If you’ve ever watched Jalen Hurts speak at a podium after a tough loss or a massive Super Bowl win, you’ve probably noticed something. The guy is a machine. He is composed, almost eerily calm, and speaks with the wisdom of someone twice his age. People often wonder where that stoicism comes from. The answer isn't a PR firm or a media coach. It’s Averion Hurts, his father.
Honestly, in the world of high-stakes football, we talk a lot about "coach’s kids." Usually, that’s just a cliché for a player who knows how to read a playbook. But with Jalen, being a coach’s kid was basically his entire personality and upbringing. Averion Hurts wasn't just a dad who tossed the ball in the backyard. He was the guy holding the whistle at Channelview High School, the same place Jalen was trying to make a name for himself.
Who is Jalen Hurts' Dad? More Than Just a Sideline Figure
Averion Hurts is a Texas high school football legend in his own right. To understand the man, you have to look at his own path. Before he was coaching Jalen or his older brother, Averion Jr., he was a standout athlete at Howard Payne University.
He wasn't a quarterback, though.
He was an offensive lineman and a six-time All-American in track and field. Think about that for a second. The footwork, the discipline of track, and the sheer grit of playing in the trenches as a lineman—that’s the DNA he passed down. He graduated in 1990 with a degree in marketing, but the sideline was always calling. He eventually took over the head coaching job at Channelview High School in 2006.
It’s kinda wild to think about. Imagine your dad being the person who decides if you start or sit. Averion didn’t take it easy on his sons. If anything, he was tougher. He’s gone on record saying Jalen was "obsessed" with the game from a young age. Averion didn't have to push him; he just had to provide the roadmap.
The Channelview Days and the "Coach's Kid" Tax
Growing up in Channelview, Texas, Jalen didn't get the superstar treatment. Averion made sure of that. While other kids were hanging out, Jalen was often at the field house. He was the one cleaning up, watching film, and learning the "why" behind every play call.
Averion has this philosophy about respect and work ethic that clearly stuck. He didn't just teach Jalen how to throw a spiral; he taught him how to lead a room of 50 guys.
"I have a foundation set for myself, but my parents did that for me. Being a coach’s kid, they created habits for me to see things a certain way." — Jalen Hurts
It wasn't always easy. Averion had to balance being a father and a coach, which is a tightrope walk. There’s a famous story about Jalen playing powerlifting in high school too. Averion encouraged that. He wanted Jalen to be strong, not just "quarterback strong," but "lineman strong." It’s why Jalen can squat over 600 pounds today. That’s the Averion influence.
A Family of Athletes and Educators
It’s not just Averion, though. The whole house was built on a foundation of discipline. Jalen’s mother, Pamela Hurts, is an educator with multiple degrees. She taught math and special education. While Averion was handling the physical and strategic side of Jalen’s development, Pamela was the one ensuring the mental and academic side was locked in.
Then you have Averion Hurts Jr., Jalen's older brother. He was a quarterback too, playing for Texas Southern University. Recently, Averion Jr. has followed in his father's footsteps, landing a job as the offensive coordinator at Westfield High School in Houston.
The Hurts family is essentially a coaching tree all on its own.
What Really Happened During the College Years
When Jalen went to Alabama and eventually faced that famous benching for Tua Tagovailoa, people looked to Averion for a reaction. Most "sports dads" would have been on social media complaining. Not Averion.
He stayed in the shadows. He stayed professional. He told Jalen to keep his head down and work. That’s the Texas high school coach in him. You don't whine; you compete. When Jalen transferred to Oklahoma and became a Heisman finalist, Averion was there, but he never tried to take the spotlight.
Why the Bond Matters Now
If you saw the footage after the Eagles won the Super Bowl in early 2025, there was a moment. Jalen and Averion shared a hug on the field that seemed to last forever. Averion was visibly emotional—something he rarely shows.
He’s admitted that he’s only cried a few times during Jalen’s career. That New Orleans victory was one of them. For Averion, it wasn't just about the trophy. It was about seeing the "habits" he instilled in a kid in Channelview pay off on the biggest stage in the world.
Key Takeaways from the Averion-Jalen Connection:
- Discipline is Non-Negotiable: Averion taught Jalen that talent is the baseline, but work ethic is the differentiator.
- The "Why" Over the "What": Being a coach's son meant Jalen learned the strategy of football, not just the physical mechanics.
- Stoicism as a Weapon: The calm demeanor Jalen shows in the pocket is a direct reflection of Averion’s "no-nonsense" coaching style.
- Versatility: Averion’s background in track and as a lineman is why Jalen is one of the most physically powerful quarterbacks in NFL history.
What You Can Learn From This
Whether you’re a parent, a coach, or just a fan, the story of Averion and Jalen Hurts is a masterclass in mentorship. It’s about the long game. Averion didn't raise a star; he raised a professional who happened to become a star.
If you want to apply the "Hurts Method" to your own life or career, focus on these three things:
- Build a Foundation of Habits: Don't worry about the big win today. Focus on the routine that makes the win inevitable.
- Stay Grounded in Your Roots: Even with a $255 million contract, Jalen still talks about Channelview. Never forget where the work started.
- Let the Work Speak: Averion rarely gives long interviews. Jalen is famously brief. Let your results do the talking for you.
Averion Hurts might not be a household name like his son, but in the world of football development, he’s the blueprint. He didn't just give Jalen his name; he gave him the tools to carry it.