Jalen Hurts Named Philadelphia Citizen of the Year: Roll Call, January 17, 2025

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been honored as the 2024 Citizen of the Year by The Philadelphia Citizen, an independent news outlet.

This accolade recognizes Hurts’ significant contributions to the Philadelphia community, both on and off the field.

Commitment to Youth and Education

Hurts has demonstrated a profound commitment to supporting Philadelphia’s youth. In the fall of 2023, he learned that several city schools had to close during a heatwave due to the lack of air conditioning. Motivated to help, Hurts donated $200,000 through The Jalen Hurts Foundation to purchase and install 314 air conditioners across 10 schools. This initiative, known as “Keep It Cool,” aims to ensure students have a comfortable learning environment. Additionally, Hurts pledged $5,000 per touchdown to continue funding this cause, accumulating $170,000 as of mid-January 2025.

Beyond infrastructure improvements, Hurts actively engages with students. He has visited numerous public schools, participating in activities like painting murals at Stephen Girard Elementary and practicing yoga with kindergarteners at Edward Gideon Elementary. These interactions highlight his dedication to being a positive role model for young Philadelphians.

Advocacy for Women in Sports

Hurts is a vocal advocate for women in sports. He collaborated with athletes Carli Lloyd, Laila Ali, and Qiana “Star” Wright to distribute 30,000 sports bras at Northeast High School, promoting inclusivity and support for female athletes. Notably, Hurts has assembled a predominantly female management team, including his agent and publicist, setting a progressive example in the sports industry.