Better Than a Touchdown by Hurts, Jalen

From Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts comes an empowering story about friendship, the power of teamwork, and achieving goals together.

Jalen is so excited for the new school year because this is the year he'll finally get to try out for the football team! But when he arrives at school, he learns the unthinkable--that the football team has been cut. He and his friends are devastated. But Jalen isn't ready to give up, and with some advice from some friends, maybe--just maybe--they can save the day.

Better than a Touchdown is a love letter to the power of community, being there for one another, and how a piece of good advice can change the course of a day. Told with Jalen's signature wisdom and gorgeous art by Nneka Myers, Better than a Touchdown carries a message we can all learn from: that by working together, there's nothing we can't accomplish.

Author: Jalen Hurts
Publisher: Flamingo Books
Published: 03/10/2026
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.93lbs
Size: 9.17h x 11.23w x 0.37d
ISBN: 9798217040308
Audience: Ages 4-8

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/2026
School Library Journal 01/01/2026 pg. 54

About the Author
Jalen Hurts is the star quarterback and 2025 Super Bowl MVP for the Philadelphia Eagles. Known for his exceptional leadership and work ethic, Hurts was selected by the Eagles in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft after a stellar collegiate career at Alabama and Oklahoma. In just a few seasons, he has rapidly risen to become one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks, leading the Eagles to two Super Bowl appearances in 3 seasons, winning the 2025 Super Bowl, and earning Super Bowl MVP honors.

Hurts is also the founder of the Jalen Hurts Foundation, which serves to strengthen communities by providing resources and support programs to create positive role models among today's youth and to encourage and nurture them to pursue their passions.

Nneka Myers is an illustrator and character designer based in Toronto, Canada. Since graduating with a BAA in animation from Sheridan College, her vibrant illustrations and designs have been published in several children's books and in animated preschool shows.