Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been named to Time magazine’s prestigious 100 Most Influential People of 2025 list, adding another significant achievement to his remarkable year.
The 26-year-old Super Bowl MVP was recognised in the “Icons” category, joining other notable athletes including Serena Williams, Simone Biles, Breanna Stewart, and Napheesa Collier, who also made the list.
Baseball Hall of Famer Derek Jeter wrote Hurts’ profile for the magazine, highlighting the quarterback’s exceptional resilience and determination. Jeter particularly emphasised Hurts’ response to adversity, noting how he bounced back from being benched during the 2018 National Championship game and used his Super Bowl defeat in 2023 as motivation rather than allowing it to shake his confidence.
“Jalen didn’t let a Super Bowl defeat in 2023 shake his confidence. He used that loss as motivation and kept a picture of himself walking off the field after losing as his phone lock screen,” Jeter wrote.
This mental toughness paid off in February 2025 when Hurts led the Philadelphia Eagles to a convincing 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, earning MVP honours after accounting for 221 yards through the air and contributing on the ground.
What impressed Jeter most was Hurts’ forward-thinking mindset even after achieving the pinnacle of NFL success. “We connected shortly after, and the only thing he asked about was insight on going back and winning again,” Jeter noted. “Sometimes people win, then exhale. Jalen is not exhaling. He’s embracing the next challenge.”
Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Hurts has made significant contributions off the field. In 2024, he launched the Jalen Hurts Foundation, focused on education and wellness for underserved youth.
His “Keep It Cool” campaign donated air conditioning units to Philadelphia public schools, an initiative that earned him recognition as the 2024 Philadelphia Citizen of the Year. He also serves as the global flag football ambassador for the 2028 Olympic Games and is known for his vocal support of women’s sports, reflected in his all-female management team.
Since being drafted by the Eagles in 2020, Hurts has become the face of the franchise and established himself as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. With a Super Bowl championship, MVP honours, multiple Pro Bowl selections, and now recognition as one of the world’s most influential people, Hurts continues to build an impressive legacy both on and off the field.