Philadelphia Eagles' iconic wide receiver DeSean Jackson has hung up his cleats after an illustrious 15-year career in the NFL. At the NovaCare Complex, the Eagles' training facility, Jackson made his retirement official and took the opportunity to praise his quarterback, Jalen Hurts, for his talent and mindset.
Widely recognized as one of the most formidable deep threats in the history of the league, Jackson offered a strong endorsement of Hurts, reflecting on several instances when the young quarterback's abilities left a lasting impression on him. "I definitely saw Jalen Hurts before what the world sees now," Jackson remarked. "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 chose to conclude his professional journey with the same team that drafted him 49th overall in 2008, signing a ceremonial one-day contract to retire as an Eagle. His first tenure with the team spanned six seasons, during which he earned three Pro Bowl selections and one All-Pro honor.
In his 95 games wearing an Eagles jersey, Jackson ranks third in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35) for the franchise. Not just a receiver, Jackson also excelled as a punt returner, holding the second spot in punt returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296). Moreover, he is tied with Darren Sproles, the former running back and return specialist, as the Eagles’ all-time leader in punt return touchdowns, each tallying four.
The Eagles will honor Jackson as an honorary captain at their upcoming game at Lincoln Financial Field this Sunday, celebrating his contributions to the team.
A Bond Forged in Adversity
Jackson developed a rapport with Hurts during his second stint with the Eagles in the 2019-2020 season. Their connection was highlighted by Jackson's last reception for the Eagles—an 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts in a Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. This play became a defining moment in a tumultuous 2020 season, which also marked the end of Doug Pederson's tenure as head coach in Philadelphia and Hurts' emergence as a viable alternative 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. "Everybody was like, ‘Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?’"
Hurts proactively sought out Jackson for training in Florida during the 2020 offseason, a move that raised questions within the team given Wentz's status as the starter. Jackson recalled, "It was actually, he made it convenient because I trained in Tampa and he came out there and trained with me. We trained for like a whole week. We were able to build. I had just seen that his mentality was different then."
Jackson admired Hurts' mature approach, likening his mindset to that of "an uncle or an old father." The composed nature with which Hurts approached every game convinced Jackson of his unique qualities, asserting, "there’s something special about him."
Despite the challenge presented by Wentz's franchise tag and $128 million extension, his performance faltered by the end of the 2020 season, resulting in him being benched. This setback strained their relationship, ultimately leading Wentz to orchestrate a move to the Indianapolis Colts and clearing the way for Hurts to take the reins.
As of 2023, Hurts has established himself as one of the NFL's standout quarterbacks. He boasts an impressive record, having led his team to victory in 27 of his last 29 starts, which includes triumphs in 16 of the last 17 games and an exceptional streak of 14 consecutive wins against teams with winning records—a feat that hasn't been matched since at least 1950.
Jackson's endorsement not only highlights Hurts' remarkable ascent but also cements the veteran receiver's legacy as a mentor and advocate for the next generation of Eagles' talent. As Jackson steps away from the gridiron, his belief in Hurts' potential serves as a testament to the quarterback's burgeoning career and the bright future that lies ahead for him in Philadelphia.