Philadelphia Eagles' iconic wide receiver DeSean Jackson has called time on a storied 15-year NFL career. The announcement came from the very heart of Eagles' territory, the NovaCare Complex, where Jackson took the opportunity to shine a spotlight on quarterback Jalen Hurts' burgeoning talent.
With a reputation as one of the most formidable deep threats the league has ever seen, Jackson was effusive in his praise for Hurts, highlighting the young quarterback's skill set and mindset. "I definitely saw Jalen Hurts before what the world sees now," Jackson proclaimed. "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's decision to retire an Eagle was symbolized by signing a ceremonial one-day contract with the franchise that selected him 49th overall in the 2008 draft. His first tenure with the Eagles spanned six seasons, during which he earned three Pro Bowl selections and one All-Pro honor.
In terms of legacy, Jackson's numbers speak volumes. In 95 games for the Eagles, he ranks third in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35). As a punt returner, he is second in punt returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296), sharing the franchise record for punt return touchdowns (four) with former teammate Darren Sproles.
The Eagles will pay tribute to their retired star as an honorary captain at Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field, celebrating a career that left an indelible mark on the team's history.
A Special Connection with Hurts
Jackson's bond with Hurts was cemented during his second spell with the Eagles from 2019 to 2020. It was during this period that Jackson's final reception for the franchise—a spectacular 81-yard touchdown—came courtesy of a pass from Hurts in a Week 16 clash against the Dallas Cowboys. This highlight reel moment came amidst a tumultuous 2020 season, which also marked the end of Doug Pederson's tenure as head coach in Philadelphia and Hurts' emergence as a starter over the then-embattled Carson Wentz.
"I think I was lobbying for Jalen Hurts back when we had Carson Wentz starting at that time," Jackson recalled. "Everybody was like, 'Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?'"
The offseason prior to the 2020 campaign saw Hurts proactively seek out Jackson for training in Tampa, Florida. This move raised eyebrows within the organization, with many questioning why Hurts was training with Jackson rather than Wentz. "It was actually, he made it convenient because I trained in Tampa and he came out there and trained with me," Jackson explained. "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, an Alabama product, as possessing a maturity beyond his years, comparing his composed approach to that of "an uncle or an old father." It was this poise and demeanor that convinced Jackson of Hurts' unique qualities: "There’s something special about him."
Hurts' path to the starting role wasn't straightforward, complicated by Wentz's hefty franchise tag and $128 million extension. However, as Wentz's performance waned towards the end of the 2020 season, leading to his benching and subsequent trade to the Indianapolis Colts, the door opened for Hurts to step in.
Fast forward to 2023, and Jalen Hurts has ascended to become one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks. With 27 wins in his last 29 starts—including a remarkable run of 16 victories in 17 games—Hurts has demonstrated exceptional consistency. His streak of 14 consecutive wins against teams with winning records is the longest since at least 1950, underscoring his impact on the league and validating Jackson's early endorsement.
As Jackson steps away from the gridiron, his legacy not only includes his own remarkable achievements but also his foresight in recognizing and nurturing the potential of a young quarterback who is now taking the NFL by storm.