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 Eagles’ training facility, the NovaCare Complex, where Jackson also took the opportunity to praise his quarterback, Jalen Hurts.
DeSean Jackson: A Storied Career
Jackson, known for his exceptional speed and ability as one of the most formidable deep threats in the history of the league, made it a point to recognize Hurts for his talent and mindset. Reflecting on several instances when the young quarterback impressed him, Jackson 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.”
Choosing to retire as an Eagle, Jackson signed a symbolic one-day contract with the team that originally drafted him 49th overall in 2008. During his initial six seasons with the Eagles, Jackson earned three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro designation. His tenure with the team was marked by impressive statistics; he ranks third in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35) across 95 career games with the franchise. Additionally, as a punt returner, he holds the second position in punt returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296). Notably, Jackson is tied with former running back and return specialist Darren Sproles for the team's all-time lead in punt return touchdowns, each having four.
The Eagles plan to honor the retired wide receiver as an honorary captain at Sunday’s game at Lincoln Financial Field.
A Special Connection with Hurts
Jackson's bond with Hurts was established during his second stint with the Eagles from 2019-2020. His final catch for the franchise, an 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts during a Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, served as a fitting culmination to his successful run. This standout moment occurred in the midst of a challenging 2020 season under then-coach Doug Pederson and amidst Hurts' emergence as a promising backup to the struggling Carson Wentz.
Reflecting on his advocacy for Hurts, Jackson recounted, “I think I was lobbying for Jalen Hurts back when we had Carson Wentz starting at that time. Everybody was like, ‘Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?’”
Hurts demonstrated initiative by choosing to train with Jackson in Florida. During the 2020 offseason, questions arose as to 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, who played college football at Alabama, as having a mature mindset, comparing it to “an uncle or an old father.” He praised Hurts for his composed approach to every game, which convinced Jackson of his special nature.
A significant obstacle to Hurts assuming the starting role was Wentz's hefty contract, which included a franchise tag and a $128 million extension. However, Wentz's performance declined by the end of the 2020 season, leading to his benching and subsequent trade to the Indianapolis Colts, thus paving the way for Hurts.
Hurts’ Rise to Prominence
As of 2023, Jalen Hurts has become one of the NFL's leading quarterbacks. He has led his team to victories in 27 of his last 29 starts, including winning 16 of the previous 17 games. Impressively, Hurts has managed to secure a streak of 14 consecutive wins against teams with winning records, the longest such run since at least 1950.
Jackson's retirement marks the end of an era for the Eagles, but his endorsement of Hurts suggests the beginning of another. With the torch passed, Hurts seems poised to create his own legacy in Philadelphia, much like Jackson did during his remarkable career.
