As the sun sets on a storied 15-year career, Philadelphia Eagles' iconic wide receiver DeSean Jackson has hung up his cleats. In a heartfelt announcement at the Eagles' NovaCare Complex training facility on Friday, Jackson not only bid farewell to the game but also shone a spotlight on quarterback Jalen Hurts, affirming his potential for greatness.
Jackson, who is widely recognized as one of the NFL's most formidable deep threats, expressed his belief in Hurts' talent and mindset. Reflecting on their time together, Jackson shared, “I definitely saw Jalen Hurts before what the world sees now. 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.”
In a ceremonial gesture that ties him forever to the team that drafted him 49th overall in 2008, Jackson signed a one-day contract to retire as an Eagle. His first tenure with the team spanned six seasons, during which he earned three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro honor.
His legacy with the Eagles is cemented in the record books: Jackson is third in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35) over 95 games with the franchise. Moreover, as a punt returner, he ranks second in punt returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296). Tying with Darren Sproles, he leads the team in punt return touchdowns with four.
The Eagles will honor Jackson's contribution to the team by naming him an honorary captain at Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field.
A Special Connection with Hurts
The bond between Jackson and Hurts was forged during Jackson's second stint with the Eagles from 2019-2020. One of the defining moments of this partnership came when Jackson caught an 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys, marking a highlight in an otherwise challenging 2020 season under then-coach Doug Pederson. It was also a pivotal moment for Hurts, who was stepping up as a replacement for the struggling Carson Wentz.
Jackson recalled advocating for Hurts even when Wentz was the starter. “Everybody was like, ‘Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?’” Jackson remembered. But it was Hurts' proactive approach that left a lasting impression on the veteran receiver. Hurts chose to train with Jackson in Florida during the 2020 offseason, a move that raised eyebrows within the team given Wentz's position at the time.
“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' mature mindset as akin to “an uncle or an old father,” noting his calm approach to every game and a demeanor that signaled something unique about the young quarterback.
Despite the challenge posed by Wentz's franchise tag and $128 million extension, Hurts' opportunity arose when Wentz's performance waned toward the end of the 2020 season, leading to his benching and subsequent departure to the Indianapolis Colts.
Fast-forward to 2023, and Hurts has emerged as a marquee player in the NFL. He boasts an impressive record, having secured victories in 27 of his last 29 starts. This includes winning 16 of 17 games and amassing an extraordinary streak of 14 consecutive wins against teams with winning records—a feat unmatched since at least 1950.
Hurts' ascension is a testament to his resilience and skill, qualities that Jackson recognized early on. As Jackson steps away from the limelight, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and a vote of confidence in the future of the Eagles with Hurts at the helm.
With Jackson's retirement, an era ends, but another chapter begins for the Eagles, propelled by the promise and prowess of Jalen Hurts, a leader ready to carve his own path in Philadelphia sports history.