Jalen Hurts Pledges $5 Million to Combat Homelessness in Philadelphia – “It’s My Turn to Give Back”
In a remarkable act of generosity, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has pledged $5 million from his latest sponsorship deals to address the pressing issue of homelessness in Philadelphia. Hurts, whose life has been shaped by the love and support of the city, is now taking steps to give back in a truly impactful way.
“I can’t stand by knowing families are sleeping outside in this city,” Hurts said, his voice filled with emotion. “Philadelphia gave me everything—love, energy, belief. Now it’s my turn to give back, and this is just the beginning. We are opening 100 housing units and 200 shelter beds to help those who need it the most.”
Hurts’ initiative will provide critical shelter and support for families who are struggling to make ends meet in a city where homelessness has become an increasingly urgent issue. His pledge aims to provide a safe and stable environment for hundreds of individuals, offering not just a bed, but a sense of hope.
The $5 million donation will go directly to building and sustaining new homeless shelters throughout Philadelphia, ensuring that those in need have a place to stay and receive the care and resources required to get back on their feet. Hurts’ commitment is already being hailed as a game-changing move, not just for the homeless community but for the entire city.
“This is a step in the right direction,” said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. “Jalen Hurts is showing what true leadership looks like—both on and off the field. His generosity will make a lasting impact on our city, and we are incredibly grateful for his commitment.”
The 100 housing units and 200 shelter beds that will be opened as part of Hurts’ initiative are just the beginning. Hurts has expressed his desire to continue working with local organizations to expand the program and reach even more families in need. His emotional connection to his community is evident in his words, and his dedication to making a difference is clear.
“Philadelphia is where I learned the value of hard work, community, and resilience,” Hurts said. “Now it’s time for me to use what I’ve been given to help others. I’m proud to call this city my home, and I’ll continue to give back in every way I can.”
Jalen Hurts’ pledge is a reminder that the power of sports extends far beyond the field. His heartwarming commitment to the people of Philadelphia shows that even the smallest act of kindness can have a ripple effect, creating lasting change for those who need it most.
Jalen Hurts, Eagles Denied NFL History by Unfortunate Setback
The NFL season began with a divisional clash between the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday, Sept. 4.
Philadelphia won 24–20 in a game that featured seven consecutive scoring drives to open the first half, an efficient performance from Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and a pre-snap ejection of Philly's All-Pro defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
The matchup also featured a ratings surge that was on pace to set a new benchmark for NFL Kickoff broadcasts, until a 65-minute weather delay disrupted momentum and ultimately denied NBC Sports a place in ratings history.
The Eagles led 24-20 with 4:44 remaining in the third when the game was halted due to severe thunderstorms in the area.
With 4:44 left in the third quarter, lightning in the area triggered a mandatory suspension of play. Both teams retreated to their locker rooms, with the delay lasting 65 minutes and players returning to the field at 11:15 p.m. ET and play resuming at 11:30 p.m.
Safe to say the lengthy delay disrupted the rhythm of both offenses. After combining for 41 points in the first half, the teams managed just three points in the second half (a 58-yard field goal by Jake Elliott) and zero points scored post-delay.
The final eight drives of the game included five punts and a red-zone fumble by Dallas running back Miles Sanders.
According to NBC Sports, the Eagles-Cowboys broadcast averaged 31.9 million viewers across NBC, Peacock and digital platforms before the weather delay. The audience peaked at 34.3 million viewers during the second quarter, marking the highest peak viewership ever for an NFL Kickoff Game.
The game was well on pace to surpass the previous record of 29.2 million viewers set by the 2024 Baltimore Ravens-Kansas City Chiefs opener. However, the delay caused a sharp drop in viewership.
When play resumed, the audience fell to 20.2 million viewers, and the final average settled at 28.3 million, still the second-highest Kickoff Game viewership in league history.
The broadcast also marked the second-most simulstreamed NBC NFL game ever, with a digital Average Minute Audience of 4.9 million viewers across Peacock, NBC Sports Digital and NFL platforms.
