One of the best deep threats of all time has finally called it quits. Earlier today, receiver DeSean Jackson announced his intention to sign a one-day contract with the team that drafted him — the Philadelphia Eagles.
“DeSean Jackson was a dynamic playmaker who captivated Eagles fans with his game-breaking speed, unique skill set, and explosive play. “What made DeSean truly stand out during his accomplished 15-year career was his ability to make miraculous plays look routine,” said team owner Jeffery Lurie.
Jackson was drafted in 2008 in the second round, 49th overall, out of California Berkeley.
He would go on to make an immediate impact in his rookie year.
Jackson showcased his legendary knack for getting open with a career-high in targets (121) in just his rookie year.
After multiple 100-yard performances in his rookie year, it was obvious that Philadelphia had gotten a steal in the second round.
Along with proving his ability as a receiver, he showed that he can be a great asset as a returner. Besides Devin Hester, he was among the best at the position. To prove this point, we need to go back to 2010, his third year in the league.
“We all remember him scooping up the football in New York on that fateful evening in December 2010, Owner Jeffrey Lurie said.” “He veered his way into the end zone for what is now famously referred to as the ‘Miracle at the New Meadowlands.’
Happy retirement, 🐐!@DeSeanJackson10 pic.twitter.com/4nV7ETZ07t
— Kendall Beck (@KBeckEagles) November 29, 2023
Jackson became the first player in NFL history to be a Pro Bowler at both wide receiver and kick returner, solidifying how remarkable his versatility was.
His first Eagles stint would not end the way anyone wanted it to, with an unceremonious release via the team’s coach at the time, Chip Kelly.
DeSean would prove that his value went beyond Philadelphia after he signed with division rival Washington in the offseason. In two of three years with Washington, he went over 1,000 receiving yards and never held an average yards per catch of under 17.6.
As he got older, Jackson aged like fine wine.
Offenses consistently valued his deep speed ability, while defenses feared it. He’d go on to be a bit of a journeyman after his tenure in Washington, but he never lost the ability to turn on the jets.
In 2018, Jackson took his talents to Tampa Bay to team up with a young Mike Evans. Since he was facing his old Eagles team in week one, you can imagine how that went.
On the first play from scrimmage, Ryan Fitzpatrick uncorked a bomb straight to Jackson, who made an Eagles’ defender look clueless and trotted into the end zone for a 75-yard touchdown.
It was a vintage moment for his career, once again proving why he’s such a dangerous player.
Jackson would go on to have stints with Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Baltimore, and even a second stretch with Philadelphia from 2019 to 2020.
For his career, he racked up 641 catches for 11,263 yards and 66 touchdowns, the most for any Eagles receiver ever. Those stats got him selected to three Pro Bowls in his illustrious 15-year career.
A storybook ending for a great player
In a statement released today, Owner Jeffrey Lurie made a special announcement. “We are thrilled to welcome DeSean back and look forward to celebrating his official retirement as an Eagle on Sunday when he serves as our Honorary Captain of the Game.”
It’ll be a treat for fans to get another look at Jackson in Lincoln Financial field.