In an emotional farewell at the NovaCare Complex, Philadelphia Eagles' iconic wide receiver DeSean Jackson announced his retirement from the NFL after a stellar 15-year career. Known for his electrifying speed and game-changing plays, Jackson took a moment to shine a spotlight on quarterback Jalen Hurts, endorsing his talent and predicting a bright future ahead for the young signal-caller.
“I definitely saw Jalen Hurts before what the world sees now,” Jackson stated with confidence. “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.” These words carry weight coming from a player of Jackson's caliber, who has been both a teammate and mentor to Hurts during their time together with the Eagles.
A Legacy Cemented
Jackson's decision to retire as an Eagle was symbolized by signing a one-day contract with the franchise that originally drafted him 49th overall in 2008. His first tenure with the team spanned six seasons, during which he earned three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro designation. In 95 games with the Eagles, Jackson accrued 6,512 receiving yards—good for third in team history—along with 379 receptions and 35 receiving touchdowns.
Not only did Jackson leave his mark as a receiver, but he also etched his name in the record books as a punt returner. With 132 returns for 1,296 yards, he ranks second and third in those categories, respectively, for the Eagles. Additionally, his four punt return touchdowns—a record he shares with Darren Sproles—cement his legacy as one of the most dynamic players to don the Eagles' green and white.
The Eagles organization will honor Jackson's contributions by naming him an honorary captain at the upcoming game at Lincoln Financial Field, providing a fitting tribute to one of their all-time greats.
Forging a Connection with Hurts
During his second stint with the Eagles in 2019-2020, Jackson developed a special rapport with Jalen Hurts. The culmination of their connection was an impressive 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts to Jackson in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys, which would become Jackson's final reception for the franchise. This standout play came amidst a tumultuous season that would see coach Doug Pederson's departure and Carson Wentz's benching, paving the way for Hurts' emergence as the starter.
Jackson recalled advocating for Hurts even when Wentz was the starting quarterback, facing questions over why the team had selected Hurts in the second round. "Everybody was like, 'Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?’” Jackson said. But it was Hurts' initiative, joining Jackson for training in Tampa, Florida, that solidified their bond and showcased Hurts' exceptional work ethic and mentality.
“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 described Hurts' mature mindset as akin to “an uncle or an old father,” pointing out the composed approach Hurts brought to every game.
The road wasn't smooth for Hurts, initially blocked by Wentz's substantial contract, including a franchise tag and $128 million extension. However, Wentz's performance decline towards the end of the 2020 season led to his benching and subsequent trade to the Indianapolis Colts, opening the door for Hurts to take the reins.
Hurts' Rise to Prominence
Now, as we look forward to the close of 2023, Jalen Hurts stands as a pillar among NFL quarterbacks. With an astonishing record of 27 wins in his last 29 starts—including a current streak of 16 victories in 17 games—Hurts has established himself as a formidable leader on the field. Notably, his run of 14 straight wins against teams with winning records is the longest since records began in 1950, underscoring his ability to rise to the occasion against the toughest opponents.
As DeSean Jackson steps away from the gridiron, his endorsement of Jalen Hurts not only speaks volumes about Hurts' capabilities but also reflects the potential for a new era of excellence for the Philadelphia Eagles, with Hurts at the helm ready to create his own legacy.