James & Amanda
down in North Carolina. At that point he may utilize his college degree (he majored in exercise and sports science). “The human body has always interested me,” says Hurst, who would like to earn certification in physical therapy so that he can work with elite college or pro athletes. If that plan doesn’t pan out, however, he also has another dream — to open a coffee shop. room like? What are the other guys like?’” Hurst says. “Often NFL players have a reputation for being arrogant, rich and cocky. While that’s not necessarily untrue in some cases, I want to shine a light on the fact that there are also good players, good people and great marriages.”
with all of the fans — it’s more than I had ever envisioned,” Hurst says. “Realizing that this is the highest level of football there is, sometimes it hits me that I’m not playing Roncalli anymore or even Virginia Tech. I’m playing the Colts or the Stealers. That’s unbelievable.”
As Hurst gears up for his fifth season with the Ravens, he admits that at times the whole process is still surreal.
Though he describes the experience as “amazing” and “a huge blessing,” he knows this phase of life won’t last forever. When his pro football career comes to a close, Hurst and his wife Amanda plan to settle
“Running out of the tunnel on game day
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“My wife’s best friends live in Portland, Oregon, and we love to visit them. We enjoy the people, the outdoors and the coffee,” Hurst says. Plus, it’s kind of nice to know that should he happen to brew a bad cup of coffee, he won’t lose his job over it. Though something tells me that just as in football, Hurst has done his due diligence to ensure perfection, even as it pertains to a cup of joe.