Philadelphia Eagles' iconic wide receiver DeSean Jackson has hung up his cleats after a storied 15-year career in the National Football League. The announcement came from the NovaCare Complex, the Eagles' training facility, where Jackson took a moment to shine a spotlight on quarterback Jalen Hurts' burgeoning talent.
Jackson, who is celebrated as one of the most formidable deep threats the league has ever seen, did not hold back in expressing his confidence in Hurts. He praised the 25-year-old's skill and mindset, recounting instances that left a lasting impression on him. "I definitely saw Jalen Hurts before what the world sees now," Jackson stated. "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."
In a ceremonial gesture reflecting his deep connection with the franchise, Jackson signed a one-day contract to retire as an Eagle—the team that originally drafted him 49th overall in 2008. During his first six seasons with the Eagles, Jackson earned three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro honor.
His tenure with the Eagles was marked by impressive statistics: ranking third in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35) across 95 games. As a punt returner, he secured second place in punt returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296). Moreover, he shares the record for the most punt return touchdowns in team history with Darren Sproles, both having four to their names.
Jackson will receive a tribute as an honorary captain at the upcoming Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, celebrating his remarkable career.
A Special Bond With Hurts
The rapport between Jackson and Hurts developed during Jackson's second spell with the Eagles from 2019 to 2020. It was during this period that Jackson's final catch—a spectacular 81-yard touchdown—came from a pass thrown by Hurts in a Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
This memorable play came amidst a tumultuous 2020 season, which was also the last for Doug Pederson as the Eagles' head coach. At the same time, it marked Hurts' emergence as a viable alternative to the then incumbent starter Carson Wentz, whose performance had been faltering.
Jackson recalled advocating for Hurts even when Wentz was the starting quarterback. "Everybody was like, ‘Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?’" he reminisced. Despite the skepticism, it was Hurts who made the effort to train with Jackson in Florida during the 2020 offseason, a move that raised questions within the team as Wentz was still considered the starter.
"It was actually, he made it convenient because I trained in Tampa and he came out there and trained with me," Jackson explained. "We trained for like a whole week. We were able to build. I had just seen that his mentality was different then." He described Hurts' mature approach as akin to "an uncle or an old father," and noted that Hurts carried himself with a composure that hinted at something extraordinary.
Hurts' rise to prominence was initially overshadowed by Wentz's significant franchise tag and $128 million extension. However, by the end of the 2020 season, Wentz's declining performance led to his benching and eventual trade to the Indianapolis Colts, paving the way for Hurts to step into the limelight.
Now, in 2023, Hurts stands as a pillar of the NFL, having led his team to victory in 27 of his last 29 starts. His record includes winning 16 of the last 17 games, with a remarkable streak of 14 consecutive victories over teams holding winning records—a feat that hasn't been matched since at least 1950.
Jackson's endorsement of Hurts is not just the passing of the torch; it's a testament to the young quarterback's resilience and potential. As Jackson steps away from the gridiron, his legacy endures, not only through his own achievements but through the bright future he foresees for Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia.