Philadelphia Eagles' storied wide receiver DeSean Jackson has hung up his cleats after an illustrious 15-year NFL career. In a heartfelt retirement announcement at the Eagles' NovaCare Complex, Jackson took the opportunity to shine a spotlight on quarterback Jalen Hurts, expressing firm belief in his potential and leadership.
Jackson, who is celebrated as one of the most formidable deep threats the league has ever seen, did not hold back in his praise for Hurts. "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."
The bond between Jackson and the city of Philadelphia is undeniable. Opting to retire with the franchise that selected him 49th overall in the 2008 draft, Jackson signed a ceremonial one-day contract to conclude his career as an Eagle. His first tenure with the team spanned six seasons, during which he earned three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro designation.
Jackson's legacy with the Eagles is etched in the record books. He finishes third in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35) across 95 games. As a punt returner, he ranks second in punt returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296). Moreover, he shares the distinction of most punt return touchdowns in team history with Darren Sproles, both boasting four.
In celebration of his remarkable career, Jackson will be honored as an honorary captain at the upcoming Eagles game at Lincoln Financial Field.
A Special Connection with Hurts
Jackson's rapport with Hurts was forged during his second stint with the Eagles from 2019 to 2020. A highlight of this connection was an 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts to Jackson in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys, marking Jackson's final reception with the team. This memorable play came amidst a tumultuous 2020 season under then-head coach Doug Pederson and signaled the rise of Hurts as a promising talent behind the struggling Carson Wentz.
"I think I was lobbying for Jalen Hurts back when we had Carson Wentz starting at that time," Jackson recalled. The decision to draft Hurts in the second round raised eyebrows initially, especially within the context of Wentz's substantial franchise tag and $128 million extension. However, as Wentz's performance waned by the end of the 2020 season, leading to his benching and eventual transfer to the Indianapolis Colts, the stage was set for Hurts to step into the limelight.
Hurts, an Alabama product, demonstrated a maturity beyond his years, impressing Jackson with his composed approach to the game. "It was actually, he made it convenient because I trained in Tampa and he came out there and trained with me," Jackson said of their offseason workouts. "We trained for like a whole week. We were able to build. I had just seen that his mentality was different then." Jackson likened Hurts' mature mindset to "an uncle or an old father," cementing his belief in the young quarterback's special qualities.
Fast forward to 2023, and Jalen Hurts has indeed validated Jackson's early confidence. With 27 victories in his last 29 starts, including an unprecedented 16 of 17, Hurts has positioned himself among the NFL's elite. His streak of 14 consecutive wins against teams with winning records is the longest since at least 1950, a testament to his skill and resilience as a leader on the field.
As DeSean Jackson steps away from the gridiron, his endorsement of Jalen Hurts stands as a powerful statement of trust in the next generation. With the torch passed, Hurts seems poised to carry on the legacy of excellence that Eagles fans have come to cherish.