No doubt, Jalen Hurts’ style has many coaches, players, and fans questioning the traditional way the position of a quarterback should be played. With 2,940 passing yards and 609 rushing yards, Hurts led the Philadelphia Eagles to an eleven and one record, so far this season. As a leading contender for the National Football League’s (NFL) Most Valuable Player, currently, as quarterback, he is ranked as 23rd in the league among all players for rushing yards.

However, his leadership off the field is what sets him apart from other NFL players. In April 2021, Hurts did an interview with GQ Sports, where he detailed how he spent his first million dollars earned as a professional NFL player. Of his first million, he only spent $165,000 dollars, meaning Hurts saved $835,000. Rather than purchase a new house or several expensive cars, as other NFL rookies have, the Eagles quarterback decided to live in a small apartment and continue driving the same used car he from college.  

Instead, Hurts spent $60,000 of it to make a seven-year-old cancer survivor’s Christmas wishes come true, including a $30,000 check for a down payment on a new house for the seven-year-old, his four younger siblings, and his mother. Additionally, Hurts decided to pay $15,000 to remodel his parents’ house and $1,000 for his brother’s wedding. He also reserved $70,000 for his sister’s college tuition “just in case she needs it”. 

Hurts has a history of kindness throughout his career. On an unrelated instance, he explained why goes out of his way to help others.“Now to have the same platform in a sense and to be able to touch so many people, I try to take advantage of every opportunity I can.” Hurts continued, “It’s a blessing that means the world to me. That’s what it’s all about — giving back, showing love, and helping others. That’s what it comes down to. That’s the rent we pay to live on this earth.”

Everyone should take a page out of Hurts’ playbook and show kindness to others when possible. As he put it, pay it forward.