Philadelphia Eagles icon DeSean Jackson has hung up his cleats after an illustrious 15-year career in the NFL. The celebrated wide receiver made his retirement official at the Eagles' training facility, NovaCare Complex, where he took a moment to laud quarterback Jalen Hurts for his talent and leadership.
Jackson, renowned for his game-changing speed and ability to stretch defenses, expressed his confidence in Hurts' potential and future with the franchise. "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 that cements his legacy, Jackson signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Eagles—the team that drafted him 49th overall in 2008. 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 receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35) across 95 games. His prowess extended to special teams, where he stands second in punt returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296), sharing the franchise record for punt return touchdowns (four) with Darren Sproles.
The Eagles will honor Jackson's contributions by naming him an honorary captain at Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field.
A Special Bond with Hurts
Jackson's rapport with Hurts developed during his second stint 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 of the 2020 season and Doug Pederson's final year as head coach.
Jackson recalled advocating for Hurts even when Carson Wentz was the starting quarterback. "Everybody was like, 'Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?'" Jackson reflected on the skepticism surrounding Hurts' draft selection. Despite this, Hurts proved himself by choosing to train with Jackson in Florida during the 2020 offseason.
"It was actually, he made it convenient because I trained in Tampa and he came out there and trained with me," Jackson said. "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' mindset as mature beyond his years, likening it to "an uncle or an old father."
Wentz's tenure with the Eagles, once secured by a franchise tag and a $128 million extension, ended tumultuously. His performance declined sharply towards the end of the 2020 season, culminating in his benching and subsequent trade to the Indianapolis Colts. This shift opened the door for Hurts to step into the limelight.
Fast-forward to 2023, and Jalen Hurts has emerged as a leading figure in the NFL. His record is a testament to his capabilities: securing victories in 27 of his past 29 starts, including a remarkable streak of 14 consecutive wins over teams with winning records—the longest such run since at least 1950.
Hurts' success can be partially attributed to the foundation he built with veterans like Jackson. The retired receiver's endorsement not only highlights Hurts' skill set but also underlines the importance of mentorship and chemistry in the sport.
As Jackson transitions into retirement, his legacy with the Eagles is firmly established, not only through his own achievements but also through his impact on players like Hurts who continue to shape the future of the franchise.