Eagles' Stone Smartt: Headed to Philadelphia Stone Smartt is set to join the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year contract, according to a report by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The move marks a new chapter for the tight end, who previously spent the initial three seasons of his NFL career with the San Diego Chargers. After a brief stint with the New York Jets in 2025, where he appeared in 15 games, Smartt recorded seven receptions for 52 yards on nine targets. Now, the 6-foot-4, 226-pound player will add depth to the Eagles' receiving corps. The team's tight end group is currently led by Dallas Goedert, with Grant Calcaterra and Johnny Mundt positioned behind him in the hierarchy. This signing is expected to enhance the team's flexibility in the red zone and provide additional options for quarterback Jalen Hurts in the 2025 season. Smartt's experience and physical attributes are seen as valuable assets as the Eagles aim to strengthen their offensive capabilities. The deal underscores the team's focus on bolstering their receiving options while maintaining a balanced approach to roster management.#philadelphia_eagles #ian_rapoport #dallas_goedert #jalen_hurts #stone_smartt
Tom Brady and Jalen Hurts Warned by USA Flag Football Star Ahead of Fanatics Event A USA flag football star has issued a warning to NFL legends Tom Brady and Jalen Hurts ahead of the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, a tournament set to take place in Los Angeles. Darrell “Housh” Doucette III, a 36-year-old standout in the sport, emphasized that the team representing the United States will not be overlooked despite competing against high-profile NFL players. The event, originally scheduled for Saudi Arabia, was relocated to Los Angeles due to political instability in the Middle East. Doucette, who will compete in the tournament, challenged Brady and Hurts to take the competition seriously. “You guys better give 100% because we’re going to give 100%,” he told The Associated Press. “Don’t underestimate us.” The Fanatics Flag Football Classic is designed to promote the sport ahead of its debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The tournament will feature a three-team format, with Brady and Hurts joining forces on the Founders FFC team. The Wildcats FFC will be led by NFL stars Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow, while Team USA will also participate after the event’s relocation. Other notable athletes set to compete include Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs, and DeAndre Hopkins, who will be split between the Founders and Wildcats teams. Former NFL stars like Rob Gronkowski and Odell Beckham Jr. are also expected to return to the sport, while celebrities such as IShowSpeed, Logan Paul, and Terence “Bud” Crawford will add to the event’s star power. Doucette previously criticized Hurts for assuming he would be selected for the Team USA flag football team at the 2028 Olympics. Despite the high caliber of competition, he remains confident in his team’s ability to prove their dominance.#los_angeles #tom_brady #jalen_hurts #fanatics_flag_football_classic #darrell_housh_doucette_iii
Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen to Call Saturday’s Fanatics Flag Football Classic Fox has enlisted top-tier analysts Kevin Burkhardt and Greg Olsen to broadcast the Fanatics Flag Football Classic on Saturday, March 21. The event, which will air from 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET, features a three-team tournament competing against the second round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. The matchup includes two teams of current and former NFL players alongside celebrities, with Tom Brady and Jalen Hurts leading one squad coached by Sean Payton, and Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels guiding the other under Kyle Shanahan’s direction. The tournament’s structure involves selecting teams from a pool of current NFL players, former NFL players, and random celebrities. This year’s event marks a shift from its original plan to be held in Saudi Arabia, which was abandoned following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East. The decision to relocate the game underscores the impact of geopolitical tensions on international sporting events. Burkhardt and Olsen’s involvement highlights their prominence in sports broadcasting, though their partnership has been shaped by recent changes at Fox. Previously, the duo co-hosted the No. 1 NFL team on Fox until the network invested $37.5 million annually in Tom Brady, leading to Olsen’s demotion. Despite this, the pair’s return to a high-profile event underscores their continued relevance in the sports media landscape. Brady, now a participant rather than a commentator, will captain one of the teams, adding a layer of personal stakes to the competition. The event’s scheduling and format aim to blend entertainment with competitive play, drawing attention from both football fans and broader audiences.#tom_brady #jalen_hurts #kevin_burkhardt #greg_olsen #fanatics_flag_football_classic
Jalen Hurts Talks About the Inspiration for His New Children’s Book, 'Better Than a Touchdown' Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has expanded his career beyond football by becoming a children’s book author. His debut title, Better Than a Touchdown, was introduced during an appearance on Good Morning America, where he discussed the story’s themes of perseverance, friendship, and the belief in children’s potential to achieve greatness. The book, set for release on March 10, 2026, reflects Hurts’ personal experiences and his commitment to inspiring young readers. Hurts shared the moment that sparked his creative journey, recalling a childhood encounter at a Scholastic book fair. He discovered a book titled My Brother’s Side, which features two young Black football players. The cover struck him deeply, though he later learned the authors were NFL legends Tiki and Ronde Barber. This revelation left a lasting impression, reinforcing the importance of representation for young athletes. The book’s narrative follows a child pursuing a passion, guided by the support of friends and mentors—a reflection of Hurts’ own path. He emphasized the power of belief and environment in shaping potential, using the metaphor of an acorn containing all it needs to grow into an oak tree. “That’s exactly what we are as people,” he said, hoping readers would carry this message forward. During the interview, Hurts engaged with young fans, answering questions about his hobbies and challenges. He admitted to facing moments of doubt during his college career but credited passion, resilience, and courage for keeping him motivated. These lessons are woven into the story, underscoring the book’s focus on overcoming adversity.#jalen_hurts #good_morning_america #scholastic_book_fair #my_brother_s_side #tiki_barber
Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts Engages Young Fans with Honest Answers Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts recently appeared on Good Morning America to discuss his new children’s book, Better Than a Touchdown, which he co-authored with illustrator Nneka Myers. Published by Penguin Random House, the story follows a young boy named Jalen who rallies his community to save his school’s football team after it’s cut. Hurts aims to share life lessons from his own experiences through the book, which is targeted at children aged 7 to 11. During the segment, Hurts fielded questions from young fans, showcasing his humility and connection with children. A five-year-old asked, “What do you do for fun when you’re not playing football?” Hurts laughed and replied, “That is so cute!” He explained that while he enjoys spending time with his family, his focus remains on football, stating, “When I’m not playing football, I can’t help but prepare for football.” He also mentioned working on the children’s book during the offseason, emphasizing his passion for giving time to causes he cares about. Another nine-year-old asked about Hurts’ favorite vacation spot. The three-time Pro Bowler described places with beaches, warm weather, and a connection to Philadelphia. He also shared a lighthearted anecdote about surviving a snowstorm and a wave, hoping the weather would improve. When asked if he ever considered quitting football, Hurts reflected on a challenging period when he faced doubts and adversity. He credited his perseverance, courage, and passion for keeping him going, saying, “Without the courage, perseverance, resilience, and passion, I wouldn’t be here today.” The book’s message aligns with Hurts’ personal journey, highlighting the importance of resilience in overcoming obstacles.#philadelphia_eagles #penguin_random_house #jalen_hurts #nneka_myers #good_morning_america
Jalen Hurts Reflects on Doubts About His Football Career in New Book Jalen Hurts, the NFL quarterback and Super Bowl MVP, has shared insights into a challenging period in his career through a new children’s book titled Better Than a Touchdown. The story, illustrated by Nneka Myers, follows a young athlete named Jalen who faces a devastating setback when his school’s football team is cut. Despite the heartbreak, Jalen and his friends rally together, using teamwork and encouragement to overcome the obstacle. The book emphasizes themes of resilience, friendship, and collective effort, with Hurts’ signature wisdom woven into the narrative. Hurts revealed the project during an appearance on the Today Show last summer, announcing the book’s release through Penguin Random House. The story serves as a metaphor for his own journey, including moments when he questioned his place in the sport. In a candid reflection, Hurts shared, “There was a time in college where I really questioned, what’s going on and where do I go from here. I was counted out, broken and dissected.” This period of self-doubt coincided with his transition from Alabama to the NFL, where he faced intense scrutiny after losing his starting position to Tua Tagovailoa. The book’s message resonates beyond sports, highlighting the importance of community and perseverance. Hurts’ account of overcoming adversity mirrors his real-life experiences, including the challenges he faced during his NFL career. His resilience was put to the test when he was benched in 2021, a move that sparked widespread debate and speculation about his future in the league. Despite the setbacks, Hurts has consistently emphasized the value of support systems, whether it’s teammates, coaches, or fans.#today_show #tua_tagovailoa #jalen_hurts #nneka_myers #penguin_random_house
