PALO ALABASTERY – During his 15-year NFL career, DeSean Jackson was not just a prolific punt returner but also a powerful wide receiver. He was probably the finest deep threat in NFL history. It appears that Jackson may have included his personnel expertise in his push toward Canton, Ohio. At the NovaCare Complex on Friday, Jackson, now 37, formally announced his retirement from professional sports. He signed a one-day contract to retire as a player for the Philadelphia Eagles, who took him with the 49th overall pick in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Before going back for a second time in 2019–2020, the 5-10, 175-pound receiver spent his first six seasons in Philadelphia, where he was nominated to the All-Pro team and won three Pro Bowls.
Jackson got to know Jalen Hurts during that most recent spell. In Week 16 of a disappointing 2020 season, Doug Pederson resigned as coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, and Hurts made his debut as a cheap backup to Carson Wentz. Hurts’ final reception with the team was an 81-yard touchdown pass from Hurts, capping his extraordinary success as a home run hitter.
Hurts, who was selected in the second round and had many uncertainties, just like Jackson did twelve years prior, won over D-Jax very fast. “I think I was lobbying for Jalen Hurts back when we had Carson Wentz starting at that time,” Jackson stated. “Everybody was like, ‘Why would we pick Jalen Hurts in the second round?’”
Those who claim to be among the first players to grow into stars typically use exaggeration, but Jackson’s claim is supported by the fact that Hurts, not Wentz, traveled to Florida to train with the speedster.
“I can mention that during my time here in 2020, we trained during the off-season, and he visited Tampa. “Why is Jalen Hurts training with DeSean Jackson?” was the question raised by everybody. And why is Carson Wentz not practicing outside? stated Jackson. Actually, he made it convenient for me by traveling to Tampa, where I was training, to exercise alongside me. We spent almost an entire week training. We succeeded in
“I had just seen that his mentality was different then.” The notion also stemmed from training, when a backup Hurts would often stump the top defense. Jackson was met by A.J. Brown, Quez Watkins, wide receivers coach Aaron Moorehead, and others while standing on the sideline, just as on Friday’s practice.
Jackson jokingly jabbed the general manager beside Alshon Jeffery, who had Howie Roseman within reach. “It was during practice that I realized Jalen, who was essentially Wentz’s backup, was facing the starting defense while Alshon Jeffery, Howie, and I were merely sitting back. Jackson remarked, “I’m just sitting there watching him and seeing him sling the ball and making crazy plays.” I tapped.
In the end, Wentz’s downward spiral was so severe that Pederson felt he had to bench him at the conclusion of the 2020 campaign. Following that, the partnership was strained, and Wentz pushed his way out to join the Indianapolis Colts, which gave Hurts access. Although it would be a revisionist history to claim that the Eagles jumped into the deep end with Hurts, the young quarterback took advantage of his opportunity with a unique skill set, a rare work ethic, and natural leadership qualities. Hurts finished second to MVP Patrick Mahomes last season and leads the clubhouse in the running for the same award this year.
