After an illustrious 15-year tenure in the National Football League, Philadelphia Eagles' iconic wide receiver DeSean Jackson has decided to hang up his cleats. The announcement came from the NovaCare Complex, the Eagles’ training facility, where Jackson took the opportunity to not only reflect on his storied career but also to shine a spotlight on quarterback Jalen Hurts' burgeoning talent.
Jackson, who is celebrated as one of the most formidable deep threats the league has ever seen, voiced his strong endorsement for Hurts. He praised the young quarterback's skill set and mental fortitude, recounting several instances when the 25-year-old signal-caller made a lasting impression on him. "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."
In a ceremonial gesture reflecting his deep connection with the franchise, Jackson signed a one-day contract to retire as an Eagle—the team that originally drafted him 49th overall back in 2008. During his initial six seasons with the Eagles, Jackson earned three Pro Bowl selections and one All-Pro honor. His statistics with the team are remarkable: ranking third in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35) across 95 games. Additionally, his prowess as a punt returner is etched in the team's record books—he ranks second in punt returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296), sharing the top spot for punt return touchdowns (four) with former teammate Darren Sproles.
The Eagles will pay tribute to Jackson's legacy by naming him an honorary captain at Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field.
A Special Connection with Hurts
Jackson's bond with Hurts was forged during the wide receiver's second stint with the Eagles between 2019 and 2020. One of their most memorable connections on the field was Jackson's final reception for the Eagles—an electrifying 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts during a Week 16 clash against the Dallas Cowboys. This highlight reel-worthy moment came amidst a tumultuous 2020 season under then-head coach Doug Pederson and marked the beginning of Hurts' ascent as a starter over the struggling Carson Wentz.
"I think I was lobbying for Jalen Hurts back when we had Carson Wentz starting at that time," Jackson disclosed. "Everybody was asking, 'Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?'"
Hurts proactively sought to train with Jackson, traveling to Tampa, Florida, to work with the veteran receiver. Reflecting on that offseason, Jackson shared how questions arose about why Hurts was training with him instead of Wentz. "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 lauded Hurts' mature mindset, likening it to "an uncle or an old father." Hurts' composed approach to each game convinced Jackson of the quarterback's unique qualities. "There’s something special about him," he affirmed.
The path for Hurts to become the franchise quarterback was complicated by Wentz's $128 million extension and the franchise tag. Nevertheless, Wentz's performance faltered towards the end of the 2020 season, leading to his benching and subsequent trade to the Indianapolis Colts. This shift paved the way for Hurts to step into the limelight.
Fast forward to 2023, and Jalen Hurts has established himself as one of the NFL's preeminent quarterbacks. His track record is nothing short of impressive, securing victories in 27 of his last 29 starts, including a streak of 16 wins in 17 games. Most notably, Hurts has achieved a run of 14 consecutive wins against teams holding winning records—a feat that hasn't been matched since at least 1950. Under Hurts' leadership, the future looks bright for the Philadelphia Eagles, and Jackson's early advocacy and belief in the young quarterback seem more justified than ever.