side quest 001: i met Jalen Hurts
a full circle moment (go birds!)
Hi friend,
This has been one of the most meaningful sports moments of the year, so I wanted to dedicate this page of my scrapbook to Jalen Hurts.
I had the chance to meet him at his book signing in New York, and it felt like a full circle moment. Not just because of the meeting itself, but because of everything his story represents.
His career reflects resilience, discipline, and faith. Watching how he has navigated setbacks and doubt from the media while staying grounded has always been compelling to watch.
But what made this moment feel surreal was not just meeting someone worth admiring. It was recognizing how his journey mirrors so many of ours in different ways.
Jalen’s path to the NFL wasn’t straightforward. He started at Alabama, lost his starting position, and transferred to Oklahoma to prove himself. He was drafted in the second round, not the first. Many questioned whether he could lead at the highest level.
But he kept showing up. He became the Eagles’ starting quarterback, led them to the Super Bowl in 2023, and lost. The doubts got louder. The criticism intensified. People wondered if he had what it took to win.
He went back to work. Stayed disciplined. Stayed faithful. And in the 2024 season, he led the Eagles back to the Super Bowl and won.
His story isn’t just about talent. It’s about resilience, preparation, and refusing to let setbacks define the ending.
Similar to how Jalen has been doubted throughout his career, many people face their own share of rejection while chasing something meaningful.
But some seasons are not meant to define you. They are meant to prepare you.
Moments like this remind me that the path is rarely linear. The seasons that feel the most uncertain are often the ones positioning you for what comes next.
Meeting Jalen Hurts was an incredible moment, but the real takeaway for me was the reminder behind it.
Trust the season you are in.
Trust the process, even when it feels uncomfortable.
And trust that God may already be opening doors you cannot see yet.
If you have ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or unsure about what comes next, I hope this reminds you that your story is still unfolding.
And for anyone interested, the book Jalen was signing is called Better Than a Touchdown. While it is written as a children’s book, the message is something adults can learn from too. It tells a beautiful story about how we respond to challenges and setbacks. I loved the visuals and the reminder that resilience, humility, and faith are lessons worth learning at any age.
I’ll read it to my future kids one day <3
As always, go birds.
DAY IM SO HAPPY FOR YOUUUU, this is such a cute and wholesome update :’) i hope the rest of the year brings many more really fun experiences and opportunities just like this one!!! 🩷🙂↕️