DeSean Jackson Retires, Endorses Jalen Hurts as Eagles' Future
Philadelphia Eagles' legendary wide receiver DeSean Jackson has decided to hang up his cleats after a storied 15-year career in the NFL. The announcement came on Friday at the team's NovaCare Complex training facility, where Jackson took the opportunity not only to reflect on his own career but also to voice strong support for his former quarterback, Jalen Hurts.
A Storied Career and a Vote of Confidence
Jackson, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest deep threats the league has ever seen, expressed his belief in Hurts' abilities and potential. "I definitely saw Jalen Hurts before what the world sees now," Jackson stated. "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."
As he retires, Jackson chose to do so as a member of the Eagles—the team that drafted him 49th overall in 2008—signing a ceremonial one-day contract. His first stint with the Eagles was marked by six seasons of remarkable play, earning him three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro honor.
Over 95 games with the Eagles, Jackson accumulated impressive statistics, ranking third in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35). His prowess wasn't limited to receiving; as a punt returner, he recorded the second-most punt returns (132) and the third-most punt return yards (1,296) in team history. Notably, he is tied with Darren Sproles for the most punt return touchdowns in Eagles history, with four.
The Eagles will celebrate Jackson's legacy by naming him an honorary captain for Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field.
Forging a Connection with Hurts
Jackson's connection with Hurts developed during his second stint with the Eagles from 2019-2020. Their rapport was exemplified by Jackson's final reception for the franchise—an 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts during a Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in the challenging 2020 season, which turned out to be Doug Pederson's last as Philadelphia's head coach.
"I think I was lobbying for Jalen Hurts back when we had Carson Wentz starting at that time," Jackson recalled, reflecting on the period when many questioned the decision to draft Hurts in the second round. It was Hurts who took the initiative to train with Jackson in Tampa, Florida, during the 2020 offseason, despite questions about why he was not training with then-starter Wentz.
"We trained for like a whole week. We were able to build. I had just seen that his mentality was different then," Jackson explained. He praised Hurts' maturity, likening his mindset to that of "an uncle or an old father." Jackson was convinced there was something unique about Hurts, noting his composed approach to the game.
The Rise of Jalen Hurts
Hurts' ascent to the role of starting quarterback was initially overshadowed by the franchise tag and $128 million extension given to Wentz. However, by the end of the 2020 season, Wentz's performance had declined, leading to his benching and subsequent trade to the Indianapolis Colts. This shift paved the way for Hurts to take the reins.
Fast forward to 2023, and Jalen Hurts has become a leading figure in the NFL. He has led the Eagles to victories in 27 of his past 29 starts, including a remarkable run of 16 wins in 17 games. Most impressively, Hurts has achieved a streak of 14 consecutive victories over teams with winning records—a feat that hasn't been matched since at least 1950.
DeSean Jackson's retirement marks the end of an era for the Eagles, but his endorsement of Jalen Hurts suggests that the team's future remains bright. As Jackson steps away from the gridiron, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and a belief in the continued success of the Philadelphia Eagles under the guidance of Hurts. With such high praise from a player of Jackson's caliber, fans and observers alike will be watching eagerly to see if Hurts can fulfill the lofty expectations set before him.
