Philadelphia Eagles' iconic wide receiver DeSean Jackson has hung up his cleats after a storied 15-year career in the NFL. The announcement came from the NovaCare Complex, the Eagles’ training facility, where Jackson took the opportunity to praise his former quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Jackson, celebrated as one of the most formidable deep threats in NFL history, endorsed Hurts for his exceptional talent and mindset. Recalling several instances when the young quarterback impressed him, Jackson said, "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."
Choosing to retire with the team that drafted him 49th overall in 2008, Jackson signed a ceremonial one-day contract with the Eagles. His first tenure with the team spanned six seasons during which he earned three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro designation.
In his 95 games with the Eagles, Jackson amassed 6,512 receiving yards—ranking third in team history—along with 379 receptions and 35 receiving touchdowns. Additionally, as a punt returner, he recorded 132 returns and 1,296 return yards, securing second and third place in those categories, respectively. Notably, he shares the franchise record for punt return touchdowns with Darren Sproles, both having four to their names.
To honor his retirement, Jackson will serve as an honorary captain at the upcoming Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field.
Forging a Connection with Hurts
The bond between Jackson and Hurts was cemented during the wide receiver's second stint with the Eagles from 2019 to 2020. A highlight of this partnership was an 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts to Jackson in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys during the tumultuous 2020 season, marking Doug Pederson's last year as head coach in Philadelphia. It was also during this season that Hurts emerged as a promising backup to then-starter Carson Wentz.
"I think I was lobbying for Jalen Hurts back when we had Carson Wentz starting at that time," Jackson reflected. "Everybody was like, 'Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?'"
Hurts, eager to develop his skills, chose to train with Jackson in Tampa, Florida. Jackson recalled questions from the team about why Hurts was training with him instead of Wentz. "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, an Alabama native, as having a mature mindset reminiscent of "an uncle or an old father." Hurts approached every game with composure, impressing Jackson and convincing him of Hurts' unique qualities.
At the time, Wentz's future with the Eagles seemed secure after signing a franchise tag and $128 million extension. However, by the end of the 2020 season, Wentz's performance had significantly declined, leading to his benching and subsequent trade to the Indianapolis Colts. This shift paved the way for Hurts to step into the spotlight.
Now, looking at the 2023 season, Hurts has established himself as one of the league's elite quarterbacks. His record is outstanding, with victories in 27 of his last 29 starts, including a remarkable run of 16 wins in 17 games. Even more impressive is his streak of 14 consecutive wins against teams with winning records—the longest since at least 1950.
As Jackson steps away from the gridiron, his legacy not only includes his own remarkable achievements but also the impact he had on a rising star. Hurts' ascent in the NFL can be traced back to the faith and guidance of veterans like Jackson, who saw his potential early on. With Hurts at the helm, the Eagles look poised to soar high, bolstered by the legacy of one of their greatest wide receivers.