Philadelphia Eagles' iconic wide receiver DeSean Jackson has hung up his cleats, marking the end of a storied 15-year journey in the NFL. The announcement came from the NovaCare Complex, the Eagles' training facility, where Jackson took a moment to shine a spotlight on quarterback Jalen Hurts, expressing strong confidence in his abilities.
Known for his electrifying speed and as one of the most formidable deep threats the league has ever seen, Jackson offered high praise for Hurts. He recounted instances when the young quarterback's talent was evident to him early on. "I definitely saw Jalen Hurts before what the world sees now," Jackson reflected. "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."
Jackson's decision to retire as an Eagle was symbolized by signing a ceremonial one-day contract with the franchise that selected him at No. 49 overall in the 2008 draft. During his initial six-season tenure with the Eagles, Jackson earned three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro honor.
In his 95 games for the Eagles, Jackson's contributions were substantial. He ranks third in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35) for the team. His prowess was not limited to receiving; as a punt returner, Jackson holds the second spot in punt returns (132) and is third in punt return yards (1,296). Furthermore, he shares the distinction of being the Eagles' all-time leader in punt return touchdowns with Darren Sproles, both tallying four.
As a mark of respect, Jackson will be celebrated as an honorary captain at the upcoming game at Lincoln Financial Field.
A Special Connection
The bond between Jackson and Hurts was forged during Jackson's second stint with the Eagles from 2019-2020. A memorable highlight of this partnership was Jackson's last reception for the team—an 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts in a Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
This pivotal play came during the tumultuous 2020 season under coach Doug Pederson's leadership, which would be his last with Philadelphia. At the same time, it marked Hurts' emergence as a viable alternative to the then-starting quarterback Carson Wentz, who was struggling with form and consistency.
"I think I was lobbying for Jalen Hurts back when we had Carson Wentz starting at that time," Jackson admitted. "Everybody was like, ‘Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?’"
Hurts actively sought out Jackson for training in Florida during the 2020 offseason. Jackson recalled questions from the team about why Hurts was training with him rather than Wentz. "It was actually, he made it convenient because I trained in Tampa and he came out there and trained with me," Jackson said. "We trained for like a whole week. We were able to build. I had just seen that his mentality was different then."
Jackson described Hurts' mindset as mature beyond his years, likening it to "an uncle or an old father." He noted Hurts' composed approach to each game, which convinced him of Hurts' unique qualities.
At the time, Wentz's future with the Eagles seemed cemented by a franchise tag and a $128 million extension. However, his declining performance towards the end of the 2020 season led to his benching and subsequent trade to the Indianapolis Colts. This shift paved the way for Hurts to step into the limelight.
Fast forward to 2023, and Hurts has become a standout figure in the NFL. With a record of 27 wins in his last 29 starts, including a remarkable streak of 16 victories in 17 games, Hurts has demonstrated exceptional prowess. Notably, his 14 consecutive wins against teams with winning records is the longest such streak since at least 1950, underscoring his impact and potential for the Philadelphia Eagles moving forward.
As Jackson steps away from the field, his legacy remains intertwined with the bright future he anticipates for Hurts. In passing the torch, Jackson leaves behind a remarkable career and looks ahead to the promise of the new era he helped to usher in for the Eagles.