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DeSean Jackson Retires, Endorses Eagles QB Jalen Hurts

DeSean Jackson Retires, Endorses Eagles QB Jalen Hurts

Philadelphia Eagles' storied wide receiver DeSean Jackson has hung up his cleats after an illustrious 15-year career in the National Football League. The announcement came from the team's NovaCare Complex training facility, where Jackson took a moment to express his confidence in quarterback Jalen Hurts' future with the franchise.

Jackson, who is celebrated as one of the most formidable deep threats the league has ever seen, extended high praise to Hurts for both his talent and mindset. Reflecting on their time together, Jackson shared several instances when the young quarterback impressed him with his play. "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 symbolic gesture marking the end of his professional journey, Jackson signed a ceremonial one-day contract to retire as a member of the Eagles—the very team that drafted him 49th overall back in 2008. During his initial six-season tenure with the Eagles, Jackson earned three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro designation.

His legacy with the team is notable; Jackson ranks third in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35) over 95 games. Additionally, his prowess as a punt returner is etched in the team's record books—he holds second place in punt returns (132) and third in punt return yards (1,296). Notably, Jackson shares the top spot for punt return touchdowns with former running back and return specialist Darren Sproles, each having four to their name.

The Eagles will honor Jackson's contribution to the team by naming him an honorary captain at Sunday's game at Lincoln Financial Field.

A Special Connection with Hurts

The bond between Jackson and Hurts was forged during Jackson's second stint with the Eagles from 2019-2020. One of Jackson's final receptions—a spectacular 81-yard touchdown—came from a throw by Hurts in a Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. This standout play occurred during the tumultuous 2020 season under coach Doug Pederson, which also marked Hurts' emergence as a backup to then-starter 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 showed initiative by opting to train with Jackson in Florida during the 2020 offseason. Jackson revealed that there were questions about why Hurts was training with him instead of Wentz. "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 likened Hurts' mature mindset to that of "an uncle or an old father." He praised Hurts for his composed approach to every game, which led Jackson to believe in the quarterback's unique qualities. "There’s something special about him," he affirmed.

At the time, a significant obstacle to Hurts assuming a more prominent role was Wentz's hefty contract, which included a franchise tag and a $128 million extension. However, by the end of the 2020 season, Wentz's performance faltered, leading to his benching and subsequent trade to the Indianapolis Colts. This shift paved the way for Hurts to step into the limelight.

Fast forward to 2023, and Hurts has established himself as a leading figure in the NFL. His track record speaks volumes—he has led his team to victory in 27 of his last 29 starts, including a remarkable run of 16 wins in 17 games. Furthermore, Hurts boasts an impressive streak of 14 consecutive victories over teams with winning records, a feat that stands as the longest since at least 1950.

As Jackson transitions into retirement, his endorsement of Hurts carries weight, suggesting that the torch has been passed to a quarterback poised to create his own legacy in Philadelphia.

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