During an interview with CBS’ Cody Benjamin last fall, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts shared that he keeps God the center of his life after realizing that “God is everything.”
The 2020 second-round pick is in his third year as the Eagles starting quarterback. With a a 14-3 season and an NFC Championship win over the San Francisco 49ers, the 24-year-old is leading his team to Super Bowl LVII on Sunday. But despite his many achievements on the field in his budding career, it’s his faith off the field that’s garnering lots of attention in the media.
“I’ve just matured and realized that God is everything and he’s worthy of praise,” Hurts said as he discussed his faith. “You have to put [God] at the center of everything that you do. That’s what I believe.”
Jalen Hurts Says Family Taught Him About God
Jalen Hurts credits his family for his strong faith due them teaching him about God. “All my spiritual wisdom, all of my wisdom as a whole, comes from him, in some way, shape or form, whether that be passed down from my father, my mother, my grandmother,” Hurts said. “I just think, in all the things that we experience in life — good, bad or indifferent — you have to keep him in the center.
The young, electrifying quarterback explained that God is at the center of all he does and deserves all the praise for the man he is today. Hurts shared in the interview that someone asked him if by being an African American NFL quarterback in Philadelphia he feels like he has to “open up or be a certain way.”
Hurts replied, “This is who I am. God only made me one way. That’s to be me. That’s to be Jalen Hurts. I think, being in this city, being the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, and just having the opportunity to play the game I love most in the best city of football, I just go out there every day and I am who I am, and I keep God in the center, I give Him all the praise, I lean on Him all the time, and I know that everything unfolds the way it’s supposed to.”
In response to being questioned if pastoring is something he may do when his football career comes to an end, the 24-year-old said that he will “go wherever God leads me.” It’s a plan that former Philadelphia Eagles QB Nick Foles has been outspoken about throughout his career.
Hurts shared with Benjamin that he has “always envisioned being a coach” or something that involves working with kids.
Hurts is not the first Philadelphia Eagles quarterback in recent history to be outspoken about his faith. In 2018, Carson Wentz led the Eagles to a 41-33 Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots. But the real showstopper was Wentz’s vow to play for an “Audience of One,” and how his faith helped influence salvation and growth among his teammates.
Wentz’s proclamation was the catalyst for an impressive faith movement among the thriving NFL team.
That fall, former Eagles wide receiver Marcus Johnson was baptized by his fellow teammates and coaches in a hotel pool prior to a Thursday night game in October 2017.
A Band of Bible-Believing Brothers
More than just a pre-game prayer on the field, Christianity became “the locker room’s binding force” behind Philadelphia’s cohesiveness both on-and-off the field that season.
In celebration of the team’s faith movement, the Philadelphia Eagles organization even released a video, giving fans a deeper look at what their favorite players are all about.
The eight-minute testimonial features Carson Wentz along with wide receiver Torrey Smith and safety Chris Maragos, who openly share their individual faith journeys of redemption and hope.
While most players in the NFL spend the season in practices, watching film and preparing for the competition on Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles were spending their weeks suiting up for battle.
“Every Monday night we have a couple’s Bible study. We have a Thursday night team Bible study,” Wentz shared in the video. “And Saturday nights, we actually get together the night before the game and just kind of pray and talk through the Word and what guys have been reading, what they’re struggling with, and just kind of keep it real with each other. To have that here in an NFL facility like this, it’s really special.”
Jesus says, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am as well.” The Eagles have taken the Lord at His Word and shown the world that there is power in the name of Jesus.
“I think what we’re always challenging each other with is not to lose sight of the bigger picture,” Wentz said. “Wins, losses, highs, lows, everything that comes with this game, it’s so easy to take your mind and your eyes off the ultimate prize, and that’s living for the Lord.”
In gearing up for Super Bowl LVII, Jalen Hurts’ faith has been a major focus in the media, as both he and his competitor, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, are both outspoken about their faith in God.
In his postgame press conference following the Eagles’ NFC Championship win against the San Francisco 49ers, Hurts said that nothing came easy for him or his team, despite their 14-3 regular-season record.
“I’m forever grateful. I’m forever grateful,” he said. “Only God knows the things that each individual on this team has been able to overcome to come together as a team and do something special.”
Later, Hurts referenced the Bible verse John 13:7 and how impactful it has been to him. The verse reads, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” It’s a Bible verse the 24-year-old has referenced several times throughout his college and professional career.
On Wednesday, Hurts accepted the “Faith in Action” award at the 24th annual Super Bowl SoulfulCelebration, which highlights NFL players, their faith and philanthropy.
The event’s highest honor, the “Faith In Action” award honors current and former NFL players making an impact in their communities and in the lives of others off the field. Hurts’ service to the Philadelphia community, numerous charities and his native Texas has aided countless individuals and institutions. Previous recipients of this special recognition include Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, Tim Brown, Russell Wilson, Tony Dungy and Troy Vincent, among others.
You can watch Jalen Hurts take on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, February 12 on FOX.
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