After a storied 15-year career in the National Football League, Philadelphia Eagles' iconic wide receiver DeSean Jackson has decided to hang up his cleats. The retirement announcement came on Friday at the Eagles’ NovaCare Complex training facility, where Jackson took the opportunity to sing praises for his quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Jackson, who is celebrated as one of the most electrifying deep threats in NFL history, expressed his confidence in Hurts. He shared anecdotes of times when the young quarterback demonstrated his impressive abilities. "I definitely saw Jalen Hurts before what the world sees now," Jackson reflected. "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."
A Career to Remember
In an emotional homage to his roots, Jackson signed a ceremonial one-day contract to retire as a member of the team that selected him with the 49th overall pick in the 2008 draft. His initial tenure with the Eagles spanned six seasons, during which he earned three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro honor.
Jackson's legacy with the Eagles is cemented in the record books. In 95 games, he ranks third in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35) for the franchise. As a punt returner, he stands second in punt returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296). Notably, Jackson shares the top spot for the most punt return touchdowns in Eagles history, tied with the versatile Darren Sproles at four.
The Eagles will pay tribute to Jackson's remarkable career by honoring him as a captain at Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field.
Bonding Over the Game
The connection between Jackson and Hurts was forged during Jackson's second stint with the Eagles from 2019-2020. A standout moment came in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys when Jackson caught an 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts — a play that underscored both players' talents during a tumultuous season.
That year, under Coach Doug Pederson's last season with Philadelphia, marked Hurts' emergence as a promising backup to Carson Wentz, who was experiencing a decline in performance. "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' dedication to improving his craft led him to train with Jackson in Tampa, Florida, during the 2020 offseason. This decision raised eyebrows within the team, given Wentz's status as the starter. Jackson admired Hurts' commitment, noting, "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 described Hurts' mature mindset as akin to "an uncle or an old father." He commended Hurts for approaching every game with a level-headed demeanor, which convinced Jackson of Hurts' unique potential.
Despite the challenge posed by Wentz's franchise tag and $128 million extension, Wentz's subsequent performance decline and benching eventually strained their relationship. This led to Wentz forcing a trade to the Indianapolis Colts and opened the door for Hurts to step into the limelight.
Hurts' Rise to Prominence
As we fast forward to 2023, Jalen Hurts has ascended to become one of the NFL's leading quarterbacks. His record is nothing short of remarkable, securing victories in 27 of his past 29 starts. This includes a streak of 16 wins out of 17 games and an unprecedented run of 14 consecutive wins against teams holding winning records — the longest such streak since at least 1950.
Jackson's endorsement of Hurts is not merely a parting gift from a veteran to a younger player; it is a testament to Hurts' growth and potential as the face of the Eagles' franchise. As Jackson steps away from the field, his legacy endures, not only through his own achievements but also through the bright future he envisions for Hurts and the Eagles.
With Jackson’s chapter coming to a close, the spotlight now rests firmly on Jalen Hurts, who carries the hopes of the Eagles faithful into the next era. If Jackson's predictions hold true, Philadelphia may well witness the rise of a new legend in the making.