After a storied 15-year tenure in the National Football League, Philadelphia Eagles' iconic wide receiver DeSean Jackson has hung up his cleats. The announcement came on Friday at the Eagles’ training facility, NovaCare Complex, where Jackson took a moment to not only reflect on his own career but also to shine a spotlight on quarterback Jalen Hurts, whose prowess he fully endorsed.
Jackson, renowned for his electrifying speed and ability to stretch defenses, leaves behind a legacy as one of the most formidable deep threats the game has ever seen. In his parting words, Jackson expressed unwavering confidence in Hurts, lauding the young quarterback's talent 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."
In a symbolic gesture cementing his bond with the franchise, Jackson signed a ceremonial one-day contract to retire as an Eagle—the team that selected him 49th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. During his initial six seasons with the Eagles, Jackson earned three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro designation.
His tenure with the Eagles was marked by impressive statistics: Jackson ranks third in team history with 6,512 receiving yards, sixth with 379 receptions, and ninth with 35 receiving touchdowns. As a punt returner, he stands second in punt returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296). Moreover, Jackson is tied with Darren Sproles for the most punt return touchdowns in Eagles history, each having four to their name.
The Eagles will honor Jackson's contributions to the team by naming him an honorary captain at Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field.
Special Connection with Hurts
Jackson's rapport with Hurts developed during the wide receiver's second stint with the team from 2019-2020. His final catch—a remarkable 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts during a Week 16 clash against the Dallas Cowboys—served as a fitting capstone to his illustrious career. This highlight reel play occurred amidst the tumultuous 2020 season, which ultimately became Doug Pederson's last year as head coach in Philadelphia and marked the beginning of Hurts' emergence as a starter over the incumbent Carson Wentz.
"I think I was lobbying for Jalen Hurts back when we had Carson Wentz starting at that time," Jackson reminisced. "Everybody was like, 'Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?'"
Hurts, who trained with Jackson in Florida during the 2020 offseason, showcased a dedication and maturity that left a lasting impression on the veteran receiver. Jackson praised Hurts' old-soul mentality, suggesting it was indicative of his potential for greatness. "It was actually, he made it convenient because I trained in Tampa and he came out there and trained with me," Jackson recalled. "We trained for like a whole week. We were able to build. I had just seen that his mentality was different then."
Despite the challenge posed by Wentz's franchise tag and his $128 million extension, Hurts' composure never wavered. Wentz's performance faltered towards the end of the 2020 season, leading to his benching and subsequent trade to the Indianapolis Colts. This opened the door for Hurts to step into the limelight.
Fast forward to 2023, and Jalen Hurts stands as a beacon of excellence in the NFL. His record speaks volumes: securing victories in 27 of his past 29 starts, including an impeccable run of 16 wins in 17 games. Notably, Hurts has led his team to victory in 14 consecutive games against teams with winning records—a feat unmatched since at least 1950.
As DeSean Jackson steps away from the gridiron, his endorsement of Jalen Hurts resonates as a testament to the quarterback's skill and character. With such high praise from a player of Jackson's caliber, the stage is set for Hurts to continue building his legacy in Philadelphia, propelled by the belief that he indeed possesses something special—an intangible quality that could define an era for the Eagles.