In the wake of recent controversy sparked by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s commencement speech, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has voiced his strong support for women, highlighting their importance in both football and society at large.
Jalen Hurts: Women are the rock of everything
During the Eagles’ Women’s Football Festival on Sunday, May 19, Hurts addressed the audience with a powerful message. “Women are thrusted into positions to have to overcome this, overcome that and they lack the respect that they deserve,” Hurts stated passionately.
He continued, emphasizing the foundational role of women, “I’m here advocating for it, not only in football but in every situation. We all know the woman is the rock of everything.” Hurts’ comments come shortly after Butker’s speech at Benedictine College went viral for its controversial views on women’s roles.
Butker had told graduates that their greatest title would be “homemaker” and suggested that women are often misled by society. His remarks were met with widespread backlash, including from prominent figures like Hoda Kotb, Jenna Bush Hager, Maria Shriver, and Flavor Flav. The NFL distanced itself from Butker’s comments, and a petition calling for the Chiefs to dismiss him has garnered over 220,000 signatures.
Jalen Hurts speaking at the #Eagles WomensFest…
“Women are thrusted into positions to have to overcome this, overcome that. & they always do. Yet they lack the respect they deserve. We all know the woman is the rock of everything”
(@PHLEaglesNation)
pic.twitter.com/C2X4kWFyL1— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) May 20, 2024
Hurts has an all-women management team
For Hurts, the respect and support of women are integral to the Eagles’ success and his personal values. Hurts, who has an all-female management and communication team led by agent Nicole Lynn, praised the influence of women in his life and career.
Lynn notably secured Hurts a record-breaking five-year, $255 million contract extension last year, making him the highest-paid player in the NFL at the time. Reflecting on the importance of female support within the Eagles’ fan base, Hurts remarked, “It’s been great. I honestly think it’s reflective of just how the fan base is here. You see more of a variety of support from women in our community. That’s good for the team.”
