After an illustrious 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, where Jackson took the opportunity not only to bid farewell but also to sing praises for quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Jackson, who is celebrated as one of the most formidable deep threats the league has ever seen, expressed his confidence in Hurts, lauding the young quarterback's talent and mindset. He recalled instances from the past that showcased Hurts' impressive abilities. "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."
A Legacy Cemented
Choosing to retire with the team that originally drafted him 49th overall in 2008, Jackson signed a ceremonial one-day contract with the Eagles. His first tenure with the team spanned six seasons, during which he earned three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro honor.
In his 95 games with the Eagles, Jackson leaves behind a remarkable legacy, ranking third in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35). Moreover, his prowess as a punt returner is etched in the franchise's history books; he holds second place in punt returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296). Notably, Jackson shares the record for the most punt return touchdowns with former teammate Darren Sproles, each having four to their name.
The Eagles organization will pay tribute to Jackson's contributions by honoring him as an honorary captain at Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field.
Unforgettable Connection With Hurts
Jackson's bond with Hurts was solidified during his second stint with the Eagles from 2019-2020. Their connection was highlighted by an 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts in a Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. This play was a defining moment in a tumultuous 2020 season, which marked the end of Doug Pederson's coaching era in Philadelphia and Hurts' emergence as a starter over the faltering Carson Wentz.
"I think I was lobbying for Jalen Hurts back when we had Carson Wentz starting at that time," Jackson reflected. The choice to draft Hurts in the second round raised eyebrows, but Jackson saw potential in the young quarterback early on.
Hurts, who trained with Jackson in Florida during the 2020 offseason, displayed a level of maturity and composure that left a lasting impression on the veteran receiver. Jackson shared that despite questions about why Hurts was training with him instead of Wentz, it was Hurts who made the effort to come out to Tampa. "We trained for like a whole week. We were able to build. I had just seen that his mentality was different then," Jackson said. He described Hurts as having the mature mindset of "an uncle or an old father."
The presence of Wentz, especially after signing a franchise tag and $128 million extension, initially overshadowed Hurts' role within the team. However, as Wentz's performance declined towards the end of the 2020 season, leading to his benching and subsequent transfer to the Indianapolis Colts, the stage was set for Hurts to shine.
Rising Star
Now, looking ahead to 2023, Hurts has established himself as a standout player in the NFL. His record speaks volumes, with victories in 27 of his last 29 starts, including winning 16 of the last 17 games. Impressively, he boasts a streak of 14 consecutive wins against teams holding winning records, the longest such streak since at least 1950.
This extraordinary run underscores Hurts' rise to prominence and hints at a bright future for the Eagles with him at the helm. As Jackson steps away from the field, his endorsement of Hurts serves as a testament to the quarterback's abilities and potential to lead the team to new heights. With Jackson's retirement, an era ends, but another may just be beginning with Hurts leading the charge for the Philadelphia Eagles.