After a storied 15-year career in the National Football League, Philadelphia Eagles' iconic wide receiver DeSean Jackson has decided to hang up his cleats. The announcement came on Friday at the Eagles’ NovaCare Complex training facility, where Jackson took the opportunity not only to reflect on his illustrious career but also to shine a light on quarterback Jalen Hurts' burgeoning talent.
Recognized as one of the most formidable deep threats in NFL history, Jackson expressed unequivocal confidence in Hurts' abilities, praising both his skill and mindset. He reminisced about several instances when the young quarterback, now 25, left a lasting impression on him. "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."
A Career to Remember
Jackson, who chose to retire as an Eagle, signed a ceremonial one-day contract with the franchise that selected him 49th overall in the 2008 draft. In his initial six-season run with the Eagles, he earned three Pro Bowl selections and one All-Pro honor. Over 95 games with the team, Jackson accrued impressive statistics, ranking 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 placed second in punt returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296) for the Eagles. Furthermore, he is tied with former running back and return specialist Darren Sproles for the all-time lead in punt return touchdowns, with four. In recognition of his impact, Jackson will serve as an honorary captain at the Eagles game this Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.
Special Connection with Hurts
The bond between Jackson and Hurts developed during Jackson's second tenure with the Eagles from 2019 to 2020. One of their most memorable connections came in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys, where Jackson's final reception for the franchise—a stunning 81-yard touchdown—was delivered by Hurts. This highlight occurred amidst a challenging 2020 season under then-head coach Doug Pederson and marked Hurts' emergence as a viable 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 recalled. "Everybody was like, 'Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?'"
Hurts made the proactive decision to train with Jackson in Florida during the 2020 offseason, choosing to work with Jackson rather than 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 described Hurts, who played college football at Alabama, as having a mature mindset reminiscent of "an uncle or an old father." His composed approach to each game convinced Jackson of his unique qualities. "There's something special about him," he affirmed.
At the time, a significant obstacle to Hurts assuming the starting role was Wentz's hefty franchise tag and $128 million extension. However, Wentz's performance declined sharply by the end of the 2020 season, leading to his benching and subsequent transfer to the Indianapolis Colts. This shift paved the way for Hurts to step into the spotlight.
Hurts' Rise to Prominence
Fast forward to 2023, and Jalen Hurts has become one of the NFL's standout players. With an impressive record of victories in 27 of his last 29 starts, including winning 16 of the previous 17 games, Hurts has established himself as a force to be reckoned with. Notably, he boasts a remarkable streak of 14 consecutive wins against teams holding winning records—the longest such streak since at least 1950.
As Jackson transitions into retirement, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and a vote of confidence in the next generation of Eagles talent, embodied by Jalen Hurts. If Jackson's predictions hold true, the future looks bright for Philadelphia with Hurts at the helm, ready to create his own legacy and perhaps, one day, leave as indelible a mark on the franchise as Jackson himself did.