He has gone from a simple life in Texas to becoming an NFL player, but Jalen Hurts remains with quality values.
Hurts was a legend at quarterback for the University of Alabama and spent one season at Oklahoma.
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He is excited about the Philadelphia Eagles starting him in the fall of his second season; however, the 2017 College Football Playoff National Champion did spend a moment with GQ Sports for an interview. The video was posted to YouTube on Wednesday, as Hurts discussed how he spent and saved his first million dollars.
“As a kid, I always wanted to be on the cover of GQ,” Hurts said. “Being on the cover of GQ, that’s where it’s at.”
Football was Hurts’ first love as a child.
His father, Averion Hurts, was his coach and he grew up watching his older brother compete under the bright lights. When he was not taking in the gridiron game, Hurts was building his muscles cutting grass.
“I started cutting grass in the sixth grade and up until high school,” Hurts said. “I put the equipment on my dad’s truck, and I would tell them ‘I have to cut a yard over here.’ I actually got stronger pushing the lawnmower too. It was a nice workout.”
Hurts shocked the Alabama fan base when he became the first true freshman to start at quarterback for Nick Saban in 2016.
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Former Alabama QB, Jalen Hurts in the 2018 season opener versus Louisville in Orlando, Fla./Photo comes via Reinhold Matay – USA TODAY Sports
He took the game over, set records, won two Southeastern Conference titles, one national championship, and jumped into the hearts of fans. After graduating from Alabama, he spent his final collegiate season at Oklahoma.
Hurts led the program to a Big 12 Championship and a berth in the CFP. He considers himself blessed to be a part of both schools, and Hurts would be selected to the Eagles in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year, $6.02 million contract, but he is ready to be the man for Philadelphia. According to Hurts, he spent $165,000 of his first million dollars.
He does have a financial advisor.
Hurts spent $1,013 on Philadelphia gear ($1,000) from a mall and a Philly Cheesesteak ($13) from Larry’s.
His gear included a Kobe Bryant jacket, an Eagles jacket, and a Phillies jacket. Hurts has always been into fashion, so it is no surprise that he got into the jewelry game. His jeweler sent him a direct message and hooked him up with “Rare Breed” and “Untamed” chains. Both terms are a part of Hurts’ mindset as a player and person.
He also got a couple of bracelets and an Omega Psi Phi pendant. With his jewelry, Hurts also orders clothes and shoes online. His love for fashion ran him $30,000.
Hurts’ efforts on the field are spectacular, but his heart is what won Alabama, Oklahoma, and Philadelphia fans over.
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The bulk of his money goes to supporting different charities. Last year, Hurts decided to bless a special young man during the Christmas holiday. He met a family through Alice’s Lemonade Stand, which is a foundation in Philadelphia that supports cancer research.
The individual Hurts met was Eric, who was battling cancer. In looking at the humble quarterback, Eric did not have much that he wanted Santa to bring him for Christmas. During his three years at Alabama, Hurts remembered Nick Saban’s statement of “people won’t always remember what you did on the field, but they will remember how you help those in need.”
Hurts presented the family with a $30,000 check for a downpayment on a new home. He would also purchase every game, gaming system, and television set for Eric and his family. His heart for others cost him $60,000 and he flashed a big smile.
“That is what matters the most,” Hurts said on giving back to others.
He only came out $30,000 for rent, internet (WiFi), and phone bills.
“I did not need to buy a house when I got drafted because it’s just me,” Hurts said. “I did not need a big place.”
Hurts has an apartment in Philadelphia that will last him for now. When he comes home to Houston, he stays with his mother and grandmother. He spent $20,000 on business fees for his agent and financial advisor while dropping $10,000 for offseason treatment. Hurts is currently training with Bobby Stroupe in Texas.
In taking care of the family, Hurts spent $15,000 to help his mom improve the home.
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He could not attend his brother’s wedding, so Hurts blessed him with $1,000. As all older brothers should, Hurts is also looking out for his young sister. He has set aside $75,000 for her college tuition if she needs it. Hurts spent $10,000 to pay his used car off and has $15,000 saved for a future vacation. His sister may be the smartest one of his siblings (per Hurts), but he showed responsibility during his first year in the pros.
The rest of his $1 million is in his savings account.
Tips from Hurts on how to save money
-Buy a used car or lease a car
-Cook at home or take meals home
-Switch to an affordable phone plan
“If I can give any advice to a rookie coming into the NFL, having this amount of money for the first time in your life, be wise with your choices and decisions,” Hurts said. “I know that you have things that you’ve always dreamed of having, and that’s perfect, but also be smart, mindful, and prepared because it goes by quickly. Uncle Sam is real.”
Hurts is set to rise in his second NFL season.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
