After an illustrious 15-year career in the National Football League, Philadelphia Eagles' iconic wide receiver DeSean Jackson has decided to hang up his cleats. In a heartfelt announcement made at the Eagles’ NovaCare Complex, Jackson took a moment to not only reflect on his own career but also to shine a spotlight on quarterback Jalen Hurts, whom he believes is poised for greatness.
Jackson's praise for Hurts was not just passing commentary; it was an endorsement of the young quarterback's talent and mindset. "I definitely saw Jalen Hurts before what the world sees now," Jackson stated with conviction. "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 symbolic gesture that underscores his bond with the team, Jackson signed a one-day contract to retire as an Eagle, the franchise that originally drafted him 49th overall in 2008. His first tenure with the Eagles spanned six seasons, during which he earned three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro honor.
With the Eagles, Jackson's legacy is firmly etched in the record books. He ranks third in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35) across 95 career games with the team. Moreover, his prowess as a punt returner is equally impressive, holding the second spot in punt returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296). Notably, he shares the title of the team’s all-time leader in punt return touchdowns with former running back and return specialist Darren Sproles, each tallying four.
The Eagles will honor Jackson's contributions to the team by naming him an honorary captain at Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field.
A Special Connection with Hurts
Jackson's relationship with Hurts developed during his second stint with the Eagles from 2019-2020. The connection between the two was highlighted by Jackson's final reception for the franchise—an 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts during a Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
This memorable play came amid a tumultuous 2020 season under head coach Doug Pederson, which also marked Hurts' emergence as a cost-effective backup to then-starter Carson Wentz. Reflecting on this period, Jackson shared, "I think I was lobbying for Jalen Hurts back when we had Carson Wentz starting at that time. Everybody was like, ‘Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?’"
Hurts' initiative to train with Jackson during the 2020 offseason in Tampa, Florida, spoke volumes about his dedication. Jackson noted that while there were questions about why Hurts was training with him instead of Wentz, it was Hurts who made the effort to come to Tampa, allowing them to build rapport. "We trained for like a whole week. We were able to build. I had just seen that his mentality was different then," Jackson recalled.
Jackson described Hurts, an Alabama product, as having a mature mindset, likening it to "an uncle or an old father." It was Hurts' composed approach to every game that convinced Jackson of the quarterback's unique qualities. "There’s something special about him," he affirmed.
The trajectory of Hurts' career shifted dramatically following Wentz's decline in performance and subsequent benching towards the end of the 2020 season. Wentz's $128 million extension and franchise tag became a point of contention, eventually leading to his departure to the Indianapolis Colts and paving the way for Hurts to take the reins.
Fast-forward to 2023, and Jalen Hurts stands as a towering figure in the NFL. His record speaks for itself: victories in 27 of his last 29 starts, including triumphs in 16 out of 17 games and a remarkable streak of 14 consecutive wins against teams with winning records—a feat unmatched since at least 1950.
As DeSean Jackson steps away from the gridiron, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and a belief in the continued rise of a quarterback he saw potential in long before many others did. Jackson's retirement marks the end of an era for the Eagles, but with Hurts at the helm, the future looks bright for the franchise.