Jalen Hurts’ rise to football stardom is more than just a story about athletic talent—it’s a reflection of family, discipline, and deep-rooted values. Born on August 7, 1998, in Houston, Texas, Jalen Alexander Hurts, who is engaged to Bry Burrows, was raised in Channelview, a small town just outside of the city. His parents, Averion and Pamela Hurts, played pivotal roles in shaping his career and character, both through their professions and their unwavering support.
All About Jalen Hurts’ Parents, Ethnicity, Nationality, Race, and His Family Life
Averion Hurts Sr. isn’t just Jalen Hurt’s father; he’s the man who coached him through his most formative years. A former college athlete himself, Averion played football and ran track at Howard Payne University, where he was a six-time All-American in track and field and an All-Conference offensive lineman. He graduated with a degree in marketing in 1990, but a knee injury forced him to shift gears.
By 1994, he was teaching in the Pasadena Independent School District, working in the Adaptive Behavior Unit at Parkview Intermediate. However, his love for sports never faded, and by 1996, he was back on the field—this time as a football coach at MacArthur High School in Texas. After years of climbing the coaching ranks, he became the head coach at Channelview High School in 2006, where he remained for many years, mentoring young athletes, including his own son, Jalen Hurts.
Being raised by a coach meant Jalen had football in his blood from day one. His older brother, Averion Jr., followed in their father’s footsteps and became a football coach himself. But while sports were a major part of their upbringing, academics were equally important.
Pamela Hurts, their mother ensured that education remained a priority. With a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s in counseling, she worked in the Channelview Independent School District, teaching math and serving as the Special Services Department Chair at Anthony Aguirre Junior High. She instilled in Jalen the discipline required to excel not just on the field, but in the classroom as well—an influence that helped him become an honor roll student.
Growing up in a household where both parents were educators and his father was a coach, Jalen Hurts developed a relentless work ethic. His dad trained him from an early age, refining his skills as a quarterback. Averion Sr. believed in competition and accountability, and he instilled these values in Jalen. Even as a child, Jalen was waking up before dawn for workouts, throwing passes with his father and brother, and reviewing game footage before heading to school.
While his father shaped his football skills, his mother shaped his character. Pamela is known for her strong faith, a trait she passed down to Jalen. She once recalled a friend prophesying that Jalen would go on to play in the NFL, and she held onto that belief. That faith-based upbringing is evident in the way Jalen carries himself—calm under pressure, disciplined in his approach, and steadfast in his beliefs.
Ethnically, Jalen Hurts is African American, and his success holds particular significance in the football world. In 2023, he and Patrick Mahomes made history as the first Black quarterbacks to face off in a Super Bowl. This milestone was a testament not only to their individual talents but also to the growing representation of Black quarterbacks in the NFL—a role historically dominated by white players. Jalen’s presence in the league, along with his character and leadership, serves as an inspiration to young athletes from similar backgrounds who aspire to reach the highest levels of the sport.
Jalen Hurts’ family remains an integral part of his journey, even as he reaches new heights in his career. His mother has spoken publicly about how proud she is of him, not just for his accomplishments but for the person he has become. His father, ever the coach, continues to provide guidance and mentorship. His brother, Averion Jr., regularly shares his support on social media, posting motivational messages and celebrating his younger brother’s achievements. His younger sister, Kynnedy, has kept a lower profile, but Jalen has made it clear that he’s looking out for her future—setting aside $70,000 for her college education.
Nationality-wise, Jalen Hurts is, of course, American. Born and raised in Texas, he embodies the spirit of hard work and perseverance that is often associated with his home state. His journey from Channelview to the University of Alabama, then to the University of Oklahoma, and finally to the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles, showcases the classic American dream—one built on determination, discipline, and the uncompromising support of family.
On the field, Jalen Hurts has become known for his leadership, toughness, and ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments. He led the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance in 2023 and returned to the big game in 2025, proving that his work ethic and dedication were no fluke. But off the field, he remains a family-oriented, grounded individual who still credits his parents for shaping him into the man he is today.
