After an illustrious 15-year tenure in the National Football League, Philadelphia Eagles’ iconic wide receiver DeSean Jackson has hung up his cleats. The retirement announcement came on Friday at the Eagles’ training facility, the NovaCare Complex, where Jackson took a moment to praise his quarterback, Jalen Hurts, highlighting his talent and mindset.
Jackson, who is celebrated as one of the most formidable deep threats the league has ever seen, expressed his confidence in Hurts, stating, "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." These words not only underscored his belief in Hurts' abilities but also reflected his optimism about the quarterback's future with the Eagles.
In a gesture that symbolizes his bond with the team, Jackson signed a ceremonial one-day contract to retire as an Eagle, the very franchise 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 honor, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise's history.
His statistics with the Eagles are nothing short of remarkable. In 95 games, Jackson 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, he recorded the second-most punt returns (132) and third-most punt return yards (1,296) in team history. Moreover, Jackson shares the record for the most punt return touchdowns with former running back and return specialist Darren Sproles, both tallying four each.
The Eagles will honor Jackson’s contributions to the team by naming him an honorary captain at Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field, allowing fans to celebrate his legacy.
A Special Connection with Hurts
Jackson's rapport with Hurts developed during his second stint with the Eagles from 2019-2020. One of their most memorable connections on the field was an 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys, which served as a highlight in a challenging 2020 season. This play was particularly poignant as it unfolded during Doug Pederson’s final year as coach and amidst Hurts' emergence as the backup to then-starter Carson Wentz.
Jackson recalled advocating for Hurts even when Wentz was the starter, saying, "I think I was lobbying for Jalen Hurts back when we had Carson Wentz starting at that time. Everybody was like, ‘Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?’" His faith in Hurts was evident early on and remained steadfast despite the controversy surrounding the quarterback selection.
Hurts, showing initiative and dedication, chose to train with Jackson in Florida during the 2020 offseason. Jackson recounted, "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 admired Hurts' mature approach to the game, likening his mindset to that of "an uncle or an old father."
While Wentz's significant franchise tag and $128 million extension initially overshadowed Hurts' role, Wentz's performance decline towards the end of the 2020 season led to his benching and subsequent trade to the Indianapolis Colts. This shift opened the door for Hurts to step into the limelight.
Fast-forward to the present day, and Hurts has become one of the NFL’s standout quarterbacks. He boasts an impressive record, securing victories in 27 of his last 29 starts, including triumphs in 16 of the last 17 games. Notably, he holds a streak of 14 consecutive wins over teams with winning records—the longest such streak since at least 1950.
As Jackson steps away from the gridiron, his endorsement of Hurts carries significant weight, suggesting that the torch has been passed to a quarterback poised for greatness. With the support of a legend and his own proven track record, Jalen Hurts appears ready to write his own storied chapter in the annals of Philadelphia Eagles history.