Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts is taking on a new role this offseason—children’s book author. On March 10, 2026, Hurts made appearances on several major television programs, including CBS Mornings, Good Morning America, and TODAY, to discuss his debut children’s book, Better Than a Touchdown. The book, published by Penguin Random House and illustrated by Nneka Myers, is aimed at readers ages 7 to 11 and is already available for purchase through major retailers such as Amazon and Penguin Random House.
Hurts, known for his leadership on the field and his Super Bowl LIX victory with the Eagles, is now channeling his passion into inspiring the next generation. Speaking with Nate Burleson, Gayle King, and Vladimir Duthiers on CBS Mornings, Hurts explained his motivation for writing the book: "I hope to inspire kids to challenge themselves and embrace reading." He emphasized the importance of encouraging children to step outside their comfort zones and discover the joy of learning, both on and off the field.
During his media tour, Hurts shared the story behind Better Than a Touchdown. The book follows a young boy named Jalen who, faced with the loss of his school’s football team, rallies his friends and community to save it. The narrative draws heavily from Hurts’ own life experiences—overcoming obstacles, facing adversity, and finding strength through perseverance. As Hurts told CBS News, "I always wanted to write a children’s book." He described the project as a way to pay it forward, using his platform to impart lessons about resilience and courage to young readers.
On Good Morning America, Hurts fielded questions from young fans, offering a glimpse into his life beyond football. When asked by a five-year-old what he does for fun when he’s not playing, Hurts laughed and replied, "When I’m not playing football, I can’t help but prepare for football." He admitted that his focus rarely strays far from the game, but he also cherishes time with his family and, this offseason, dedicated himself to working on his book. "I’m very simple when it comes to such things," Hurts said, highlighting his commitment to his passions.
Another young fan, a nine-year-old, asked Hurts about his favorite vacation spot. The Eagles star didn’t hesitate: "Anywhere with the beach, warm weather, and especially being in Philly." He recounted braving a recent snowstorm and expressed his preference for sunshine and relaxation when he gets the chance.
The conversation turned more serious when Hurts was asked if he had ever wanted to quit football. Recalling a challenging period in his career, Hurts admitted, "I was counted out, doubted, broken down, and dissected in all kinds of ways." Rather than giving in to despair, he leaned on his core values: courage, perseverance, resilience, and passion. "Without the courage, perseverance, resilience, and passion, I wouldn’t be here today," Hurts reflected. These themes are woven throughout Better Than a Touchdown, which encourages readers to press forward, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
Hurts’ message resonates strongly with young athletes and readers alike. On CBS News, he offered advice to aspiring athletes: "Push through adversity." He emphasized that setbacks are inevitable, but it’s how one responds that defines their journey. This philosophy is at the heart of his book, which aims to teach kids not just about football, but about life’s broader challenges.
His media appearances weren’t limited to the subject of the book. On TODAY, Hurts spoke with Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones about assembling an all-female management team—a move that has garnered attention and praise across the sports world. He also reacted to viral social media posts from fans, displaying his trademark humility and sense of humor. The conversation even touched on NFL news, with Hurts sharing his thoughts on Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce’s decision to return for a 14th season. While Hurts’ focus remains on his own team’s future, he acknowledged Kelce’s enduring impact on the league.
Behind the scenes, Hurts’ foray into children’s literature is part of a broader effort to give back to the community and inspire the next generation. The book’s protagonist, young Jalen, mirrors Hurts’ own journey—a determined individual who refuses to give up in the face of adversity. The story underscores the importance of teamwork, community, and believing in oneself, values that Hurts has embodied throughout his career.
The choice of illustrator Nneka Myers adds another layer of warmth and accessibility to the book. Myers’ vibrant artwork brings the story to life, making it approachable and engaging for young readers. According to Penguin Random House, the book is designed to appeal to children between the ages of 7 and 11, a critical period for developing both reading skills and self-confidence.
Hurts’ transition from the gridiron to the literary world may seem surprising to some, but for those who have followed his career, it’s a natural extension of his character. He has long been admired for his work ethic, humility, and commitment to personal growth. By sharing his story in a format accessible to children, Hurts hopes to reach a new audience—one that may not be familiar with his football accolades but can learn from his example.
As the Eagles navigate the early stages of 2026 free agency, Hurts’ off-field endeavors serve as a reminder that athletes are more than their stats or championship rings. They are role models, storytellers, and, in Hurts’ case, authors with a message for the next generation. For Hurts, Better Than a Touchdown is more than just a book—it’s a way to inspire, uplift, and encourage kids everywhere to dream big and persevere, no matter the obstacles.
With Better Than a Touchdown now available in bookstores and online, Jalen Hurts is proving that his influence extends far beyond the football field, offering young readers a playbook for life’s challenges and triumphs.