better than a touchdown
a full circle moment with jalen hurts (go birds!)
Hi friends,
This has been my happiest sports update of the year so far, so I wanted to dedicate this entire page of my scrapbook to Jalen Hurts.
I met him at his book signing in New York, and honestly it felt like a full circle moment.
I think I asked him how his offseason was going and congratulated him, but if I’m being honest I barely remember what he said back. I was so nervous that the moment feels like a blur now.
But aside from that, Jalen’s story has always inspired me. His career reflects resilience, discipline, and faith. Watching how he has navigated setbacks and doubt from the media while staying grounded has always stuck with me.
But what made this moment feel so surreal was not just meeting someone I admire.
It was everything that came before it.
Similar to how Jalen has been doubted throughout his career, I have faced my own share of rejection.
And if you have ever chased something meaningful, you probably know that feeling too.
I have been turned down from more opportunities than I can count. For a long time I carried those moments quietly and let them shape how I saw myself and what I believed was possible for me.
I came from a low target college. I studied a major that people labeled as non lucrative. I was constantly told I did not have enough experience, or that I was not the right fit.
So when I eventually landed a role at a Fortune 500 finance company, it felt like a badge of honor. Like a moment where I could finally say I made it.
But somewhere along the way I realized my dream was never working. My dream was living.
And ironically, it was during that season of working a finance job that I discovered how much I loved sports, wellness and storytelling. The very thing that now fills these pages of Weekend Report.
Looking back, I think God allowed me to reach that milestone for a reason. Not so I would tie my identity to the title or the company, but so I could build the confidence to know I was capable of more.
Some seasons are not meant to define you. They are meant to prepare you.
When God opens a door, He opens it wide.
And sometimes He has already said your name in rooms you do not even know exist yet.
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 :)
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!!! 🩷🙂↕️