As the sun sets on a storied 15-year career, Philadelphia Eagles' iconic wide receiver DeSean Jackson has decided to hang up his cleats. In an emotional farewell at the Eagles' NovaCare Complex, Jackson took a moment to shine the spotlight on quarterback Jalen Hurts, expressing confidence in the young quarterback's future.
Jackson's remarkable tenure in the NFL has been punctuated by his reputation as one of the league's most formidable deep threats. During his retirement announcement, he lauded Hurts for his exceptional talent and mindset, recalling several instances when the 25-year-old quarterback left 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."
The decision to retire was made official with a ceremonial one-day contract, allowing Jackson to end his career with the team that selected him 49th overall in the 2008 draft. Jackson's first stint with the Eagles spanned six seasons, during which he earned three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro designation.
Reflecting on his impressive statistics, Jackson ranks third in the franchise's history with 6,512 receiving yards, sixth in receptions with 379, and ninth in receiving touchdowns tallying 35. His prowess was not limited to receiving alone; as a punt returner, he recorded the second-most punt returns (132) and third-most punt return yards (1,296). Moreover, he shares the distinction of most punt return touchdowns with Darren Sproles, both scoring four during their time with the Eagles.
In honor of his contributions, Jackson will be celebrated as an honorary captain at Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field.
A Special Connection with Hurts
The bond between Jackson and Hurts was forged during Jackson's second run with the Eagles from 2019-2020. A memorable 81-yard touchdown reception from Hurts in a Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys encapsulated Jackson's enduring impact on the field. This highlight came amidst the tumultuous 2020 season under coach Doug Pederson, which also marked Hurts' emergence as a promising replacement for the struggling Carson Wentz.
Jackson recalled advocating for Hurts even when Wentz was the starting quarterback. "I think I was lobbying for Jalen Hurts back when we had Carson Wentz starting at that time," he said. "Everybody was like, 'Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?'"
Hurts, showing initiative, joined Jackson for training in Florida during the 2020 offseason. Jackson shared that there were questions 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."
According to Jackson, Hurts possessed a maturity beyond his years, likening his mindset to "an uncle or an old father." It was this composed approach to the game that convinced Jackson of Hurts' unique qualities. "There’s something special about him," he asserted.
The dynamic within the Eagles shifted when Wentz, who had signed a franchise tag and $128 million extension, underperformed and was subsequently benched by the end of the 2020 season. This led to a strained relationship and Wentz's eventual trade to the Indianapolis Colts, paving the way for Hurts to step into the limelight.
Fast-forward to the present day, and Hurts has established himself as a standout player in the NFL. His record is nothing short of remarkable, securing wins in 27 of his last 29 starts. This includes winning 16 of the past 17 games and an extraordinary streak of 14 consecutive victories over teams with winning records—a feat not matched since at least 1950.
As DeSean Jackson's illustrious career concludes, his endorsement of Jalen Hurts stands as a testament to his belief in the next generation of Eagles talent. With such high praise from a veteran of Jackson's caliber, the stage is set for Hurts to continue to ascend and perhaps, craft his own legacy in Philadelphia's rich football history.