After a storied 15-year career in the National Football League, DeSean Jackson, the iconic wide receiver of the Philadelphia Eagles, has decided to hang up his cleats. The announcement came on Friday at the NovaCare Complex, the Eagles' training facility, where Jackson took the opportunity not only to reflect on his remarkable journey but also to sing praises for quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Jackson, renowned for his electrifying speed and ability to stretch defenses as one of the most formidable deep threats the league has ever seen, expressed his confidence in Hurts. He highlighted the young quarterback's talent and mindset, recalling instances that left a strong 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."
Choosing to retire with the franchise that selected him 49th overall in the 2008 draft, Jackson signed a ceremonial one-day contract to end his career as an Eagle. His initial six-season tenure with the team was decorated with three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro honor. In his 95 games wearing Eagles green, Jackson accrued impressive statistics: third in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35) for the franchise. Moreover, as a punt returner, he recorded the second-most punt returns (132) and the third-highest punt return yards (1,296). Tying with Darren Sproles, Jackson is also the all-time leader in punt return touchdowns for the team, with four.
The Eagles will celebrate Jackson's illustrious career by honoring him as a captain at Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field.
A Special Connection with Hurts
It was during his second stint with the Eagles from 2019 to 2020 that Jackson formed a notable bond with Hurts. Their connection was punctuated by Jackson's final reception—a remarkable 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts during a Week 16 clash against the Dallas Cowboys. This standout play came amidst a tumultuous 2020 season, which would ultimately be Doug Pederson’s last as Philadelphia's head coach, and during Hurts’ emergence as a cost-effective backup to the struggling Carson Wentz.
"I think I was lobbying for Jalen Hurts back when we had Carson Wentz starting at that time," Jackson recalled, referencing the skepticism that surrounded the decision to draft Hurts in the second round. Jackson shared how Hurts made the effort to train with him in Tampa, Florida, opting to build rapport with Jackson rather than Wentz. "We trained for like a whole week. We were able to build. I had just seen that his mentality was different then," said Jackson.
Jackson described Hurts, who played college football at Alabama, as possessing a mature mindset reminiscent of "an uncle or an old father." He admired Hurts' composure and approach to the game, which convinced him of the quarterback's unique potential. "There’s something special about him," Jackson asserted.
Hurts' path to becoming the Eagles' starting quarterback wasn't straightforward, initially overshadowed by Wentz's franchise tag and $128 million extension. Yet, by the close of the 2020 season, Wentz's performance had faltered, leading to his benching and subsequent transfer to the Indianapolis Colts—moves that paved the way for Hurts' ascension.
Fast forward to 2023, and Jalen Hurts has firmly established himself as one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks. His record is nothing short of outstanding, with victories in 27 of his last 29 starts, including triumphs in 16 of the last 17 games. Notably, he boasts a streak of 14 consecutive wins against teams with winning records—the longest such streak since at least 1950.
Jackson's endorsement of Hurts is a testament to the quarterback's rise and the impact of their shared time in Philadelphia. As Jackson transitions into retirement, his legacy as an Eagle remains intertwined with the promising future of Jalen Hurts, whom he believes is destined for greatness on the gridiron.