The Philadelphia Eagles bid a heartfelt farewell to one of their most iconic players as DeSean Jackson, the legendary wide receiver, announced his retirement after an illustrious 15-year career in the NFL. The announcement came from the very heart of the Eagles' operations at the NovaCare Complex, where Jackson took a moment to shine the spotlight on his quarterback, Jalen Hurts, endorsing his abilities and potential for future greatness.
DeSean Jackson's Legacy
Known for his electrifying speed and ability to make big plays, Jackson has been a formidable deep threat throughout his career. His commendation of Hurts was not just a passing remark but a genuine recognition of the young quarterback's talent and mindset. Jackson reflected on several instances when the 25-year-old Hurts impressed him with his performance.
"I definitely saw Jalen Hurts before what the world sees now," Jackson stated. "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 ceremonial one-day contract with the team that drafted him 49th overall in 2008. During his initial six seasons with the Eagles, he earned three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro nod. In terms of team records, Jackson stands third in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35). As a punt returner, he boasts the second-highest number of punt returns (132) and the third-highest punt return yards (1,296) in Eagles history. Moreover, he shares the top spot for punt return touchdowns with Darren Sproles, each having four to their name.
In honor of his contributions, Jackson will be celebrated as an honorary captain at the Eagles' upcoming game at Lincoln Financial Field this Sunday.
A Special Bond with Hurts
Jackson's connection with Hurts dates back to his second tenure with the Eagles in 2019-2020. Their rapport was highlighted by an 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts to Jackson during Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys—a bright spot in an otherwise challenging 2020 season under then-coach Doug Pederson and also marked the beginning of Hurts' ascent as a starter over the struggling Carson Wentz.
"I think I was lobbying for Jalen Hurts back when we had Carson Wentz starting at that time," Jackson recalled. "Everybody was like, 'Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?'"
Hurts proactively sought to train with Jackson, traveling to Tampa, Florida, to work with the veteran receiver. This decision raised eyebrows within the organization, as many questioned why Hurts was training with Jackson instead of Wentz, the starting quarterback at the time.
"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 hails from Alabama, as possessing a mature mindset reminiscent of "an uncle or an old father." He observed Hurts' composed approach to every game and deduced that "there's something special about him."
Despite the franchise tag and a $128 million extension given to Wentz, Hurts' opportunity arose when Wentz's performance faltered towards the end of the 2020 season, leading to his benching and subsequent departure to the Indianapolis Colts. This shift opened the door for Hurts to step into the limelight.
Hurts' Rise to Prominence
Fast forward to 2023, and Hurts has indeed become one of the NFL's standout quarterbacks. With a record of securing victories in 27 of his last 29 starts, including winning 16 of the previous 17 games, Hurts has demonstrated exceptional leadership and skill on the field. Notably, he has led the team to an impressive streak of 14 consecutive wins against teams with winning records—a feat unmatched since at least 1950.
As Jackson steps away from the gridiron, he leaves behind a legacy of remarkable achievements and a testament to the potential of Jalen Hurts, who may just be the Eagles' next legendary figure. Jackson's faith in Hurts seems well-placed as the young quarterback continues to soar to new heights, carrying the hopes of the Philadelphia Eagles on his shoulders.