In a moment that sent shockwaves through both the NFL and the wider world of sports, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was honored as one of Time magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People of 2025’. The announcement came just days after Hurts lifted the Lombardi Trophy and was named Super Bowl MVP, following a commanding 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

The recognition from Time was made even more impactful by the fact that Hurts was featured in the “Icons” category, with his tribute penned by none other than Yankees Hall of Famer and five-time World Series champion Derek Jeter. Jeter, known for his legendary composure under pressure, praised Hurts not just for his athletic prowess but for his unwavering resilience in the face of adversity.

“Many people would’ve crumbled after being benched in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship,” Jeter wrote, referencing the moment Hurts was replaced by Tua Tagovailoa during his time at Alabama. “But not Jalen. He focused on what he could control and forged a new path forward. In the NFL, he didn’t let the loss in the 2023 Super Bowl shake his confidence.”

Jeter continued by highlighting Hurts’ incredible comeback story and the achievements that cemented his inclusion in Time’s list. “This past February, Jalen found himself once again on the Super Bowl stage. This time, he led Philadelphia to a dominant victory in a rematch against Kansas City. We connected after the game, and the only thing on his mind was figuring out how to get back and win it again… Win or lose, Jalen’s resilience and determination give us all something to admire.”

Hurts is the only American male athlete to make Time’s 2025 list, a testament to the quarterback’s growing stature not just within football but as a cultural force in America.

Looking back at the year Jalen Hurts has had, it’s hard not to marvel at the meteoric rise of the 26-year-old. After the Super Bowl triumph, Hurts was honored again, this time off the field, when Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro presented him with a Citizen Award during a ceremony at the Fitler Club in Center City, Philadelphia. The award recognized Hurts’ extensive work in the community, including mentoring youth and promoting financial literacy among underprivileged children.

NBC10 Philadelphia reported that Hurts was specifically acknowledged for his strong support of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and his dedication to the young patients there. Speaking to nonprofit organization Philadelphia Citizen, Hurts shared what drives his outreach work.

“In these classrooms, I see so much potential in young people,” Hurts said. “But I also see the obstacles they face due to a lack of basic resources. This is about giving back to the community that shaped me and making sure these kids have what they need to succeed. They deserve that.”

Hurts’ sense of responsibility extends beyond the hospital and classroom. He has become a vocal supporter of women’s sports, actively participating in initiatives that elevate female athletes in his region. Chris McPherson of the Eagles’ official website noted that Hurts is surrounded by an all-female team of representatives, a deliberate choice that reflects his commitment to empowerment and inclusivity.

He also attended the Eagles’ Girls Flag Football Championship and featured in a promotional video celebrating flag football being named the official state sport of Pennsylvania. His advocacy for the sport doesn’t stop there. In 2024, Hurts was named a global ambassador for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where both men’s and women’s flag football will make their debut as medal events.

All these efforts—on the field and off—combine to paint a portrait of a man whose influence transcends football. While many athletes focus solely on performance, Hurts is shaping his legacy with a broader brush, using his platform to empower youth, champion women, and inspire millions through his perseverance and humility.

What makes Jalen Hurts’ story so captivating is not just the trophies and records, but the path he’s taken to achieve them. From his early struggles in college to the disappointment of Super Bowl LVII, to now being a world champion, community leader, and cultural icon, Hurts has crafted one of the most compelling narratives in modern sports.

With the 2025 NFL season approaching and Olympic responsibilities looming in 2028, it’s clear that Jalen Hurts is not just a quarterback—he’s a movement. And as Time magazine has rightly recognized, his influence is only just beginning.