"Better than a touchdown": Jalen Hurts debuts first children's book to inspire young readers in 2026

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts is set to release his debut children’s book, Better Than a Touchdown, in March 2026. Published by Penguin Random House, the book aims to teach kids about teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving.

It is now available for pre-order in hardcover at major retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Barnes & Noble.

Jalen Hurts children’s book 2026 release: “Better than a touchdown” pre-orders open now

Philadelphia Eagles star and Super Bowl LIX MVP Jalen Hurts is expanding his impact off the football field with the upcoming release of his first children’s book, Better Than a Touchdown. The book will be published by Penguin Random House and officially launches in March 2026.Illustrated by Nneka Myers, the story follows a young boy named Jalen who is excited to join his school’s football team.

But when the program is unexpectedly cut, Jalen and his friends must work together to find a solution. The story highlights key themes like leadership, teamwork, and perseverance—core values Hurts says shaped his own journey.

“It’s a lot of hard work, a lot of love put into this book,” Hurts said during an appearance on The Today Show. “It was very heartfelt, because without the lessons learned, I wouldn't be where I am today.

So I'm excited to extend those lessons to the next generation and hopefully uplift them, just as these lessons I've learned do the same for me."The hardcover edition is priced at $19.99 and is now available for pre-order through major retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and Target.This release marks Hurts’ first step into publishing and is the second children’s book project from a Philadelphia Eagles player in 2025.

Earlier this year, retired Eagles defender Brandon Graham launched BG’s ABCs: Tackling Football and Life, co-authored with Lesley Van Arsdall.Also Read: NFL trade rumors: Falcons may deal $45M backup Kirk Cousins amid uncertainty around J.J. McCarthyHurts’ transition from Super Bowl MVP to published author positions him among a growing list of professional athletes using books to share meaningful life lessons with young readers. With Better Than a Touchdown, he aims to influence and inspire the next generation.