Jalen Hurts’ path to becoming one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks began in Channelview, Texas—a community deeply intertwined with his family.
As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for their second Super Bowl appearance in three years, Hurts’ mother, Pamela Hurts, reflected on the family’s journey and the roots of her son’s success.
A foundation built in Channelview
Channelview High School holds a special place in the Hurts family history. Pamela’s husband, Averion, and all three of their children graduated from the school, but Jalen’s achievements have brought unprecedented recognition to their community.
“He puts Channelview on the map,” Pamela shared, radiating pride. “It’s incredible to see where he’s come from and where he is now.”
Jalen’s football career took off in middle school, when he stepped into the quarterback role.
“He started as a receiver, but when the team needed a quarterback, he stepped up,” Pamela recalled.
By high school, he was rewriting record books and leading his team to historic victories, including a thrilling last-second win against their rival, North Shore.
“That was the best game I’ve ever witnessed,” she said, recalling the pride she felt seeing her son led his team to a momentous victory.
The early signs of greatness
Pamela attributes Jalen’s success to a combination of talent, hard work, and faith.
“Someone close to our family prophesied long ago that he would play professionally,” she revealed.
“We believed it, and Jalen worked tirelessly to make it happen.”
Academics were never a challenge for Jalen. “He’s always been disciplined and wise beyond his years,” Pamela said.
That maturity helped him navigate the intense scrutiny and expectations placed on him as a top-tier athlete.
Overcoming challenges in college
Jalen’s college career was marked by highs and lows, but Pamela sees those moments as defining.
As a freshman at Alabama in 2016, Hurts led the Crimson Tide to a National Championship game appearance, where the team suffered a last-second loss to the Clemson Tigers Heading into 2017, Jalen was poised for another shot at the big one.
However, Hurts faced adversity when he was benched during the next season’s National Championship game, watching his backup, hyped quarterback prospect Tua Tagovailoa, lead the Crimson Tide to a comeback victory over Georgia.
”That was very humbling, Pamela said. “It was hurtful to witness your child go through something like that knowing that you can’t do anything about it. At the time, I didn’t understand. But his decision was to finish the year despite all the scrutiny he was getting and all the negative criticism he was getting, he decided to stay.”
Despite losing the starting spot, Jalen stayed at Alabama through the 2018 season, working on his game behind the scenes and making plays when his number was called.
In a full-circle moment, Jalen replaced the injured Tua in the 2018 SEC Championship Game, leading the Tide to a come-from-behind victory of his own over Georgia.
“The same team that he was benched [playing against], he stepped up and won the game for the quarterback who was injured at the time,” Pamela added. “So that was another defining moment.”
After three seasons at Alabama, Jalen transferred to Oklahoma, where he flourished under Head Coach Lincoln Riley, who is known for his ability to bring out the best in talented quarterbacks.
“It was the right decision for his career, and I trusted his judgment,” she explained.
That decision led to a record-breaking season that saw Jalen finish second place in voting for the Heisman Trophy. Jalen’s collegiate legacy was cemented, and he declared for the 2020 NFL Draft. He was taken with the 53rd overall pick by the Eagles.
The NFL and beyond
Now in his second Super Bowl appearance, Jalen continues to defy expectations.
“He’s already surpassed the average NFL career,” Pamela noted, emphasizing the significance of his achievements as a Black quarterback. “There are so many stereotypes, but Jalen has proven himself through his intelligence, work ethic, and leadership.”
Off the field, Jalen’s character sets him apart. Pamela describes her son as humble, selfless, and focused on helping others.
“He’s an anomaly,” she said. “He doesn’t crave the spotlight—he wants to use his platform to inspire.”
A message to aspiring athletes
For young athletes looking to follow in Jalen’s footsteps, Pamela offers simple but profound advice: “Anything is possible if you work hard and believe in yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
Looking ahead
As the Super Bowl approaches, the Hurts family is savoring the moment. “It’s a historic time for Jalen,” Pamela said. “I have a good feeling about this one—I think we’re bringing home the trophy.”
Pamela’s pride in her son is evident in every word she speaks. She sends him a message ahead of Superbowl LIX. “I love you, and I’m so proud of you,” she said. “We’ll be there, rooting for you all the way.”
From Channelview to the NFL’s biggest stage, Jalen Hurts’ journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of community. His story is far from over, but one thing is clear—Jalen Hurts is destined to leave an enduring legacy, both on and off the field.
