Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) looks to pass the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Bill Streicher
Jalen Hurts has a way with words. During Hurts' time with the Eagles, his play has obviously stood out, but he's become known as an eloquent speaker. Win or lose, there's always a saying from Hurts that raises people's eyebrows in postgame pressers.
It's become a bit of a meme online, with some people saying the quarterback only speaks in Instagram captions.
Whether it's "I didn't walk through the fire just to smell the smoke," "I had a purpose before anyone had an opinion," or "Money is nice, championships are better," Hurts always provides stunning one-liners. It's hard to tell where Hurts got his persona from, but they've become a staple of his vocabulary.
Now, Hurts will have his words published.
Hurts announced Monday that he's releasing his own children's book "Better than a Touchdown." Illustrator Nneka Meyers will also provide the art for the piece.
"It's always been a dream of mine to have my own children's book, and today, that dream finally comes true. My debut book, 'Better than a Touchdown' is now available for pre-oder," Hurts said in an Instagram post. "With this book, I'm excited to extend some of my lessons learned throughout my journey to the next generation, and hopefully it strikes a chord of resilience and encourages our kids, the reader, whomever to believe in themselves.
"I wouldn't be where I am today for the lessons learned, the mentorship and books just like mine."
The book will be released on March 10, 2026 and is currently available for pre-order on Penguin Random House. According to the publisher's website, the book centers around a character named Jalen, who's excited to finally try out for the school's football team. However, the team was cut and the story focuses on what happens in the aftermath.
"'Better than a Touchdown' is a love letter to the power of community, being there for one another, and how a piece of good advice can change the course of a day," an excerpt from the website said. "Told with Jalen's signature wisdom and gorgeous art by Nneka Myers, 'Better than a Touchdown' carries a message we can all learn from: that by working together, there's nothing we can't accomplish."
The website also said the book details "an empowering story about friendship, the power of teamwork, and achieving the goals together."
Hurts has plenty of wisdom, especially after leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory in February and earning Super Bowl MVP. At this point in his career, it's clear he knows how to lead, with his story being full of adversity and triumph.
If Hurts ever decides to write an autobiography, it'll be a must-buy. For now, he's deciding to make young Eagles fans happy with a children's book.
