Philadelphia Eagles' iconic wide receiver DeSean Jackson has decided to hang up his cleats after a storied 15-year NFL career. At the NovaCare Complex, the Eagles' training facility, Jackson made his retirement official and took the opportunity to praise quarterback Jalen Hurts, expressing confidence in his future with the franchise.
Jackson, celebrated for his explosive playmaking ability and considered one of the most formidable deep threats the league has ever seen, offered a strong endorsement of Hurts. He reflected on various instances when the young quarterback impressed him, signaling a bright future ahead for Hurts in Philadelphia.
"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."
In a ceremonial gesture, Jackson signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the team that drafted him 49th overall in 2008. His initial six-season tenure with the Eagles was marked by three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro distinction. In terms of legacy, Jackson's numbers speak volumes; he ranks third in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35) across 95 games with the Eagles. Moreover, as a punt returner, he is second in returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296), tying with Darren Sproles for the franchise's all-time lead in punt return touchdowns, each tallying four.
The Eagles will honor the retired wide receiver as an honorary captain at Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field, celebrating his remarkable contributions to the team.
A Special Connection with Hurts
It was during Jackson's second stint with the Eagles from 2019-2020 that he developed a rapport with Hurts. Their connection was highlighted by an 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts in a Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, a standout moment in an otherwise tumultuous 2020 season, which also marked the end of Doug Pederson's tenure as Philadelphia's head coach.
Jackson recalled advocating for Hurts even when Carson Wentz was the starting quarterback, a decision that raised eyebrows at the time. "Everybody was like, ‘Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?’" Jackson remembered. The commitment between the two was evident when Hurts joined Jackson for offseason training in Florida, opting to work with Jackson rather than Wentz.
"It was actually, he made it convenient because I trained in Tampa and he came out there and trained with me," Jackson recounted. "We trained for like a whole week. We were able to build. I had just seen that his mentality was different then."
Jackson praised Hurts' mature mindset, likening it to "an uncle or an old father." He observed Hurts' composed approach to every game, which convinced him of Hurts' unique qualities. Jackson's belief in Hurts' potential was juxtaposed against the backdrop of Wentz's struggles, particularly after signing a hefty $128 million extension. Wentz's eventual benching and subsequent move to the Indianapolis Colts paved the way for Hurts to step into the limelight.
Looking ahead to 2023, Jalen Hurts has emerged as a leading figure in the NFL. His record is nothing short of impressive, securing victories in 27 of his last 29 starts, including triumphs in 16 of the previous 17 games. Notably, Hurts boasts a streak of 14 consecutive wins over teams with winning records — the longest such streak since at least 1950, underscoring his ascendancy in the league.
Jackson's departure may mark the end of an era, but his affirmation of Jalen Hurts suggests that the Philadelphia Eagles are in capable hands. As Jackson steps away from the gridiron, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and a vote of confidence in the next generation of Eagles talent.