Philadelphia's beloved wide receiver, DeSean Jackson, has chosen to hang up his cleats after a storied 15-year career in the National Football League. In an emotional farewell at the Eagles' NovaCare Complex, Jackson took the opportunity not only to reflect on his own journey but also to shine a spotlight on the promising future of quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Jackson, celebrated for his explosive plays and regarded as one of the most formidable deep threats the league has ever seen, expressed unwavering confidence in Hurts. He praised the young quarterback's talent and mindset, recalling instances where the 25-year-old signal-caller made a lasting impression on him.
"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 in Philadelphia
DeSean Jackson's decision to retire as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, the team that drafted him 49th overall in 2008, brings his career full circle. He signed a ceremonial one-day contract to officially conclude his tenure where it all began. In his initial six seasons with the Eagles, Jackson earned three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro designation, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise's history.
His statistical achievements with the Eagles are impressive: third in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35) over 95 games. As a punt returner, Jackson boasts the second-most punt returns (132) and the third-highest punt return yardage (1,296) for the team. Moreover, he is tied with Darren Sproles for the most punt return touchdowns in Eagles history, each having four to their name.
The Eagles organization will honor Jackson's contributions by naming him an honorary captain for Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field, allowing fans to celebrate his legacy one final time.
Unforgettable Connection with Hurts
Jackson's bond with Hurts was forged during his second stint with the Eagles from 2019-2020. Their connection was highlighted by Jackson's final reception—a remarkable 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts during a Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. This play not only punctuated Jackson's successful career but also came during a pivotal moment in the 2020 season under then-coach Doug Pederson, which also marked Hurts' emergence as a starter over Carson Wentz.
"I think I was lobbying for Jalen Hurts back when we had Carson Wentz starting at that time," Jackson disclosed. "Everybody was like, 'Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?'"
Hurts showed initiative by opting to train with Jackson in Florida during the 2020 offseason, a move that raised questions within the team given Wentz's status as the starting quarterback. "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, an Alabama product, as possessing a mature mindset reminiscent of "an uncle or an old father." It was Hurts' composed approach to every game that convinced Jackson of the quarterback's exceptional qualities.
The path for Hurts was initially obstructed by Wentz's hefty franchise tag and $128 million extension. But as Wentz's performance faltered towards the end of the 2020 season, leading to his benching and subsequent trade to the Indianapolis Colts, Hurts seized the opportunity to lead the Eagles.
Fast-forward to the present, and Jalen Hurts stands as one of the NFL's leading quarterbacks. His record is nothing short of astounding, securing victories in 27 of his past 29 starts, which includes a streak of 14 consecutive wins against teams with winning records—the longest such run since at least 1950.
As DeSean Jackson steps away from the gridiron, his endorsement of Jalen Hurts serves as a passing of the torch. With Hurts at the helm, the Philadelphia Eagles look to soar high into the future, building upon the foundation laid by legends like Jackson. The city of brotherly love has much to anticipate, as one era ends and another promises to rise from its ashes.