Philadelphia Eagles' legendary wide receiver, DeSean Jackson, has officially hung up his cleats after a storied 15-year career in the NFL. The announcement came on Friday at the Eagles' training facility, NovaCare Complex, where Jackson took the opportunity to not only reflect on his own accomplishments but also to shine a spotlight on quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Widely regarded as one of the most formidable deep threats in the history of the league, Jackson expressed unwavering confidence in Hurts' abilities and leadership qualities. He recalled several instances when the young quarterback's talent 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."
Choosing to retire as a member of the team that selected him 49th overall in the 2008 draft, Jackson signed a ceremonial one-day contract with the Eagles. During his initial six-season run with the franchise, Jackson earned three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro designation.
In his 95 games wearing an Eagles jersey, Jackson amassed 6,512 receiving yards—ranking third in team history—alongside 379 receptions and 35 receiving touchdowns. His prowess wasn't limited to receiving; as a punt returner, he recorded 132 returns and 1,296 return yards, securing second and third place in those categories, respectively, for the Eagles. Additionally, Jackson is tied with Darren Sproles for the franchise record in punt return touchdowns, each boasting four to their name.
The Eagles organization will honor the retired wide receiver by naming him an honorary captain for Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field.
A Special Connection with Hurts
Jackson's bond with Hurts was forged during his second stint with the Eagles from 2019-2020. One of the most memorable highlights of this partnership was Jackson's final reception for the team—an electrifying 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts in a Week 16 clash against the Dallas Cowboys.
This standout play came amidst a tumultuous 2020 season under then-coach Doug Pederson, which also marked Hurts' emergence as a viable alternative to the struggling starter Carson Wentz. Reflecting on the dynamic at the time, Jackson revealed, "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 showed initiative by opting to train with Jackson in Florida during the 2020 offseason. Jackson shared that despite questions from the team about why Hurts was training with him instead of Wentz, it was Hurts who made the effort to join him in Tampa. "We trained for like a whole week. We were able to build. I had just seen that his mentality was different then," Jackson said.
Describing Hurts' mature approach, Jackson likened his mindset to that of "an uncle or an old father." He praised Hurts' composed demeanor, both on and off the field, suggesting that there was "something special about him."
At the time, a significant obstacle to Hurts assuming a more prominent role was the hefty franchise tag and $128 million extension that Wentz had secured. However, as Wentz's performance declined towards the end of the 2020 season, resulting in his benching, the stage was set for Hurts to step into the limelight. Wentz eventually orchestrated his exit to the Indianapolis Colts, paving the way for Hurts to take the reins.
Fast forward to 2023, and Jalen Hurts has established himself as a leading figure in the NFL. With a track record of 27 wins out of his last 29 starts, including victories in 16 of the last 17 games and an unprecedented streak of 14 consecutive wins against teams with winning records, Hurts' success is unparalleled since at least 1950. It appears Jackson's early faith in Hurts was well-placed, as the quarterback continues to elevate his game and solidify his status as a franchise cornerstone.