Jalen Hurts, the electrifying quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, has taken the NFL by storm. His journey from a promising high school player to a college standout and now an NFL star has been nothing short of remarkable. But behind every great athlete, there is a supportive family, and Jalen is no exception. Let's take a closer look at the parents who have been with him every step of the way—Averion Sr. and Pamela Hurts.
Early Football Beginnings
Jalen's love for football began at an early age, and it was clear that he had a special talent for the sport. He played for the Channelview High School football team and quickly made a name for himself as a standout player.
Choosing Alabama
When it came time to make a crucial decision about his football future, Jalen committed to playing for the University of Alabama. His time with the Crimson Tide would prove to be a pivotal chapter in his career.
Jalen's journey at Alabama included becoming the first true freshman to start as a quarterback for the Crimson Tide in 32 years. He went on to start two seasons for Alabama and served as a backup to Tua Tagovailoa in his junior year. Throughout it all, his father, Averion Sr., played a crucial role in guiding his development as a quarterback.
Meet Averion Sr.: The Football Coach
Averion Hurts Sr. is not just Jalen's father; he's also a high school football coach at Channelview High School. His passion for the game and dedication to his son's growth as a quarterback have been instrumental in Jalen's success.
Averion graduated from Channelview High School himself in 1986 and immediately pursued a coaching career. He spent four years as the head coach for Lee High School in Baytown, Texas, before returning to Channelview High School in 2006 to coach his alma mater's football team.
Averion Sr. is not just a coach but a mentor to many young athletes, including his own sons. In addition to Jalen, he has another son, Averion Jr., who was the starting quarterback for Texas Southern University and currently serves as the head coach for the University of Alabama football team. It's clear that coaching and football run deep in the Hurts family.
Meet Pamela Hurts: The Supportive Mother
Behind every successful athlete, there's usually a strong and supportive mother, and Pamela Hurts is no exception. She holds two degrees—a Bachelor of Arts and a Master's in Business Administration—and currently serves as the Chief of the Special Services Department at Channelview High School.
Pamela's dedication to her children's upbringing is truly admirable. Even as a working mother, she never compromised on supporting her sons' football dreams. Both Jalen and Averion Jr. played for different college teams, and their games often clashed on the same day. Despite the scheduling challenges, Pamela and Averion Sr. always found a way to be present at their sons' games, offering unwavering support and cheering them on.
Jalen's NFL Journey
The Philadelphia Eagles drafted Jalen Hurts out of the University of Oklahoma with the 52nd overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft. He is currently in his third season with the Eagles, having secured the starting quarterback position in 2021.
Last season, Jalen started in all 15 games he played and showcased his potential by throwing for 3,144 yards with 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also delivered a jaw-dropping 91-yard pass to wide receiver Quez Watkins, marking the longest pass of his career.
In the current NFL season, Jalen has started in four games and has already completed 82 out of 123 passes for 1,120 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. The Eagles are the only undefeated team in the league, boasting a flawless 4-0 record.
As Jalen Hurts continues to lead the Eagles on their quest for success, he carries with him the unwavering support and guidance of his parents, Averion Sr. and Pamela Hurts. With their encouragement and Jalen's exceptional talent, who knows what heights the Eagles can reach this season? Could this be the year Jalen Hurts leads his team to a Super Bowl victory? Eagles fans certainly have high hopes for their talented quarterback and his supportive family.