Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has emerged as one of the NFL's brightest young stars. With his youth, intelligence, and good looks, Hurts has become not only a sensational athlete but also a highly marketable figure. Just a year ago, many doubted his ability to lead the Eagles, a franchise with a rich history and a reputation for excellence.
Today, it's clear that Hurts' management team is inundated with inquiries. Everyone wants a piece of QB 1. Corporate America, in particular, prefers to have him fully intact after the infamous incident last season when a Chicago Bears defensive lineman drove Hurts' shoulder into the frozen turf of Soldier Field.
Hurts has formed off-field partnerships with a range of companies, from apparel brands to sports drink companies and medical institutions. After sporting the world's most popular shoes throughout the 2022 football season, Hurts recently signed a deal with the Jordan Brand, a subsidiary of Nike owned by basketball legend Michael Jordan. The terms of the deal remain undisclosed. In a surprising turn, Hurts also ventured into acting, starring alongside actress and recording artist Teyana Taylor in a short film ad for Jordan.
As football season ramps up this fall, Hurts will be making appearances on various social media and digital platforms, extending his presence beyond the field. He joins fellow Philly superstar MVP Joel Embiid of the 76ers as the latest professional athlete to feature in Hulu streaming service advertisements. The ad titled "Word Travels Fast" is set to start airing this week.
Hurts expressed his excitement about this new venture, stating, "It was a fun and new process for me," in an interview with Sports Business Journal.
Entering his fourth NFL season, Hurts has already become a cover story sensation. In the same week that he signed a groundbreaking five-year, $255 million contract extension negotiated by agent Nicole Lynn of Klutch Sports Group, Hurts graced the cover of Essence magazine's men's issue. The timing couldn't have been more perfect for his marketing efforts. Furthermore, he is set to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated for the start of the 2023 season.
Hurts follows in the footsteps of other Eagles quarterbacks who have achieved the honor of gracing the cover of this prestigious sports publication. Starting with Norm Van Brocklin in 1960, the list includes Randall Cunningham, Donovan McNabb, Michael Vick, Nick Foles, and Carson Wentz.
Aside from his achievements in the sports world, Hurts also maintains strong ties to his culture. He is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., which is part of the esteemed Divine Nine. Both his girlfriend, Bry Burrows (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.), and his agent, Nicole Lynn (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.), are also members of historically Black Greek organizations. Hurts frequently showcases his fraternity's signature color, purple, in his pre and postgame wardrobes.
Despite his growing popularity in the business world, Hurts remains committed to supporting local businesses, particularly those owned by Black entrepreneurs. FoodChasers Kitchen, a brunch eatery in Elkins Park, Montgomery County, founded by twin sisters Drs. Kala and Maya Johnstone, received a significant boost from Hurts' support. He even had a signature cheesesteak named after him and added to the menu after being featured on a television segment last season.
Jalen Hurts has yet to reach his prime, and with the Eagles' long-term commitment to him, it's safe to assume that he will continue to be a prominent figure in the NFL, if not its face. Especially if he delivers another MVP-caliber season.
