Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts recently had to set the record straight about a supposed golf outing with former President Barack Obama. Reports emerged on Tuesday that Hurts, along with his Eagles teammate Saquon Barkley and team owner Jeffrey Lurie, had spent the day playing golf with Obama.
However, Hurts clarified on Wednesday that, contrary to the reports, he didn’t actually hit the links with the others—and the reason was simple: his contract doesn’t allow him to play golf.
The 26-year-old quarterback explained that he was there to hang out with the group, but he never picked up a club or took any swings. While he enjoyed the time spent with Obama, Barkley, and Lurie, Hurts revealed that golf was not an option for him due to contractual obligations. “I just hung out with them the whole time,” Hurts said, adding that he was happy to be part of the experience, even without actually playing.
NFL players often have clauses in their contracts prohibiting them from engaging in activities that could pose injury risks, and Hurts’ contract appears to include golf among those restrictions. While golf might not seem like the most dangerous sport, contracts for high-profile athletes like Hurts are often meticulously detailed to minimize risk—especially after Hurts signed a significant contract extension in 2023.
As for Saquon Barkley, he was able to participate in the game, and afterward, he described it as one of the coolest experiences of his life.
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Fans have expressed curiosity about the various activities that Hurts is prohibited from doing due to his contract. Given the high stakes involved in protecting a franchise quarterback, it’s likely that there are several seemingly low-risk activities, like golf, that Hurts has agreed to avoid in order to ensure he stays healthy and ready to lead the Eagles on the field.
Hurts signed a five-year, $255 million contract extension before the start of the 2023 season, which included $180 million in guaranteed money. At the time, this deal made Hurts the highest-paid player in NFL history.
However, his record-setting deal was surpassed just ten days later by Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The lucrative contract reflects Hurts’ value to the Eagles, and the team has clearly taken every precaution to protect their star player.
Hurts has been performing well this season, helping Philadelphia to a 5-2 start. He has completed 69.1% of his passes for 1,544 yards, with eight touchdowns and four interceptions.
Hurts has also been a force in the running game, adding seven rushing touchdowns to his season stats. His QBR of 69.3 is a career best and currently ranks sixth in the NFL, showcasing his growth and consistency as one of the league’s top quarterbacks.
While Hurts may not be able to join in on a round of golf, his commitment to his team and his performance on the field are evident.
Spending time with a former president is certainly a unique opportunity, and Hurts made the most of the experience, even if he had to do it without a golf club in hand.
As he continues to lead the Eagles this season, it’s clear that Hurts’ focus remains on what matters most—keeping himself in peak condition to help his team succeed.
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