Giving and Game

Jalyx Hunt Leads by example

Philadelphia Eagle, and former HCU Husky, outside linebacker Jalyx Hunt’s story of becoming the fi rst-ever player taken in the National Football League (NFL) Draft from Houston Christian University (HCU) has been told, but over the summer Hunt sat down to share some insight into his first year as a professional football player.

Hunt’s collegiate and professional football career have, in some way, followed a similarity to his life growing up in various parts of the country. Hunt was born in Memphis but also spent time in places like Maryland, South Carolina and Florida. He then played collegiately in both New York and Texas before being dra  ed by the Eagles.

Although a major transition, Hunt was always confi dent in his ability to succeed as he moved from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) to the NFL.

He credits HCU for helping him to develop a focused mindset of continuous improvement and deliberate effort.

“First, it was, ‘Alright, you’re going to have to lock in. These are professional players. I know I can play at that level, but I wanted to see how far the gap was between someone fresh out of college and someone who is a seasoned vet,” shared Hunt of his mindset. “I didn’t go in thinking I was going to win every rep, but every day I knew I was going to improve on something. And that’s something I learned at HCU, actually. It was, pick one thing that day, and focus on it. It’s not always about how hard you’re working at practice, but it’s how hard you’re working at something.”

Despite the Husky football program being a relatively young program by NCAA standards, Hunt credits the program and the University for providing him with a well rounded background that prepared him to successfully transition to professional football.

“In terms of how recently football was added at the school, there are hiccups and bumps and learning about culture in a way that you won’t have to at a place where culture is set,” said Hunt. “It was humbling to know that things might not go the way I wanted, but I still learned to lead and do it in a way that’s very positive and not in a way that’s overly cocky or overly confi dent or anything like that. I learned to remain humble, remain confident, and still lead by example and not always talking I’ve found really useful in the league.”

As a Philadelphia Eagle, Hunt found his way onto the field early, playing on special teams and saw his role grow as the season went on. He leaned on veteran players for advice and tips as he sought to find his footing in a new world. “I’m the type of person who’s going to ask questions of people who have been doing it a while. I’ll ask guys at different positions,” shared Hunt.

Having cemented his spot in the rotation late in the season, Hunt recalled the atmosphere at Lincoln Financial Field ahead of the NFC Championship game against division rival Washington. He recalled the feeling around the city, saying, “I can’t even explain the energy of the city. The day before, they said arrive at the stadium earlier than you expect. People were camping out. As packed in the stadium as it was, outside was just as packed with tailgating, RVs and TVs. It was insane.”

The Eagles made no mistake about earning their way to the Super Bowl, wrapping up a dominant 55-23 win over the Commanders. In the Super Bowl, Hunt recorded a sack of Patrick Mahomes and celebrated with an archer motion into the air. That motion earned a fine from the NFL that turned into a moment that brought Philadelphians together to help local youth. Actor Rob McElhenney offered to pay the fine for Hunt, but the former Husky found a way to impact others.

“I’m blessed enough to be able to pay my own fine, but I DMed (Rob McElhenney) and said ‘I appreciate you reaching out, but I can pay my own fine. If you’re serious about paying the fine, you can donate to people who are trying to do bigger things,’” shared Hunt.

Hunt described playing in the Super Bowl as a blessing and a goal he has wanted to achieve his entire life.

“But in the grand scheme of life, knowledge and access is so much more. If I can use this platform to help other people in their step of achieving their dreams, I want to do it. I tweeted out for anyone who was serious ‘to donate whatever you were going to send to me to send it to them.’  Within like six hours we had $25,000 and the goal was $20,000,” said Hunt.

The money raised went on to help send 80 high school students on college trips to explore continuing their education beyond their immediate surroundings.

Hunt is now in year two of professional football and is set to be recognized with HCU’s Emerging Alumnus Leader Award this fall at the Spirit of HCU Awards Dinner. The Emerging Leader Award is given to honor an undergraduate alumnus of 10 or fewer years who has had early career success and made a positive impact in their community.

Hunt has proven, he is an emerging leader both on and off
the field.

“I learned to remain humble, remain confident and still lead by example.”
JALYX HUNT, HCU Alumnus