Philadelphia Eagles' icon DeSean Jackson has chosen to hang up his cleats, bringing a close to an illustrious 15-year career in the National Football League (NFL). The wide receiver made his retirement official at the NovaCare Complex, the Eagles’ training facility, where he also took the opportunity to praise his quarterback, Jalen Hurts.
Known for his electrifying speed and ability to stretch defenses, Jackson is widely recognized as one of the most formidable deep threats the NFL has ever seen. His endorsement of Hurts was not just a passing comment; it was a testament to the young quarterback's talent and potential. "I definitely saw Jalen Hurts before what the world sees now," Jackson remarked. "I feel like he’s just starting. I feel like he’s going to be here for a long time. He’s going to have some special moments in Philadelphia."
An Enduring Legacy
DeSean Jackson's decision to retire as a member of the Eagles was symbolized by signing a ceremonial one-day contract with the team that originally drafted him 49th overall in 2008. In his first six seasons with Philadelphia, Jackson earned three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro designation, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise's record books.
In total, Jackson played in 95 games for the Eagles, accumulating 6,512 receiving yards—good for third in team history—alongside 379 receptions and 35 receiving touchdowns. As a punt returner, he recorded 132 returns and 1,296 yards, ranking second and third respectively in those categories for the Eagles. Moreover, Jackson shares the franchise record for punt return touchdowns with Darren Sproles, each having scored four times.
The Eagles plan to honor Jackson's contributions to the team by making him an honorary captain during Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field, allowing fans to celebrate his storied career.
A Special Connection with Hurts
Jackson's bond with Hurts was forged during his second stint with the Eagles from 2019 to 2020. Their connection was highlighted by an 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts to Jackson in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys during the tumultuous 2020 season. That play punctuated Jackson's successful tenure with the Eagles and served as a symbolic passing of the torch to Hurts, who was then the backup to Carson Wentz.
"I think I was lobbying for Jalen Hurts back when we had Carson Wentz starting at that time," Jackson reflected. "Everybody was like, ‘Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?’" Despite skepticism from others, Hurts chose to train with Jackson in Florida during the 2020 offseason, demonstrating his commitment and eagerness to learn from the veteran receiver.
Jackson shared that the decision for Hurts to train with him rather than Wentz raised eyebrows within the organization. However, it was Hurts who made the effort to come to Tampa, where Jackson trained. "We trained for like a whole week. We were able to build. I had just seen that his mentality was different then," said Jackson.
He described Hurts, an Alabama product, as possessing a mature mindset, likening it to "an uncle or an old father." Hurts approached every game with a level-headed composure that left a strong impression on Jackson, convincing him of Hurts' unique qualities.
While Wentz's tenure with the Eagles ended with a $128 million extension and subsequent benching due to poor performance, it paved the way for Hurts to step into the limelight. Wentz's departure to the Indianapolis Colts opened the door for Hurts to become the franchise quarterback.
Looking ahead to 2023, Hurts has emerged as a standout player in the NFL. His record speaks volumes, with 27 victories in his last 29 starts, including a remarkable 16 wins out of 17 games. Notably, he boasts a streak of 14 consecutive wins against teams with winning records—the longest such streak since at least 1950. This impressive performance has solidified Hurts’ status as a premier quarterback and a beacon of hope for the Eagles' future.
As Jackson steps away from the gridiron, his legacy endures not only through his own achievements but also through the bright future he envisions for Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles.