Jalen Alexander Hurts was born in Houston, Texas.

Hurts attended Channelview High School in Channelview, Texas, where his father, Averion, was the football coach. He was a four-star recruit and was ranked among the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the Class of 2016. Hurts committed to the University of Alabama on June 5, 2015.

Hurts began his college football career with the Alabama Crimson Tide, leading the team to consecutive College Football Playoff National Championship appearances in 2016 and 2017. After being benched for Tua Tagovailoa during Alabama's victory in the 2017 championship game, Hurts spent one season as a backup in 2018.

Hurts transferred to the University of Oklahoma for his final season, leading the Oklahoma Sooners to an appearance in the 2019–20 College Football Playoff.

Hurts was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft with the 53rd overall pick.

Hurts became the Eagles' starter near the end of his rookie season and had a breakout season in 2022, leading the Eagles to their conference's top seed and an appearance in Super Bowl LVII, earning him Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors.

Hurts signed a five-year, $255 million contract extension with the Eagles in April 2023, making him one of the highest annual earners in the NFL.

Hurts led the Eagles to Super Bowl LIX, becoming the first Eagles quarterback to make multiple Super Bowl appearances. He has led Philadelphia to the playoffs in all four of his seasons as the primary starter and received two Pro Bowl selections.

Hurts continues to play for the Philadelphia Eagles, having established himself as a key player in the NFL.