Philadelphia Eagles' iconic wide receiver DeSean Jackson has hung up his cleats after a storied 15-year career in the NFL. In an emotional farewell at the Eagles’ NovaCare Complex, Jackson took a moment to praise quarterback Jalen Hurts, affirming his belief in the young QB's bright future.
Known for his electrifying speed and ability to stretch the field, Jackson leaves behind a legacy as one of the most formidable deep threats the league has ever seen. His endorsement of Hurts carries significant weight, considering his experience and status within the organization. “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 has chosen to retire where it all began, signing a ceremonial one-day contract with the Eagles, the team that selected him 49th overall in the 2008 draft. During his initial six-season run with the Eagles, Jackson earned three Pro Bowl selections and one All-Pro honor. His tenure in Philadelphia was marked by remarkable statistics: he ranks third in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35) in the franchise's history. As a punt returner, he stands second in punt returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296). Moreover, Jackson is tied with Darren Sproles for the most punt return touchdowns in team history, each scoring four.
The Eagles will honor Jackson's contributions to the team 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 cemented during his second stint with the Eagles from 2019-2020. The highlight of this partnership came in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys when Jackson caught an 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts – a play that would stand as Jackson's final reception for the franchise. This standout moment occurred during a tumultuous 2020 season, which also marked coach Doug Pederson's last year with the team and featured Hurts stepping up as a promising backup to the struggling Carson Wentz.
“I think I was lobbying for Jalen Hurts back when we had Carson Wentz starting at that time,” Jackson revealed, recalling the skepticism that surrounded the decision to draft Hurts in the second round. The offseason preceding the 2020 campaign saw Hurts proactively seeking out Jackson for joint training sessions in Florida, a move that sparked questions among the team, given Wentz's role as the starter at the time.
“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, who played college football at Alabama, as having a mature mindset, comparing his composure to "an uncle or an old father."
The transition from Wentz to Hurts was accelerated by Wentz's decline in performance towards the end of the 2020 season, despite a franchise tag and a $128 million extension. Wentz was eventually benched, leading to a strained relationship with the franchise and his subsequent trade to the Indianapolis Colts. This shift opened the door for Hurts to take the reins.
Fast-forward to 2023, and Hurts has emerged as a leading figure in the NFL. He boasts an impressive record, securing victories in 27 of his last 29 starts, including a streak of 16 wins in 17 games. Notably, he holds a record-breaking run of 14 consecutive wins against teams with winning records—the longest such streak since at least 1950.
Jackson's retirement marks the end of an era, but his confidence in Hurts suggests the beginning of another. With the veteran receiver's career reaching its conclusion, the spotlight intensifies on Hurts, who seems poised to uphold the legacy of excellence that players like Jackson have established in Philadelphia.