Philadelphia Eagles' icon DeSean Jackson has decided to hang up his cleats after a remarkable 15-year tenure in the NFL. The renowned wide receiver made his retirement announcement at the team's NovaCare Complex, where he took the opportunity to shine a spotlight on quarterback Jalen Hurts and his promising future.
Jackson, celebrated for his explosive plays and regarded as one of the premier deep threats in the history of the league, expressed his unwavering confidence in Hurts. He lauded the young quarterback's talent and mindset, recalling instances when the 25-year-old signal-caller left a strong impression on him. "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."
Choosing to retire with the franchise that selected him 49th overall in the 2008 draft, Jackson signed a ceremonial one-day contract with the Eagles. His initial stint with the team spanned six seasons, during which he garnered three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro honor.
In his 95 games wearing Eagles green, Jackson secured his place in the franchise's record books. He ranks third in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35). His prowess was not limited to receiving; as a punt returner, Jackson holds second place in punt returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296). Notably, he is tied with former running back and return specialist Darren Sproles for the most punt return touchdowns in team history, each tallying four.
The Eagles will celebrate Jackson's career, naming him an honorary captain for Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field.
A Special Connection with Hurts
Jackson's bond with Hurts strengthened during his second tenure with the Eagles from 2019-2020. Their connection was punctuated by an 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys, a highlight in an otherwise tumultuous 2020 season under then-head coach Doug Pederson. That season also marked Hurts' ascension as the economical 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 reflected. "Everybody was like, 'Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?'"
Hurts proactively sought out Jackson for joint training sessions in Florida during the 2020 offseason. This decision raised eyebrows within the organization, given Wentz's status as the starter. Jackson recalled, "It was actually, he made it convenient because I trained in Tampa and he came out there and trained with me. We trained for like a whole week. We were able to build. I had just seen that his mentality was different then."
Jackson praised Hurts for his mature approach, likening his mindset to that of "an uncle or an old father." The quarterback's calm demeanor and composed presence in games convinced Jackson of Hurts' unique qualities. "There's something special about him," he asserted.
At the time, a significant obstacle for Hurts was the franchise tag and $128 million extension signed by Wentz. However, Wentz's performance faltered by the end of the 2020 season, leading to his benching and subsequent trade to the Indianapolis Colts. This shift opened the door for Hurts to take center stage.
Fast-forward to 2023, and Hurts stands tall as one of the NFL's standout talents. His track record is impressive, securing victories in 27 of his last 29 starts, including a run of 16 wins in 17 games. Most notably, he boasts a streak of 14 consecutive wins over teams with winning records—the longest such streak since at least 1950.
As DeSean Jackson steps away from the gridiron, his endorsement of Jalen Hurts serves as a testament to the quarterback's rising star. With Jackson's storied career coming to a close, the Eagles look to Hurts to lead them into a new era of success, building on the legacy of greatness that players like Jackson have established.