After an illustrious 15-year career in the NFL, Philadelphia Eagles' iconic wide receiver DeSean Jackson announced his retirement on Friday. The announcement came from the NovaCare Complex, the Eagles' training facility, where Jackson took a moment to praise quarterback Jalen Hurts, endorsing his skill set and leadership abilities.
Jackson, known for his explosive speed and ability to stretch defenses, has been a formidable deep threat throughout his career. He expressed confidence in Hurts' potential, highlighting the young quarterback's impressive performances that caught his eye early on. "I definitely saw Jalen Hurts before what the world sees now," Jackson remarked. "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 as an Eagle, Jackson signed a ceremonial one-day contract with the franchise that originally drafted him 49th overall in 2008. During his initial six-season run with the Eagles, Jackson earned three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro designation.
His tenure with the team is marked by remarkable statistics: ranking third in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35) across 95 games. As a punt returner, Jackson also made a significant impact, holding second place in punt returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296). Notably, he shares the title of all-time leader in punt return touchdowns with Darren Sproles, both having scored four.
The Eagles will honor Jackson as an honorary captain at Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field, celebrating his contributions to the franchise.
A Special Bond With Hurts
Jackson's connection with Hurts strengthened during his second stint with the Eagles in the 2019-2020 season. A memorable 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys punctuated Jackson's successful career. This play came during a tumultuous 2020 season under coach Doug Pederson and marked Hurts' rise as a promising backup to the then-starting quarterback Carson Wentz.
"I think I was lobbying for Jalen Hurts back when we had Carson Wentz starting at that time," Jackson recalled. "Everybody was like, 'Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?'"
Hurts, who proactively sought out training opportunities with Jackson in Florida, impressed the veteran receiver. Despite questions from the team about why Hurts was training with Jackson instead of Wentz, their sessions together revealed Hurts' unique mentality. "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 possessing a mature mindset, comparing his approach to that of "an uncle or an old father." Hurts' composure and demeanor led Jackson to believe in his exceptional qualities early on.
While Hurts' ascension was initially impeded by Wentz's franchise tag and $128 million extension, Wentz's performance decline and subsequent benching towards the end of the 2020 season opened the door for Hurts. Wentz eventually facilitated his own trade to the Indianapolis Colts, clearing the path for Hurts to take over as the Eagles' starting quarterback.
As of 2023, Hurts has become a standout figure in the NFL, amassing victories in 27 of his last 29 starts, including a remarkable 16 wins in 17 games. Impressively, he has managed a streak of 14 consecutive wins against teams with winning records—a record-setting feat since at least 1950.
Jackson's endorsement of Hurts not only reflects the respect between two generations of Eagles players but also signifies a torch-passing moment. With Jackson's career coming to a close, the spotlight firmly rests on Hurts to continue the legacy of success in Philadelphia.