88R17153 JRI-D
By: J. Johnson of Harris H.R. No. 555
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Texas native and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback
Jalen Hurts has proven himself an exceptional leader and role model
over the course of his young but already impressive football
career; and
WHEREAS, During the 2022-2023 season, in just his third year
in the National Football League, Mr. Hurts led the Eagles on a
successful quest to reach Super Bowl LVII; there, he turned in an
exceptional performance on the largest stage in professional
sports, running for three touchdowns and throwing for another in a
dramatic showdown that wasn't decided until the game's final
seconds; and
WHEREAS, Born in Houston, Mr. Hurts played for Channelview
High School, where he was coached by his father, Averion Hurts; he
emerged as one of the most sought-after quarterback recruits in the
nation and began his collegiate career at the University of
Alabama, earning Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year,
All-SEC, and All-American honors and helping the team claim the
2017 national championship; he transferred to the University of
Oklahoma for his senior year in 2019 and became a Heisman Trophy
finalist after guiding the Sooners to the Big 12 title and an
appearance in the College Football Playoffs; and
WHEREAS, Selected by Philadelphia in the 2020 NFL Draft,
Mr. Hurts became the full-time starter in 2021, and his
contributions were key as the Eagles advanced to the playoffs that
year; he owns the franchise record for most rushing yards in a game
by a quarterback, and he became the first signal-caller in NFL
history to post 10-plus rushing touchdowns in back-to-back years;
and
WHEREAS, Since arriving in the NFL, Mr. Hurts has
demonstrated a commitment to advancing equality and giving back to
the community; represented by an all-female management team, he has
used his platform as a star athlete to focus attention on the
contributions of women in sports and in other areas of endeavor, and
he has taken part in the league's My Cause, My Cleats initiative to
support the Women's Sports Foundation; moreover, in 2022, he
organized the Breed of 1 youth football camp for Philadelphia-area
boys and girls; he is also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
Inc., which supports a range of beneficial social initiatives,
including efforts to expand voter registration and to provide
financial assistance to students and to historically Black colleges
and universities; and
WHEREAS, Through his hard work, integrity, and dedication to
helping others, Jalen Hurts has set an inspiring example for his
fellow citizens, and his myriad achievements on and off the field
will continue to inspire football fans for many years to come; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby honor Jalen Hurts for his outstanding
professional football career and his extensive civic engagement and
extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Hurts as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.