Philadelphia Eagles' legendary wide receiver DeSean Jackson has hung up his cleats, officially retiring from an illustrious 15-year NFL career on Friday. The announcement came from the Eagles' training facility at NovaCare Complex, where Jackson not only reflected on his own career but also took the opportunity to praise quarterback Jalen Hurts for his skill and leadership.
A Storied Career
Jackson, renowned as one of the most formidable deep threats in the history of the league, leaves behind a legacy of explosive plays and game-changing moments. His decision to retire as an Eagle was symbolized by signing a one-day contract with the team that originally drafted him 49th overall in 2008. In his first tenure with the Eagles, spanning six seasons, Jackson earned three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro honor, etching his name in the franchise's record books.
In his 95 games wearing Eagles green, Jackson ranks third in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35). But his impact wasn't limited to receiving; as a punt returner, he stands second in punt returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296). Notably, he is tied with former running back and return specialist Darren Sproles for the most punt return touchdowns in team history, each tallying four.
The Eagles will celebrate Jackson's career by honoring him as an honorary captain at Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field, providing fans an opportunity to applaud his contributions to the team one final time.
Endorsing the Next Generation
During his farewell address, Jackson's commendation of Hurts was heartfelt. He shared his belief in the young quarterback's abilities and predicted a bright future for him in Philadelphia. "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."
Jackson's connection with Hurts was solidified during their time together when Jackson returned to the Eagles for a second stint between 2019-2020. It was during this period that Jackson caught an 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts in a Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, which would become his final reception for the franchise. This play was a highlight in a challenging season that also marked the end of Doug Pederson’s tenure as head coach and the beginning of Hurts' rise as a starter.
Jackson recalled advocating for Hurts even when Carson Wentz was the starting quarterback. He recounted the skepticism surrounding the decision to draft Hurts in the second round and the questions raised when Hurts chose to train with him instead of Wentz during the 2020 offseason. "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."
Describing Hurts' mature mindset, Jackson likened it to "an uncle or an old father." It was this composure and approach to the game that convinced Jackson of Hurts' special qualities.
Hurts' Ascension
While Wentz's $128 million extension initially cast a shadow over Hurts' role in the team, the latter's performance ultimately led to a shift in the Eagles' quarterback landscape. Wentz's struggles culminated in his benching by the end of the 2020 season and subsequent trade to the Indianapolis Colts, paving the way for Hurts to take the reins.
Fast forward to 2023, and Hurts has firmly established himself as one of the NFL's standout quarterbacks. With victories in 27 of his last 29 starts, including an impressive streak of 14 consecutive wins against teams with winning records—the longest such streak since at least 1950—Hurts has silenced any remaining doubters. His performance has not only validated Jackson's early support but has also energized the Eagles' fan base with hope for continued success.
As Jackson steps away from the gridiron, he leaves behind a storied legacy and a strong endorsement of Jalen Hurts, who appears ready to carry the torch for the Eagles into the future.