Philadelphia Eagles star Jalen Hurts is having the year of his life, and now he’s adding “author” to his already loaded resume.
The Super Bowl 59 MVP made a surprise announcement live on NBC’s The Today Show, revealing that he’s publishing his first-ever children’s book, Better Than a Touchdown. The reveal comes hot on the heels of his epic 2025 Super Bowl win and continued rise as one of the NFL’s biggest names.
Hurts, who’s known for his leadership and humility both on and off the field, showed a softer side on national TV as he shared details about his upcoming book. Titled Better Than a Touchdown, the story follows a young boy, also named Jalen, who dreams of playing for his school’s football team. But when the team gets cut, he and his friends must band together to save it. The book is illustrated by Nneka Myers and is set to hit shelves on March 10, 2026, through Flamingo Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House. It’s already available for preorder.
“This is a full circle moment,” Hurts said during a clip aired on the show. “I’m back home on the east side of Houston, Texas, where it all began for me, Tyson Elementary. It’s always been a dream of mine to have my own children’s book, and I’m blessed to say that that dream has now become a reality.” That emotional backstory adds even more meaning to the release, as Hurts taps into his childhood and roots to inspire the next generation.
Fans instantly showed their love for the quarterback’s latest move. “What can’t this man do?” one user commented online. Another wrote, “Jalen is a class act. Period.” The praise kept rolling in with messages like, “We love to see it. Congrats!” and “Can’t wait to read this one with my kids.”
This announcement is just the latest headline in what’s shaping up to be a legendary year for Hurts. In February, he led the Eagles to victory in Super Bowl 59 in a thrilling rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs. Hurts was named Super Bowl MVP, thanks to an outstanding performance: 221 passing yards, two touchdowns, one interception, plus 72 rushing yards and another touchdown on the ground.
Beyond football, Hurts has also been recognized globally. He was named to the Time 100 list in 2025, joining the ranks of the world’s most influential people. And just a few months later, in April, he married his longtime girlfriend Byronna “Bry” Burrows, adding a romantic milestone to his already packed calendar.
With Better Than a Touchdown, Hurts now joins a small but growing group of athletes who’ve expanded into the world of children’s literature. But in true Hurts fashion, this isn’t just a vanity project, it’s rooted in purpose, representation, and inspiration. The book’s storyline is a clear nod to his own journey and a reminder that setbacks can lead to powerful comebacks.
As the 2025 NFL season heats up, with free agency having kicked off in March, the draft taking place in Green Bay in April, and the season opener set for September 4, it’s clear Jalen Hurts isn’t slowing down any time soon. Whether he’s scoring touchdowns or publishing books, Hurts is proving he’s more than just a quarterback, he’s a true role model.
Alex Carter is an experienced sports journalist with over a decade of covering international and domestic sports events. From the roar of football stadiums to the high-octane energy of F1 tracks, Alex delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive interviews with sports icons. His passion for sports extends to coaching local youth teams on weekends.
