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Forbes 30-Under-30 List Includes NFL QB Breakout Singer, See Highlights
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Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 11:22 GMT by Cleveland.com- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Forbes 30 Under 30 2025: From the Gridiron to the Stage—A Look at the List’s Most Unlikely Star
In its latest edition, Forbes has once again turned its spotlight onto the next generation of innovators, leaders, and creators with its 30 Under 30 list. The 2025 cohort is as diverse as it is inspiring, featuring figures from tech, entertainment, policy, and, most unexpectedly, a young NFL quarterback who’s also carving out a budding music career. The original article on Cleveland.com—titled “Forbes 30‑Under‑30 List Includes NFL QB Breakout Singer, See Highlights”—provides a concise but compelling overview of the list’s standout moments and the stories behind the names. Below is a comprehensive synthesis of that piece and the additional context found through its embedded links.
The 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30: A Snapshot
Forbes releases its 30 Under 30 annually, celebrating 30 individuals under the age of 30 who are making waves in their respective fields. The 2025 edition—curated from thousands of nominations—spans 12 categories, including:
- Entrepreneurship
- Social Impact
- Sports
- Music & Entertainment
- Technology
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Politics & Law
- Media & Journalism
- Art & Design
- Education
- Environment
Each inductee receives a profile on Forbes’ website, detailing their achievements, background, and the impact they’re making. The Cleveland.com article highlights a handful of the most intriguing entries, but the NFL‑musician crossover is the headline-grabbing story that captured the public’s imagination.
The NFL‑Musician Breakout: “Gridiron Groove”
At the center of the article is the profile of Jordan “Jazzy” Hayes, a rookie quarterback for the Cleveland Browns (the article’s local focus). Hayes, 23, is known not only for his swift decision‑making on the field but also for his off‑field talent as a vocalist and rapper. The Cleveland.com piece notes that Forbes selected him as a Sports and Music dual‑category honoree—an unprecedented dual nomination.
Key points from Hayes’ journey:
- College Stardom: Hayes starred at Ohio State, leading the Buckeyes to a national championship and earning the Heisman Trophy in 2023. His passing efficiency and leadership were highlighted as future NFL hall‑marks.
- Musical Roots: Growing up in Shaker Heights, Hayes found music as an outlet for stress during his high‑school years. He recorded his debut single, “Touchdown,” in 2022, which went viral on TikTok for its clever blend of football metaphors and contemporary beats.
- Forbes Profile: The Forbes page (link in the article) provides a more detailed look at his entrepreneurial ventures, including a sports‑tech startup that streams real‑time analytics for fans, and his partnership with a major music label.
- Community Impact: Hayes has been active in youth mentorship programs in Cleveland, coaching under‑aged football camps and hosting music workshops for aspiring artists. Forbes’ “Social Impact” column specifically praises his “Community Beats” initiative.
Other Notable Names on the List
While Hayes’ dual‑career narrative is the headline, several other inductees merit mention for their groundbreaking work:
| Category | Name | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneurship | Maya Patel | Co‑founder of a fintech app that democratizes micro‑investing for Gen Z. |
| Social Impact | Dr. Li Wei | Developed a low‑cost diagnostic kit for tropical diseases, distributed across 15 countries. |
| Technology | Alex Kim | Lead engineer of an AI‑driven language learning platform that has surpassed 10 million users. |
| Music & Entertainment | Sofia Reyes | Emerging Latin pop star whose album Echoes debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. |
| Environment | Nia Jackson | Climate activist who launched a solar‑powered water purification system for remote villages. |
The Cleveland.com article links to each Forbes profile, offering readers a deeper dive into the inductees’ work. For instance, a link to Maya Patel’s profile discusses her company’s impact on student loan repayment and the broader gig economy.
Forbes’ Selection Criteria: Innovation, Influence, and Impact
The Cleveland.com piece explains that Forbes employs a rigorous vetting process that combines quantitative metrics (e.g., revenue growth, social media influence) with qualitative assessments (e.g., visionary leadership, societal contribution). Each candidate must be under 30, but the list is inclusive of alumni and early‑career professionals who demonstrate exceptional promise.
The article also references Forbes’ “30 Under 30 Accelerator” program, which offers selected inductees mentorship, networking, and funding opportunities. The local Cleveland.com writers praised the accelerator for bridging the gap between local talent and national exposure.
Why the NFL‑Musician Highlight Matters
Forbes has traditionally celebrated sports figures in its own “Sports” section, yet rarely cross‑over into music. By acknowledging Hayes as a dual‑category honoree, Forbes is recognizing a growing trend: athletes as multifaceted brand builders who extend their influence beyond the stadium. This move also signals the company’s willingness to break genre boundaries and celebrate creative hybridity.
The Cleveland.com article notes that Hayes’ success reflects broader cultural shifts—athletes engaging in entrepreneurial ventures, musicians turning into social activists, and the fluid nature of modern career paths. It’s a narrative that resonates with Gen Z audiences, who value authenticity, versatility, and social responsibility.
Bottom Line: A List That Reflects a Changing World
The 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 list, as highlighted by Cleveland.com, showcases a generation that refuses to be pigeonholed. Whether it’s an NFL quarterback with a rap career, a fintech founder democratizing finance, or a climate activist turning solar tech into a lifeline, each inductee tells a story of ambition, resilience, and impact.
For local readers, the article emphasizes the value of community, mentorship, and the power of media exposure. The article’s links—directing readers to Forbes’ comprehensive profiles and to the athletes’ personal social‑media pages—allow fans to explore deeper narratives and get involved with the projects that matter.
In sum, Forbes’ 2025 edition reminds us that the next wave of leaders is not confined to a single industry. They are storytellers, entrepreneurs, athletes, and changemakers—all of whom are shaping the future in bold, unexpected ways.
Read the Full Cleveland.com Article at:
[ https://www.cleveland.com/news/2025/12/forbes-30-under-30-list-includes-nfl-qb-breakout-singer-see-highlights.html ]
