Jalen Hurts has consistently credited his parents, Averion Sr. and Pamela Hurts, for laying the groundwork for his football journey early on. The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback has always had their support and guidance, which has helped him overcome the ups and downs of his career and achieve success in the NFL.
Jalen Hurts’ Father, Averion Hurts Sr.
Averion Hurts Sr. introduced his son to football.
The elder Hurts is a seasoned football coach who has dedicated his career to nurturing young talent at Channelview High School in Texas, where he also mentored his sons.
A graduate of Channelview High School himself, Averion was determined to give back to his community by returning to coach his alma mater after an earlier coaching role at Lee High School in Baytown, Texas. Hurts got his initial hunger for going pro in football from his dad.
The Eagles QB’s dad has a degree from Howard Payne University, where he was actively involved in football and track. He instilled in his sons a strong work ethic and a deep understanding of the game.
Hurts shared some of that insight during a press conference before the 2023 Super Bowl.
“I have a foundation kind of set for myself, but my parents did that for me. And I think being a coach’s kid, they created habits for me to see things a certain way, have the wisdom that I have, and I give all the credit to them.”
Keep the main thing the main thing. Jalen Hurts speaks to the media #SuperBowlLVII https://t.co/9i9sNTkStt
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles)
Averion couldn’t be more proud of his eldest son, who’s made the best of his opportunity to become a football player.
Appearing on NFL’s “Good Morning Football” podcast, Jalen’s father said: “It’s a blessing to watch a young man that developed a passion for a sport and really, really worked hard at every level and every turn.”
The Eagles drafted Hurts in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft after he scored 52 TDs for the Oklahoma Sooners. Hurts signed a $255 million contract with the Eagles over five years, averaging roughly $51 million annually.
Jalen Hurts’ Mother, Pamela Hurts
Pamela Hurts has been the steady force behind Jalen’s success. She balanced her demanding career with her responsibilities as a mother.
With degrees in both arts and business administration, Pamela has built a successful career in education. She served as the Chief of the Special Services Department at Anthony Aguirre Junior High while also teaching math to grades 6-8.
She supported her son when he struggled at Alabama in 2018 and played backup to Tua Tagovailoa. Hurts spoke to the media about coaches and what aspects of the game they can and can’t control, which received quite a backlash.
Speaking to reporters, Pamela said: “When has Jalen ever spoken to media about anything other than the team? When has he ever whined, pouted, or talked about what ‘y’all’ don’t know takes place behind the scenes? Jalen spoke his truth, finally, after three years of being compliant and controlled. You have no idea what is and has been going on, and most likely, never will.”
She and Averion have always prioritized attending their son’s games whenever possible despite their demanding schedules.
Cowboys-Eagles Week 1 Preview and Prediction
The Eagles and Cowboys will have their juices flowing on Thursday night in Philadelphia, as both teams enter the 2025 season with high expectations. Head coach Nick Sirianni will be tasked with leading a title defense charge, as opposing teams will have the Eagles circled on their calendars with hopes of taking down the reigning champion.
Dallas has been in the headlines recently, as they dealt away superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers after deciding not to pay him top-of-the-line money despite his two All-Pro honors in four seasons. They got back three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark, who will aid in helping against the run.
That has been a significant deficiency for the Cowboys in recent years, as they allowed 137.1 rush yards per game (17th in the league) last season and 112.35 yards per game in 2023. That’s precisely where Philadelphia excels offensively, as they were second in the NFL last season in rushing for 179.3 yards per game.
Star running back Saquon Barkley is back after a banner 2024 campaign: 345 carries, 2,005 yards, and 13 touchdowns. He capped it off by running for 442 yards in the Eagles’ postseason run.
It’s hard to see a complete flip in the run-stopping abilities for Dallas, potentially spelling doom for them as the game wears on. Offensively, for the Cowboys, they’ll be heavily reliant on quarterback Dak Prescott and the pass game. Their running back room, headlined by former Denver Broncos’ Javonte Williams, is arguably the weakest unit on the roster.
Meanwhile, the wide receiver room has the potential to be the strongest, as they’ll trot out a star-studded duo of CeeDee Lamb (1,194 yards, six touchdowns last season) and newly acquired wide receiver George Pickens (900 yards, three touchdowns with the Pittsburgh Steelers).
Across from them will be a capable secondary in second-year cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Both were key pieces in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl run and will be expected to step up even more with a second year in the organization. The Eagles’ wide receiver duo is no slouch as well. AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith combined for 1,912 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, giving quarterback Jalen Hurts two Pro Bowl-caliber receivers to throw to.
Throughout this game, several intriguing matchups are present. But looking beyond that at the overall depth between the two teams, Philadelphia wins out in a landslide. They’re far better in the trenches on both sides of the ball, have a much more talented secondary, and have potentially the best running game in the NFL.
The Eagles will open the season with a healthy dose of Barkley carries, running all over an undermanned Cowboys run defense. In front of a home crowd, Philadelphia runs away with this one in the second half.
Prediction: Eagles 27, Cowboys 13
