In a heartwarming display of compassion, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts went above and beyond for a young fan battling a brain tumor, turning a simple request for a phone call into a life-changing hospital visit. The touching moment, which took place on April 10, 2025, at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), has captured the hearts of NFL fans and showcased Hurts’ character as a leader both on and off the field.
The story began when 10-year-old Ethan Carter, a lifelong Eagles fan, was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor, in January 2025. Ethan, who has been in and out of CHOP for treatments including chemotherapy and radiation, expressed a modest wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation: a phone call from his hero, Jalen Hurts. Ethan’s mother, Lisa Carter, shared that her son had been inspired by Hurts’ resilience, often watching Eagles games from his hospital bed and cheering through his toughest days. “Jalen means the world to Ethan,” Lisa said. “He just wanted to hear his voice and tell him how much he admires him.”
When Hurts, 26, learned of Ethan’s wish through the Eagles’ community outreach team, he decided a phone call wasn’t enough. Without hesitation, the Super Bowl MVP, who led the Eagles to a championship in 2023, arranged to fly from the team’s training facility to CHOP that same day, surprising Ethan in his hospital room. Hurts arrived with a signed jersey, a football, and a pair of Eagles-green sneakers, but it was his presence that made the biggest impact. “I couldn’t just call—I had to be there,” Hurts said in a statement. “Ethan’s a fighter, and I wanted him to know I’m in his corner.”
The visit, captured in a video that has since gone viral with over 3 million views on X, shows Ethan’s face lighting up as Hurts walked in. The two spent over an hour together, with Hurts sitting by Ethan’s bedside, sharing stories about football, and even playing a quick game of catch with a foam ball in the room. Ethan, despite his weakened state, managed a wide smile as he told Hurts, “You’re my hero.” Hurts, visibly moved, responded, “No, you’re mine, buddy. You’re the strongest person I know.” The quarterback also gifted Ethan tickets to an Eagles home game, promising to bring him onto the field as soon as he’s well enough to attend.
Ethan’s family was overwhelmed by the gesture. “We never expected this,” Lisa Carter told The Philadelphia Inquirer. “Jalen didn’t just make Ethan’s day—he gave him hope to keep fighting. That means more than words can say.” Ethan’s medical team noted that the visit provided a significant emotional boost, with his spirits noticeably higher following Hurts’ appearance. “Moments like these can make a huge difference in a patient’s journey,” said Dr. Emily Sanders, Ethan’s oncologist.
The NFL community has rallied around the story, with fans and players alike praising Hurts’ selflessness. “Jalen Hurts is a class act,” one user posted on X. “This is what being a role model looks like.” Another wrote, “Ethan’s smile says it all—Hurts is a real-life superhero.” Hurts, who has a history of community involvement, including donations to local schools and hospitals, downplayed the praise, saying, “I just wanted to show Ethan he’s not alone. That’s what matters most.”
As Ethan continues his battle against cancer, Hurts has vowed to stay in touch, checking in regularly and even inviting the family to the Eagles’ training facility once Ethan’s condition improves. For a boy who only asked for a call, Hurts’ visit has become a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the power of kindness in the face of adversity.
