Jalen Hurts: Golf, Contracts, and Life Beyond the Field
Golf is a favored secondary sport for many professional athletes, offering a blend of relaxation and minimal physical strain. However, for NFL quarterback Jalen Hurts, his contract with the Philadelphia Eagles prohibits him from participating in the sport.
On October 31, Hurts joined running back Saquon Barkley and Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie at Merion Golf Club, where they were invited to play alongside former President Barack Obama. Despite the prestigious invitation, Hurts couldn’t take a swing due to contractual restrictions.
Reflecting on the day, Hurts shared his thoughts about watching Obama on the course. “Seeing him out there having fun and talking some trash was great,” Hurts told CBS Sports. “I joked that he didn’t want to face me yet. But for now, I can’t golf—my contract doesn’t allow it. His time will come.”
Hurts signed a five-year, $255 million contract with the Eagles last year, keeping him away from golf for the foreseeable future. Despite this, Barkley believes Hurts might have developed a newfound interest in the game. “I think he caught the bug,” Barkley said. “He got a glimpse of how enjoyable and relaxing it can be. It’s a great way to take your mind off the pressures of the game.”
For Hurts, the highlight of the day wasn’t the golf but the opportunity to spend time with Obama. “He’s an incredible leader and so grounded,” Hurts remarked. “Every conversation I’ve had with him has been meaningful and insightful. I always leave feeling wiser and better as a person. I hope I can offer the same to him in some way.”
Off the field, Hurts’s personal life has been making headlines as well. Last month, he confirmed his engagement to longtime girlfriend Bryonna “Bry” Burrows. The proposal took place during the NFL offseason on a tropical getaway, where Hurts set a romantic scene with roses, candles, and a violinist. Photos shared with Essence captured the couple in matching white outfits, enjoying a sunset on the beach.
Hurts and Burrows met during their college years at the University of Alabama, where Hurts played football for three seasons before transferring to the University of Oklahoma for his senior year. Their enduring relationship now takes a new step forward, marking another milestone in Hurts’s life, both on and off the field.
