Philadelphia Eagles' iconic wide receiver DeSean Jackson has hung up his cleats after a storied 15-year career in the NFL. Making his retirement announcement at the Eagles' NovaCare Complex, Jackson took the opportunity to praise his quarterback Jalen Hurts, highlighting his talent and mindset. The veteran receiver's endorsement comes as no surprise, given the special bond he shares with the young quarterback.
Jackson, who is celebrated for being one of the most formidable deep threats the league has ever seen, said, "I definitely saw Jalen Hurts before what the world sees now. 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." This commendation from a player of Jackson's caliber underscores the potential he sees in Hurts.
In a symbolic gesture of fidelity to the team that drafted him 49th overall in 2008, Jackson signed a one-day contract to retire as an Eagle. His first tenure with the team spanned six seasons, during which he was selected for three Pro Bowls and earned an All-Pro selection. In his 95 games with the Eagles, Jackson recorded impressive statistics: 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 ranks second in punt returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296) for the Eagles, sharing the top spot for punt return touchdowns (four) with former teammate Darren Sproles.
The Eagles will honor Jackson's contributions by naming him an honorary captain at Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field, celebrating his remarkable career with the franchise.
A Special Connection with Hurts
Jackson's bond with Hurts was forged during his second stint with the Eagles from 2019-2020. It was during this period that Jackson caught an 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts in a Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. This highlight-reel play came amid the tumultuous 2020 season under coach Doug Pederson, which also marked Hurts’ emergence as a starter over the struggling Carson Wentz.
Reflecting on the dynamics of that season, Jackson recalled advocating for Hurts even when Wentz was the starting quarterback. "Everybody was like, ‘Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?’" Jackson recounted, indicating his early belief in Hurts' abilities. Their relationship grew as they trained together in Florida during the 2020 offseason, despite questions from the team about why Hurts was training with Jackson 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 described Hurts' maturity, likening his mindset to "an uncle or an old father," and recognized a unique quality in his approach to the game.
Hurts' ascent was initially overshadowed by Wentz's franchise tag and $128 million extension, but Wentz's performance faltered by 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 take the reins of the team.
Fast forward to 2023, and Hurts has established himself as one of the NFL's standout quarterbacks. With 27 victories in his last 29 starts, including a remarkable 16 wins out of 17 games and an unprecedented streak of 14 consecutive wins against teams with winning records, Hurts has silenced any doubters. This streak is the longest of its kind since at least 1950, marking Hurts as not only a success story but also as a beacon of consistency and excellence for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Jackson's retirement marks the end of an era for the Eagles, but his support for Hurts suggests the dawn of a new one. As the torch is passed, both the team and its fans can look forward to the promise of continued greatness, fostered by the legacy of past heroes and the potential of those stepping into the spotlight.