia public schools via his “Keep It Cool” campaign. This initiative, tied to his “TDs for ACs” pledge of $5,000 per touchdown, reached $100,000 by Week 10 of the 2024 season. Hurts’ commitment to youth empowerment also includes mentoring programs and support for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, earning him the 2024 Philadelphia Citizen of the Year award.

A vocal advocate for equality, Hurts has made history with his all-female management team, led by agent Nicole Lynn, the first Black woman to represent an NFL quarterback in a Super Bowl. His support for women’s sports is evident in his role as a global flag football ambassador for the 2028 Olympics and his participation in the Eagles Girls Flag Football League Championships. As Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said during a February 2025 ceremony, Hurts’ off-field efforts mentoring kids and promoting financial literacy make him a “role model for the next

generation.”

Why TIME’s Recognition Matters

Being named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list is no small feat. Hurts is one of only six athletes honored in 2025, alongside Serena Williams, Simone Biles, Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, and Léon Marchand. His profile, authored by MLB Hall of Famer Derek Jeter, highlights his refusal to rest on laurels. Jeter wrote, “Sometimes people win, then exhale. Jalen is not exhaling. He’s embracing the next challenge.” This ethos resonates with fans and critics alike, with posts on X calling Hurts “legendary” and “the largest star we’ve had since Allen Iverson.”

The TIME 100 list has sparked some controversy, with critics arguing it panders to celebrities like Hurts and President Donald Trump. However, Hurts’ inclusion is widely celebrated, as his influence transcends sports. Eliot Shorr-Parks of 94.1 WIP called him “the engine” of the Eagles, emphasizing his leadership amid stars like Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown. Hurts’ ability to inspire—on the field with a 78.7% win percentage since 2022 and off the field through community impact—makes him a standout.

What This Means for the Eagles and the NFL

Hurts’ TIME 100 honor is a boon for the Eagles, reinforcing their status as a championship-caliber franchise. With a $255 million contract through 2028, Hurts is the cornerstone of Philadelphia’s Super Bowl window. The Eagles’ 2025 offseason will focus on reloading through the NFL Draft, with eight picks to bolster a roster that lost key defenders like Darius Slay and Josh Sweat. Hurts’ leadership will be pivotal as younger players like Jalen Carter and Cooper DeJean step into larger roles.

For the NFL, Hurts represents the new archetype of a quarterback: a dual-threat playmaker with cultural influence. His Super Bowl LIX performance—17-for-22 passing and a game-breaking rushing touchdown—erased memories of a critical fumble in Super Bowl LVII. As the league prepares for the 2025 season, Hurts’ influence will draw eyes to Philadelphia, especially as he aims for back-to-back titles.

Looking Ahead: Hurts’ Legacy in the Making

At 26, Jalen Hurts is just beginning to shape his legacy. His TIME 100 recognition underscores his role as a trailblazer in sports and society. Whether he’s throwing touchdowns, donating to schools, or advocating for equality, Hurts embodies resilience and purpose. As he told Philadelphia Citizen, “In these classrooms, I saw how much potential our young people have, but I also saw the barriers they face due to a lack of basic resources.” His work to remove those barriers ensures his impact will endure.

As the Eagles gear up for the 2025 season, fans are buzzing with excitement. Posts on X reflect the sentiment: “My QB on TIME100 most influential people in the world, what a year for Jalen Hurts.” With the NFL Draft approaching and a Super Bowl title to defend, Hurts is poised to keep shaking the world. For now, Philadelphia celebrates a quarterback who’s not just a superstar but a transformative figure for a new generation.