Former Oklahoma and current Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People. Hurts, recognized not just as an influential athlete but as an influential individual, notably led the Eagles to victory in Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs, earning the Super Bowl MVP title with a standout performance of two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown in the Eagles' 40-22 win.
Honored by New York Yankees Hall of Famer Derek Jeter in the Time Magazine write-up, Hurts' resilience and determination have been highlighted. Jeter commended Hurts for using a Super Bowl defeat in 2023 as motivation, leading to his success in the Super Bowl rematch against Kansas City the following year. Hurts' journey includes his time at Oklahoma, where he propelled the Sooners to the 2019 College Football Playoff, achieving recognition as a third-team All-American and subsequently being drafted by the Eagles in the second round of the NFL Draft after an impressive collegiate career.
During his tenure at Oklahoma, Hurts showcased his prowess with 3,851 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and 1,298 rushing yards with 20 touchdowns. Despite finishing as the runner-up in Heisman Trophy voting to Joe Burrow, Hurts' impact both on and off the field has earned him a place among Time Magazine's Most Influential People, highlighting his resilience, determination, and unwavering pursuit of success in the face of challenges.