After a storied 15-year career in the National Football League, Philadelphia Eagles' iconic wide receiver DeSean Jackson has decided to hang up his cleats. The announcement came on Friday at the NovaCare Complex, the Eagles’ training facility, where Jackson took a moment to reflect on his career and endorse his quarterback Jalen Hurts.
DeSean Jackson, renowned for his electrifying deep-ball threats, expressed his confidence in Hurts, praising the young quarterback's skills and mindset. He reminisced about past instances where the 25-year-old quarterback had made an 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 encapsulating his commitment to the franchise that drafted him 49th overall in 2008, Jackson signed a 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 an All-Pro designation.
Jackson's legacy with the Eagles is cemented 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. As a testament to his versatility, Jackson also excelled as a punt returner, holding second place in punt returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296). Notably, he shares the top spot for punt return touchdowns with former teammate Darren Sproles, both scoring four.
The Eagles will honor the retired wide receiver as an honorary captain at Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field, celebrating his remarkable contributions to the team.
A Special Connection with Hurts
Jackson's bond with Hurts was forged during his second stint with the Eagles from 2019-2020. One of their most memorable connections occurred in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys, when Jackson caught an 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts. This highlight reel play was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging 2020 season, which also marked the end of Doug Pederson's tenure as head coach in Philadelphia.
Even amidst the uncertainty of that season, Jackson saw potential in Hurts, advocating for him while Carson Wentz was still the starting quarterback. “I think I was lobbying for Jalen Hurts back when we had Carson Wentz starting at that time,” Jackson recalled. “Everybody was asking, ‘Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?’”
Hurts' proactive approach to training left a lasting impression on Jackson. During the 2020 offseason, Hurts chose to train with Jackson in Tampa, Florida. “It was actually convenient because I trained in Tampa and he came out there to train with me,” Jackson explained. “We trained for about a whole week. We were able to build. I had just seen that his mentality was different then.”
Jackson described Hurts' mindset as mature beyond his years, comparing it to "an uncle or an old father." Hurts' calm and composed approach to every game convinced Jackson of his special qualities.
The transition from Wentz to Hurts was accelerated by Wentz's decline in performance towards the end of the 2020 season, which led to his benching and subsequent trade to the Indianapolis Colts. This shift paved the way for Hurts to take over as the Eagles' starting quarterback.
Looking ahead to 2023, Jalen Hurts has emerged as a leading figure in the NFL. His record speaks volumes, with victories in 27 of his last 29 starts, including a remarkable streak of 14 consecutive wins against teams with winning records—a feat not seen since at least 1950. Under Hurts' leadership, the Eagles have soared, and his trajectory seems to align with Jackson's early predictions of a promising career ahead.
As Jackson steps away from the gridiron, his endorsement of Hurts stands as a passing of the torch, signaling a new era for the Philadelphia Eagles with Hurts at the helm. With a blend of talent, hard work, and a supportive mentor like Jackson, Hurts appears poised to continue elevating his game and perhaps etch his own name in the annals of Eagles history.