Jalyx Hunt ’23 found out he was selected to give this semester’s coveted Last Lecture last April following his first Super Bowl win with the Philadelphia Eagles against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Hunt’s path to the NFL was not a conventional one — following his senior year of high school Hunt had “very few offers” to play collegiate ball. An offer from the Cornell football program “changed his life” and opened up the possibility of a career in football — one that would lead him to the biggest stage in football, the Super Bowl.
Hunt said he was “honored” to have been selected to speak at Last Lecture and has felt the anticipation growing during the year since.
“I’m excited and a little nervous to come back,” Hunt said. “I know the memories are going to come flooding back, but I always envisioned myself coming back to Cornell at some level whether it be through a lecture, my own education or doing something related to business.”
Last Lecture is a lecture series that has historically invited a Cornell faculty member to give a lecture as if it was their last one ever. In a break from this tradition, the past two years have spotlighted sports figures — such as former men’s hockey head coach Mike Schafer ’86 and now Hunt — rather than academic speakers.
Hunt was a safety for the Red before making the decision to transfer to Houston Christian University before the start of his senior year. He was drafted in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 94th overall. Just 289 days later, Hunt hoisted the Lombardi trophy — becoming the fourth Cornellian to do so — and recorded a sack against the Chiefs’ star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Following his Super Bowl-winning season, Hunt has solidified his position for the Eagles this season, having played all 17 games and led the team in interceptions (3) and sacks (6.5), becoming the first Eagles player in history to lead the team in sacks and interceptions.
At 25, Hunt is one of the youngest people to give the Last Lecture, which he stated makes him “not far removed” from being a college student and gives him an “interesting perspective.”
Hunt hinted at some of the stories and lessons he plans to share with students at his lecture on Friday. Hunt explained that he will discuss his “roundabout” journey to the NFL.
Hunt said he was not a “heavily recruited” prospect after finishing his senior year at University High School in Florida. After accepting an offer to play football for the Red, Hunt underwent a position change and did not garner much success on defense.
He said he will also discuss the importance of mental health, noting that mental health was important to him both personally and for his community: Hunt recently lost a close friend, Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, to suicide.
“I want to be an advocate for mental health and having the chance to humbly reach back to the place where I came from and try to be a leader or advocate for people is amazing,” Hunt said.
Hunt also noted that he draws many “parallels” from his life as a student-athlete at Cornell and his current career as a professional athlete.
“At Cornell, you’re basically a professional student and that comes with a lot of opportunities, some scrutiny and plenty of expectations to fulfill from yourself or the people around you,” Hunt said. “Being in the league is the same way — you have to be ready to perform and improve constantly.”
Hunt said one of his favorite parts of studying at Cornell was the friendships he created, a takeaway he hopes will resonate at his lecture. Hunt stated that his friends at Cornell “saved his life,” especially during and following the COVID-19 shutdown. Hunt currently works with one of his friends and fellow Cornellian, Rachel Booth ’22, who he profusely thanked for his successes.
His final parting message to Cornell students was to “take life and their time seriously” but not in the "conventional way.” He wants Cornellians to be focused and intentional with their time.
“Especially at Cornell, people can get caught up in needing an internship, or getting good grades, or being a part of a competitive business club,” Hunt said. “Yes, those things are important and take them seriously, but while focusing on your goals and being selfish, always remember when you need to step away to keep your mental health in check. Lean on a support system when you need it.”
Hunt’s will deliver his “last lecture” on Friday at Baker 200. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., with registration available online.
Zeinab Faraj is a member of the Class of 2028 in the College of Arts and Sciences and a senior editor on the 144th Editorial Board. She was a features editor and assistant sports editor on the 143rd Editorial Board and can be reached at zfaraj@cornellsun.com.
