Black History Month (Part 1) and Kelly talks about...sports???
People who've known me a long time are very puzzled by my enthusiasm for football in the last few years. My husband, who I met in 2018, is a die-hard Eagles fan. I've come to learn that all Eagles fans are die-hard, and that they are kinda insane and have a reputation for being nutty. But they are very loyal and enthusiastic. After getting to know the sport a little (seriously I knew nothing. I did ballet most of my life!), I started enjoying it. After getting to know the team I really started enjoying it. Everyone knows Taylor Swift's boyfriend is Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. Travis' older brother is Jason Kelce and he just retired from the Eagles a year or 2 ago. His retirement was sad because he is extremely beloved, and we worried about the team. But Jalen Hurts stepped into Kelce's place as quarterback, and a couple other changes happened, like Saquon Barkley coming on board from the NY Giants. Something magical happened and the team blossomed in an amazing way. They had a fantastic season this year and as you may know, they just won the SuperBowl. They really deserved it. The team is made up of guys that are just phenomenal humans. The owner is a Democrat and the team unanimously agreed to decline the invitation to the White House after the SuperBowl win. The ownership of the team is active in the Autism awareness space, they promote disability awareness, they are LGBTQ+ allies, and they are all around great guys.
Jalen Hurts has received a lot of criticism for stupid things. But watching him glow this year has been so cool. I feel like a proud Auntie or something. Then there's the way he looks at Saquon when Saquon scores of does one of his amazing runs. The sportsman ship is just beautiful. And the coach, Nick Sirianni has provided solid leadership for years.
Like I said, anyone who's known me for a long time is reading this wondering WTF...Kelly?? Yep. My fireman husband asks me about astrology and I am an Eagles nut now. Go Birds!
So one of the cool things that came out about Jalen Hurts this year is his management team. His team is 100% female and 3 of them (out of 5) are black women. That's who we covered on the latest episode of Bitchstory (I will talk about Lisa's person next week.) So allow me to introduce you to the coolest QB ever, and his badass team of ladies!
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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has made history not only with his on-field achievements but also by assembling an all-female management team, a pioneering move in the male-dominated world of professional sports. This strategic decision underscores his commitment to diversity and empowerment.
Nicole Lynn – Agent
Leading Hurts' team is Nicole Lynn, a trailblazing sports agent. In 2019, she became the first Black woman to represent an NFL draft pick when she signed defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Lynn's partnership with Hurts began in 2020, and she has been instrumental in navigating his professional career. Her role as President of Football Operations at Klutch Sports Group further solidifies her influence in the industry.
Chantal Romain and Shakeemah Simmons-Winter – Media Relations and Client Services
Handling media relations and client services are Chantal Romain and Shakeemah Simmons-Winter. Romain brings experience from her work with the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, and the NFL, crafting effective communication strategies. Simmons-Winter, a senior publicist, has specialized in both FIBA and the NFL, and previously served as the PR coordinator for the New York Knicks.
Rachel Everett – Marketing Relations
Rachel Everett, owner of Everett Sports Marketing, oversees all marketing components of Hurts' career. Her expertise ensures that Hurts' brand aligns with his values and reaches a broad audience.
Jenna Malphrus – Management
Jenna Malphrus manages various aspects of Hurts' career, coordinating closely with Simmons-Winter and Everett on marketing projects. Her role ensures seamless integration across Hurts' professional endeavors.
Hurts' decision to build an all-female management team was intentional and organic. He sought out the best professionals to represent him, leading to the formation of this groundbreaking team. This move not only highlights the capabilities of these accomplished women but also challenges traditional norms in sports management, paving the way for greater inclusivity and representation.
Here's a snippet of Hurts talking about how this team coalesced: https://youtu.be/XyeT-FqhtgA?si=_RylVOseBCoueLZJ