Jalen Hurts Named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2025 After Super Bowl MVP Win

In a moment that sent shockwaves across the NFL and the entire sports world, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been named one of TIME magazine’s “100 Most Influential People of 2025.” The honor comes just days after Hurts led the Eagles to a dominant 40–22 Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, earning Super Bowl MVP in the process.

What made the recognition even more powerful was Hurts’ placement in the “Icons” category, with a tribute written by none other than Yankees legend and five-time World Series champion Derek Jeter. Known for his poise and leadership, Jeter praised Hurts not only for his elite talent on the field but also for his resilience and character.

“Many people would’ve folded after being benched in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship,” Jeter wrote, referencing Hurts’ replacement by Tua Tagovailoa at Alabama. “But not Jalen. He stayed focused, controlled what he could, and carved out a new path. In the NFL, he didn’t let the loss in the 2023 Super Bowl shake his confidence.”

Jeter went on to highlight Hurts’ incredible comeback and his leadership in securing redemption on football’s biggest stage. “This past February, Jalen returned to the Super Bowl and led Philadelphia to a commanding win in a rematch against Kansas City. When we spoke after the game, his mind was already on how to win the next one. Win or lose, Jalen’s determination and resilience are something we can all admire.”

Hurts was the only American male athlete featured on TIME’s 2025 list, a reflection of his rising influence not only in football but across American culture.

Hurts’ impressive year didn’t end on the field. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro honored him with a Citizen Award during a ceremony at the Fitler Club in Philadelphia, recognizing his commitment to community service, youth mentorship, and financial literacy education for underserved children.

NBC10 Philadelphia noted that Hurts was especially celebrated for his support of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and his continued engagement with young patients. Speaking with the nonprofit Philadelphia Citizen, Hurts opened up about what fuels his outreach efforts.

“In these classrooms, I see so much potential in our young people,” Hurts said. “But I also see the barriers they face due to lack of basic resources. For me, it’s about giving back to the community that shaped me—and making sure these kids have a real shot. They deserve that.”

His sense of responsibility goes far beyond classrooms and hospitals. Hurts is a vocal advocate for women’s sports and works actively to elevate female athletes in his region. Eagles writer Chris McPherson noted that Hurts is surrounded by an all-female team of representatives—a deliberate choice reflecting his commitment to empowerment and inclusion.

Hurts also attended the Eagles’ Girls Flag Football Championship and appeared in a promotional video celebrating flag football becoming Pennsylvania’s official state sport. In 2024, he was named a global ambassador for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will debut as an official medal event for both men and women.

From the gridiron to his community outreach, Jalen Hurts is shaping a legacy that extends well beyond football. While many athletes focus solely on performance, Hurts is using his platform to uplift youth, support women, and inspire millions with his perseverance and humility.

What makes Jalen Hurts’ journey so compelling isn’t just the trophies and accolades—it’s the road he’s traveled to get there. From early setbacks in college to heartbreak in Super Bowl LVII, to now standing tall as a world champion, a community leader, and a cultural icon, Hurts has written one of the most powerful stories in modern sports.

With the 2025 NFL season on the horizon and Olympic duties in 2028, one thing is clear: Jalen Hurts isn’t just a quarterback—he’s a movement. And as TIME rightly recognized, his influence is only beginning.