Jalen Hurts receives Citizen of the Year Award
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts received a Citizen of the Year Award in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, and not because he led the city’s NFL team to victory in Super Bowl LIX.
Ten Philadelphians were honored at the annual event hosted by The Philadelphia Citizen for their work that made a positive impact in the city.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro presented the Citizen of the Year Award to Hurts, who was joined by his fiancée, Bry Burrows, at the event.
“Jalen and Bry understand the importance of taking young athletes, young individuals in our communities and giving them strong mentors so they continue to walk a path that is true and just,” Shapiro said.
Hurts was honored for his efforts through the Jalen Hurts Foundation.
One of the foundation’s initiatives is the TDs for ACs Campaign, which builds on an earlier donation made by Hurts on April 19, when he donated $200,000 to purchase air-conditioning units for 10 Philadelphia schools.
During the season, the Jalen Hurts Foundation donated $5,000 for every touchdown run and pass by the former Alabama quarterback to buy air-conditioning units for School District of Philadelphia schools. Including the playoffs, Hurts produced 42 touchdowns.
“What I strive to do is just serve, mentor, progress, give people opportunities that they don’t even know that they have,” Hurts said in accepting the award. ”… Push that person next to you, continue to have that drive, continue to have that effort and to bring someone with you.”
Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles won the NFL championship for the 2024 season by defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9. Hurts won the Pete Rozelle Trophy as the game’s Most Valuable Player.
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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.