After a storied 15-year tenure 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 training facility, where Jackson took the opportunity to highlight the potential of his quarterback, Jalen Hurts.
Jackson, who is celebrated as one of the most formidable deep threats in NFL history, expressed his confidence in Hurts, praising the young quarterback's talent and mindset. Reflecting on their time together, Jackson recalled instances when 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 believe he’s going to be here for a long time and will deliver some special moments in Philadelphia."
In a ceremonial gesture, Jackson signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the team that selected him 49th overall in the 2008 draft. During his initial six seasons with the Eagles, he earned three Pro Bowl selections and one All-Pro honor.
With the franchise, Jackson's legacy is etched in the record books. He ranks third in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35) across 95 games. As a punt returner, he holds second place in punt returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296). Moreover, Jackson shares the distinction of being the Eagles' all-time leader in punt return touchdowns with former running back and return specialist Darren Sproles, both tallying four.
The Eagles organization plans to celebrate Jackson's illustrious career by naming him an honorary captain at Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field.
A Bond Beyond the Field
Jackson's rapport with Hurts was forged during his second stint with the team from 2019-2020. A standout moment from this period was an 81-yard touchdown reception from Hurts in a Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, which punctuated Jackson's successful run.
This play unfolded during the tumultuous 2020 season under coach Doug Pederson, which also saw Hurts emerge from the shadows of then-starter Carson Wentz. Jackson shared how he had been an early advocate for Hurts, even amidst questions surrounding the decision to draft him in the second round.
"I think I was lobbying for Jalen Hurts back when we had Carson Wentz starting at that time," Jackson said. "Everybody was like, 'Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?'"
Hurts proactively sought out Jackson for training in Florida during the 2020 offseason, a move that raised eyebrows given Wentz's status as the starter. Jackson recalled, "It was actually, he made it convenient because I trained in Tampa and he came out there and trained with me. We trained for about a whole week. That's when I could see his mentality was different."
Jackson likened Hurts' maturity to that of "an uncle or an old father," noting his composed approach to every game. This demeanor convinced Jackson that Hurts possessed something unique.
The trajectory of Hurts' career was significantly influenced by Wentz's $128 million extension and subsequent performance decline, which led to Wentz being benched by the end of the 2020 season. The strained relationship between Wentz and the franchise ultimately resulted in his trade to the Indianapolis Colts, paving the way for Hurts to step into the limelight.
Looking ahead to 2023, Hurts has become a prominent figure in the NFL. His record is impressive, with victories in 27 of his last 29 starts, including a current streak of 16 wins out of 17 games. Notably, he has achieved 14 consecutive victories over teams with winning records, marking the longest such streak since at least 1950.
Jackson's endorsement of Hurts comes at a pivotal moment, as the young quarterback continues to build his legacy with the Eagles. With Jackson's retirement, the torch has been passed, and if his predictions hold true, the Eagles and their fans have much to look forward to from Jalen Hurts.