Philadelphia Eagles' iconic wide receiver DeSean Jackson has called time on his illustrious 15-year NFL career. The announcement came from the NovaCare Complex, the Eagles' training facility, where Jackson took a moment to laud his quarterback, Jalen Hurts, for his talent and mindset.
Jackson, who is celebrated as one of the most formidable deep threats in the history of the league, expressed his confidence in Hurts. "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."
Choosing to retire with the team that selected him at No. 49 overall in the 2008 draft, Jackson signed a ceremonial one-day contract with the Eagles. His first tenure with the team spanned six seasons, during which he earned three Pro Bowl selections and an 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. His prowess was not limited to receiving; as a punt returner, he stands second in punt returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296). Moreover, Jackson is tied with former running back and return specialist Darren Sproles for the most punt return touchdowns in Eagles history, with four.
The Eagles will celebrate Jackson's career by naming him an honorary captain for Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field.
A Special Connection with Hurts
The bond between Jackson and Hurts was solidified during Jackson's second stint with the Eagles in 2019-2020. One of the most memorable moments came when Jackson caught an 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts during a Week 16 clash against the Dallas Cowboys.
This highlight occurred amidst a tumultuous 2020 season under then-coach Doug Pederson and marked Hurts' emergence as a viable alternative to the struggling starter Carson Wentz. "I think I was lobbying for Jalen Hurts back when we had Carson Wentz starting at that time," Jackson reflected. "Everybody was like, 'Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?'"
Hurts took initiative in the 2020 offseason, opting to train with Jackson in Tampa, Florida. This decision raised eyebrows within the team, given Wentz's status as the starting quarterback. Jackson shared, "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 praised Hurts for his mature approach, likening his mindset to "an uncle or an old father." He admired Hurts' calmness and poise in each game, which convinced him of Hurts' unique qualities.
Despite the challenges posed by Wentz's franchise tag and his $128 million extension, Wentz's performance faltered by the end of the 2020 season, leading to his benching. This development strained their relationship and eventually led to Wentz's trade to the Indianapolis Colts, paving the way for Hurts to take over.
Fast forward to 2023, and Hurts has established himself as a standout player in the NFL. His record is impressive, securing victories in 27 of his past 29 starts, including a streak of 16 wins out of 17 games. Notably, he boasts an extraordinary run of 14 consecutive victories against teams with winning records—a feat unmatched since at least 1950.
Hurts' ascent from a questioned second-round pick to one of the league's elite quarterbacks is a testament to his work ethic, resilience, and the foresight of those like Jackson who believed in his potential. As Jackson steps away from the gridiron, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and a vote of confidence in Hurts, who continues to shape his own path toward greatness in Philadelphia.