After an illustrious 15-year career in the National Football League, Philadelphia Eagles’ iconic wide receiver DeSean Jackson has decided to hang up his cleats. The retirement announcement came on Friday at the Eagles’ training facility, the NovaCare Complex, where Jackson took the opportunity not only to reflect on his own career but also to shine a light on the talents of his quarterback, Jalen Hurts.
Jackson, who is celebrated as one of the most formidable deep threats the league has ever seen, expressed his confidence in Hurts, highlighting the young quarterback's skill and mindset. “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.”
A Career to Remember
The decision to retire was marked by a ceremonial gesture, with Jackson signing a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Eagles, the team that originally drafted him 49th overall in 2008. During his first six seasons with the Eagles, Jackson earned three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro honor, leaving an indelible mark on 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). His prowess was not limited to receiving alone; as a punt returner, he holds the second spot in punt returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296). Moreover, he shares the title of all-time leader in punt return touchdowns with former teammate Darren Sproles, each tallying four.
The Eagles organization will pay tribute to Jackson's contributions by honoring him as an honorary captain during Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field.
A Special Bond with Hurts
The connection between Jackson and Hurts was forged during Jackson's second tenure with the Eagles from 2019-2020. It was during this period that Jackson caught his final reception for the team — an impressive 81-yard touchdown from Hurts in a Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, which underscored both players' abilities and hinted at the potential of their quarterback-receiver partnership.
This standout moment came amid a tumultuous 2020 season under then-head coach Doug Pederson and served as a turning point for Hurts, who had been brought in as a cost-effective backup to the struggling Carson Wentz. Jackson recalled advocating for Hurts even when others questioned the decision to draft him in the second round. “Everybody was like, ‘Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?’” Jackson reflected.
Hurts' commitment to excellence was evident when he chose to train with Jackson in Florida during the 2020 offseason, despite questions from the team about why he wasn't training with the starting quarterback at the time, Wentz. “It was actually, he made it convenient because I trained in Tampa and he came out there and trained with me,” said Jackson. “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' maturity, likening his mindset to that of "an uncle or an old father." This composure and approach to the game led Jackson to believe in Hurts' unique qualities. “There’s something special about him,” he asserted.
Wentz's tenure with the Eagles, once solidified by a franchise tag and a $128 million extension, began to crumble by the end of the 2020 season. His performance decline eventually led to him being benched, straining the relationship with the team and paving the way for Hurts to step into the limelight following Wentz's departure to the Indianapolis Colts.
As of 2023, Hurts has emerged as one of the NFL's leading quarterbacks, securing victories in 27 of his last 29 starts. His record includes an unprecedented streak of 14 consecutive wins over teams with winning records—the longest such run since at least 1950. His ascent is a testament to the foresight of those like Jackson, who saw his potential early on.
Jackson's legacy with the Eagles is firmly cemented, and as he transitions into retirement, he leaves behind a trail of memorable plays and an endorsement of a quarterback who may well become the face of the franchise for years to come.