BREAKING NEWS: Jalen Hurts' Heartfelt $1 Million Donation Stuns Football World
In an unprecedented move that has taken the sports community by storm, Philadelphia Eagles star Jalen Hurts has shocked the world with an incredible act of generosity. Hurts, known for his dominant presence on the field, has made a staggering $1 million donation to Candelaria Rivas Ramos, a remarkable Mexican ethnic minority woman who embarked on a grueling 14-hour journey from her small mountain village to compete in the 2025 Canyon Ultra Marathon.
Ramos, a mother and passionate long-distance runner, had always dreamed of participating in one of the most challenging marathons in the world. But despite her dedication, the road to the Canyon Ultra Marathon was not paved with opportunities. The 14-hour walk from her home in a remote town was a testament to her perseverance and grit, but it also highlighted the struggles faced by many aspiring athletes from underprivileged backgrounds.
In an emotional moment that will forever be etched in the hearts of those who witnessed it, Hurts wrote a heartfelt letter to Ms. Ramos, expressing his admiration for her courage and determination. The letter, filled with sincerity, conveyed not just financial support, but a deep understanding of the hardships she had faced.
In his letter, Hurts wrote: "I’ve seen the way you fight, the way you overcome challenges, and the heart you put into everything you do. I’m not just giving money, I’m giving you a chance to be seen and heard. You inspire me."
The gesture left Ramos overwhelmed with emotion. In a tearful response, she shared her gratitude, saying, "No one has ever treated me like this. This is more than just money; it’s a belief in me, a belief that I can achieve my dreams."
Ramos had been training for years, sacrificing much to pursue her passion for running. Despite financial constraints, she never gave up, believing that the Canyon Ultra Marathon was within her reach. Hurts’ unexpected donation has not only alleviated her financial burdens but has also ignited a sense of hope in her and countless others who dream of overcoming their own challenges.
For many, Hurts’ donation goes beyond just a financial contribution. It’s a statement about the power of sports to unite people from all walks of life, transcending borders, backgrounds, and financial disparities. It’s a reminder that true athletes, whether on the field or in life, understand that the real victories come from lifting others up.
The Eagles fanbase, known for its passionate following, has rallied behind Hurts’ generosity, praising him for his humility and compassion. His donation is a reminder of the positive influence that athletes can have both on and off the field, using their platform for good.
Ramos, who will now have the financial support to pursue her athletic dreams without the worry of financial instability, will be competing in the Canyon Ultra Marathon as a symbol of resilience. Her journey, coupled with Hurts’ kindness, has inspired countless fans, proving that acts of kindness can have a far-reaching impact.
In a world where headlines often focus on scandals or controversies, Hurts’ gesture has offered a refreshing change—a powerful reminder that kindness and empathy still hold immense value. This incredible act of generosity is set to resonate within the football world for years to come, leaving a legacy of compassion and humanity that far exceeds any tackle or touchdown.
Contract Extension Not Guaranteed for John Carlson & the Capitals
Washington Capitals’ defenseman John Carlson is entering the final year of his eight-year, $64 million contract. According to ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski, as of Sept. 18, there have been no discussions between the Capitals and Carlson about a contract extension. He will become an unrestricted free agent next summer if no deal is reached.
The 35-year-old Natick, Massachusetts native has spent his entire career with the Capitals. He was selected in the first round, 27th overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. After back-to-back Calder Cups with the Capitals’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate Hershey Bears, Carlson established himself as one of the best two-way defensemen in the league. In the Capitals’ Stanley Cup championship run in 2018, Carlson led all defensemen in the playoffs with 20 points and a plus-11 rating in 24 games.
Washington’s All-Time Best Defenseman
Carlson is the team’s all-time leader in games played (1,088), goals (156), assists (569), and points (725) for a defenseman. He is the sixth-highest scorer among American-born defensemen in NHL history. His No. 74 deserves to be hanging in the rafters at Capital One Arena in a few years.
The 35-year-old Carlson had another strong season in 2024-25, his 16th as a professional. He topped 50 points for the seventh time in his career while averaging 23:43 in ice time. Last January, he became the 31st defenseman in league history to score 700 points. When Carlson was on the ice last season, the Capitals scored 65 goals, the most of any Washington defenseman.
“He’s so intelligent, positionally, penalty kill, five-on-five, defending some of the fastest, most skilled players in the world, his stick positioning,” said Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery. “You can just go down the list of all these little undercover plays and undercover decisions, defensively and offensively, that he makes every single game.”
The right-handed defenseman has proven to be sturdy during his NHL career, missing 57 games over 16 seasons. His most serious injury, a skull fracture and temporal artery laceration, caused him to miss 36 games during the 2022-23 season.
Is Carlson Trending Down?
Despite putting up solid offensive numbers last season, Carlson appeared worn out in the playoffs. He missed the last three games of the season due to an undisclosed injury and seemed a step behind, especially against the speedy Carolina Hurricanes.
While Carlson’s ice time remained close to his career average last season, his even-strength time dropped by around two minutes per game. He’s been known throughout his career for his elite ability to think the game and move the puck, but his decline in speed may lead to a further reduction of his minutes. He’s also been criticized for his defensive play at times in his career, a point which came to the surface after last season’s playoff loss to the Hurricanes.
For Carlson, it seems a top-pair role is a stretch for him at this point in his career, and a reduced workload could help him to continue to contribute offensively while limiting his exposure to the opposition’s top lines. A pairing with a faster, more defensively-minded partner, such as Martin Fehervary, could also help him to maintain his effectiveness.
What Is a Fair Deal for John Carlson at 36?
Carlson has roots in Washington. He is a respected member of the community who participates in a number of charitable ventures. His kids play youth hockey in the area, and it’s not uncommon to see him at a local rink watching them skate. As a long-time alternate captain, he’s also a core part of a dressing room culture that has been lauded throughout the league for its positivity.
At the end of last season, Capitals general manager Chris Patrick downplayed any urgency in re-signing Carlson. “[Carlson] is obviously a huge part of our team and had a great season, and all expectations are he’s going to have another great season next year,” Patrick said. “It probably makes sense just to see how things play out a little bit. We’re a mature team and transitioning to a younger team, and we just want to make sure that we’re putting guys in the right position to have success and that expectations line up. So, nothing imminent [extension-wise] this summer.”
Carlson told Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic that he has no desire to leave Washington, but is seeking a “fair deal” from the team (from ‘NHL rumblings: Latest on pending UFAs Kempe, Tuch, Necas, Andersson and more,’
With a current salary of $8 million per year, Carlson is currently the second-highest paid defenseman on the team, behind Jakob Chychrun’s $9 million. As his role shifts to the second or third pair, a salary around $4 million, or just below Rasmus Sandin’s $4.6 million, seems reasonable, which would put him behind Martin Fehervary ($6 million) and Matt Roy ($5.7 million). Those numbers would certainly be feasible financially for the Capitals next season, but how much term are they willing to give?
“I think anybody would probably love security,” Carlson told Chris Cerullo. “I think that’s a normal thought to have, but I’m not thinking about it now. I’ve always been pretty good at focusing on what I can control.”
It’s hard to imagine Carlson wearing any other jersey, but as the Capitals are in a self-described youth-oriented era, it just may happen. There are certainly teams that could use a veteran puck-moving defender with Carlson’s smarts who can quarterback a power play. Still, with all that he’s meant to the team, as well as the fact that he can still produce in a more protected role, the Capitals should make every effort to do right by the player.
