Former Cowboys Lineman Retires at 34 to Serve in U.S. Army - The Star Salutes His Sacrifice

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has made headlines not for what he did on the field, but for what he did from the heart. The star signal-caller has quietly paid off all outstanding student loan debt for members of the University of Alabama and University of Oklahoma classes of 2019 — two schools that helped shape his remarkable journey. According to multiple sources familiar with both universities, Hurts personally covered over $180,000 in student loan balances through his foundation earlier this year. The payments were made quietly, without media attention, photo ops, or press statements — in line with Hurts’ famously humble and disciplined character. Jalen Hurts began his college career at the University of Alabama, where he led the Crimson Tide to a National Championship in 2017 and compiled a 26–2 record as a starter. In 2019, after transferring to the University of Oklahoma, Hurts threw for 3,851 yards and 32 touchdowns, earning a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist and reaffirming his reputation as one of college football’s most inspiring leaders. Officials at both universities confirmed that Hurts’ representatives coordinated directly with their financial aid departments to identify students from the 2019 graduating class who still carried loan debt. All qualifying accounts were paid in full within weeks. A spokesperson from Oklahoma shared, “We were informed that an anonymous donation would erase the remaining student loan debt for members of the Class of 2019. When we later learned it came from Jalen, we weren’t surprised — that’s who he is.” At Alabama, administrators expressed similar admiration. “Jalen has always represented this university with integrity, humility, and excellence. His generosity will change lives just as his leadership did on the field,” said an official from the Crimson Tide athletic department. For many graduates, Hurts’ gesture eliminates a weight that has followed them for years — and gives them the freedom to pursue careers, families, and dreams without financial strain. It’s another example of the quarterback’s quiet strength and commitment to impact over attention. As word spreads through Tuscaloosa and Norman, fans are celebrating Hurts as more than an NFL star. He’s a man whose leadership transcends football — a champion who still honors where it all began, and who continues to lead with purpose long after the final whistle.