Philadelphia Eagles’ iconic wide receiver DeSean Jackson has hung up his cleats after an illustrious 15-year career in the NFL. In a heartfelt announcement at the Eagles’ NovaCare Complex, Jackson not only reflected on his storied tenure but also took the opportunity to laud his former quarterback, Jalen Hurts, for his exceptional talent and mindset.
Jackson, who is celebrated as one of the most formidable deep threats the league has ever seen, expressed his confidence in Hurts' abilities and potential for longevity in the sport. “I definitely saw Jalen Hurts before what the world sees now,” he 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.”
In a symbolic gesture cementing his legacy with the franchise, Jackson signed a ceremonial one-day contract to retire as a member of the Eagles—the team that originally drafted him 49th overall back in 2008. During his first six seasons with the Eagles, Jackson earned three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro designation, leaving an indelible mark on the organization.
His statistics with the Eagles are nothing short of remarkable. In 95 games, Jackson ranks third in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in touchdowns (35). As a punt returner, he is second in returns (132) and third in yards (1,296), holding the franchise record for punt return touchdowns, a title he shares with Darren Sproles, both tallying four.
The Eagles will honor Jackson's contributions to the team by naming him an honorary captain for Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field—a fitting tribute to a player who has left an enduring legacy.
A Special Connection with Hurts
Jackson's rapport with Hurts developed during his second stint with the Eagles from 2019 to 2020. Their connection was highlighted by an 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts during a Week 16 clash against the Dallas Cowboys. This moment came during a tumultuous 2020 season which marked the end of Doug Pederson's tenure as head coach and coincided with Hurts' emergence as a viable starter over the incumbent Carson Wentz.
Reflecting on the team dynamics at the time, Jackson shared, “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?’” Jackson's belief in Hurts' capabilities was evident early on, as he chose to train with the young quarterback 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 admired Hurts' maturity, likening his mindset to that of "an uncle or an old father," and believed firmly in the young quarterback's unique qualities.
Hurts' rise to prominence was initially overshadowed by Wentz's hefty franchise tag and $128 million extension. However, Wentz's performance faltered towards the end of the 2020 season, leading to his benching and subsequent trade to the Indianapolis Colts. This opened the door for Hurts to step into the limelight.
Now, looking ahead to 2023, Jalen Hurts stands as a towering figure in the NFL. His record is nothing short of astounding, securing victories in 27 of his last 29 starts, including a streak of 16 wins out of 17 games. Impressively, he has amassed a run of 14 consecutive victories over teams with winning records, a feat unparalleled since at least 1950.
As Jackson steps away from the gridiron, his endorsement of Hurts serves as a powerful testament to the quarterback's prowess and potential. The future appears bright for Hurts, who carries the high praise and expectations set forth by one of the Eagles' all-time greats. As Jackson concludes his chapter with the Eagles, Hurts seems poised to write his own legendary story in the annals of Philadelphia sports history.