Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been named the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s Pro Athlete of the Year for 2024-25, marking his second time receiving the prestigious honor after his first win in 2022. The former Alabama standout continues to cement his legacy as one of the state’s most celebrated athletes, joining an elite group of only eight repeat winners in the award’s history.
Hurts’ remarkable 2024 season culminated in leading the Eagles to their second Super Bowl title, a 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. In that game, he earned Super Bowl MVP honors, showcasing his dual-threat prowess by completing 17 of 22 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown, despite one interception, and adding a record-breaking 72 rushing yards—the most ever by a quarterback in a Super Bowl—along with a rushing touchdown. His playoff performance was equally dominant, amassing 627 total yards and seven touchdowns in wins over the Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, and Washington Commanders.
During the regular season, Hurts played 15 games, achieving a career-high 68.7% pass completion rate for 2,903 yards and 18 touchdowns, with only five interceptions. On the ground, he contributed 630 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns, solidifying his reputation as one of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni praised Hurts’ growth and resilience, saying, “He just keeps getting better. He knows how to win. He does a great job of being able to block out all the outside noise.” Sirianni highlighted the teamwork behind Hurts’ success, noting the contributions of players like A.J. Brown, Saquon Barkley, and the offensive line, while emphasizing Hurts’ ability to elevate those around him. “Jalen is special and the criticism just blows my mind because I think he’s so special and has won so many games and works his butt off,” Sirianni added.
Hurts’ journey to this point has been one of perseverance. After earning SEC Offensive Player of the Year and SEC Freshman of the Year honors in 2016 at Alabama, he led the Crimson Tide to the national championship game, only to lose to Clemson. The following year, he was benched in the second half of Alabama’s national championship win over Georgia in 2017. In the NFL, Hurts faced another setback with a Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs in 2023 before his triumphant redemption in 2024. Reflecting on his path, Hurts said, “It’s been a very unprecedented journey. The journey, it’s always the beginning until it’s the end, and I think, it means a lot.”
Selected by the Eagles with the No. 53 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft after a final college season at Oklahoma, Hurts has compiled an impressive five-year NFL career, throwing for 14,667 yards and 85 touchdowns while rushing for 3,133 yards and 55 scores. His achievements place him among Alabama’s finest, as he joins a distinguished list of Crimson Tide players who have won the ASWA Pro Athlete of the Year, including Kenny Stabler (1975), Ozzie Newsome (1984), and Derrick Henry (2019, 2020). Hurts is also one of only eight repeat winners, alongside legends like Henry, Cam Newton, and Charles Barkley.
Hurts’ accolades extend beyond the field, as he graced the digital cover of Sports Illustrated, further solidifying his status as a national icon. His second ASWA Pro Athlete of the Year award underscores not only his athletic brilliance but also the respect he has earned from his home state of Alabama.