Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is having an MVP-type season on and off the field.
On Tuesday, Hurts visited Walter B. Saul High School to honor the memory of Nicolas Elizalde, a 14-year-old killed in a gang shooting after a football scrimmage at Roxborough High School earlier this year. Four other players were injured.
Inquirer.com tells the entire story of Hurts’ visit.
Hurts, who was born and raised in Houston, said in an interview that since moving to Philadelphia in 2020, he has sought to better understand the obstacles and tragedies the city’s residents regularly face. Being here for the students, he said, and spending time with the Elizalde family, means a lot to him.
“Nick’s family finds a lot of value in what I do on the field,” said Hurts. “They find a lot of joy in what I do on the field, so I hold that in high regard,” he said. “It’s definitely on my mind when I’m out there playing.”
The QB who has led the Eagles to a 12-1 mark delivered a poignant and powerful message.
“You can overcome anything,” the star quarterback told them at the start of the event.
“I’m not in your shoes, I don’t go through the things y’all go through. But I want to help y’all, and be there for y’all.”