DeSean Jackson retiring from NFL after 15 seasons
Dynamic receiver DeSean Jackson is retiring from the NFL and doing so with the Philadelphia Eagles this Friday, the team announced.
And then he’ll serve as an honorary game captain for this Sunday’s Eagles matchup against the 49ers. It’ll be a matchup of last year’s NFC title game. But before it kicks, the crowd at Lincoln Financial Field can show their support for Jackson.
The receiver last played for the Ravens in 2022. But he hasn’t been in the league this season. Philadelphia is the right place for the receiver to call it a career. After all, the Eagles selected Jackson in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. And, he played two stints with Philadelphia.
During his 15 seasons in the NFL, Jackson became the first player in league history to earn Pro Bowl honors at two different positions. He was an all-star as a receiver and kick returner.
In 2009, his second season with the Eagles, he averaged 52.8 yards per touchdown. Yes, you read that correctly. His average was the highest in NFL history among players who had scored at least 10 touchdowns. In all, Jackson played from 2008-13 with the Eagles and then again in 2019-2020.
He became the second player in NFL history to score via receiving, rushing and punt returns in each of his first three seasons. He also became the fifth player in NFL history to record at least 900 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons.
And about those touchdowns, he scored an NFL record eight of at least 50 yards in a single season.
Jeffrey Lurie, the Eagles chairman and CEO, lauded Jackson as the team announced the retirement plans.
“DeSean Jackson was a dynamic playmaker who captivated Eagles fans with his game-breaking speed, unique skill set, and explosive play,” Lurie said. “What made DeSean truly stand out during his accomplished 15-year career was his ability to make miraculous plays look routine.
“We all remember him scooping up the football in New York on that fateful evening in December 2010 and veering his way into the end zone for what is now famously referred to as the ‘Miracle at the New Meadowlands.’ 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.”
About that Eagles game Lurie mentioned. Ever hear of a walk-off punt return? Philadelphia made a furious comeback against the Giants as they erased what had been a 21-point fourth-quarter lead. The Giants punted with 12 seconds to go in the game. Jackson fielded the punt and sprinted 65 yards to the end zone to break the 31-31 tie as time expired.