DeSean Jackson announces his retirement; Eagles will celebrate him on Sunday

One of the most dynamic wide receivers in NFL history, DeSean Jackson, will formally retire from the Eagles on Friday.

Jackson announced his retirement on Wednesday after 15 seasons, three Pro Bowls, and more 60-yard touchdowns than any other player in NFL history. He is one of only three players in NFL history with 11,000 receiving yards and 17 yards per grab.

On Sunday at the Linc, when the Eagles play the 49ers, they will memorialize Jackson. Jackson is the honorary captain going forward.

During his two spells of eight years with the Eagles, Jackson caught 641 receptions for 11,263 yards and 58 receiving touchdowns. He also added four punt return scores and four more yards gained through rushes.

According to a statement from Jeffrey Lurie, “DeSean Jackson was a dynamic playmaker who enthralled Eagles fans with his game-breaking speed, unique skill set, and explosive play.” “Throughout his remarkable 15-year career, DeSean’s ability to make amazing performances appear ordinary was what really set him apart.

All of us recall the fateful night in December 2010 when he picked up the football in New York and veered into the end zone for what is now known as the ‘Miracle in the New Meadowlands.’ DeSean’s return is greatly appreciated, and we eagerly anticipate his official Eagle retirement celebration on Sunday, when he will assume the role of Honorary Captain of the Game.”

Jackson was taken by the Eagles in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He gained 110 yards in his first career game and 106 yards in his second, and he was an instant impact. With 110 yards a week later in Dallas, he became the first player in NFL history with 100 yards in each of his first two games (Will Fuller of the Texans did it in 2016). His 106 yards against the Rams in the 2008 opener at the Linc are the most in franchise history by a player in his first game.NFL

In the 2008 NFC Championship Game in Glendale, Arizona, Jackson added 364 receiving yards in his career throughout the postseason. With 10:45 remaining in the game, his 62-yard touchdown reception from Donovan McNabb gave the Eagles a 25-24 lead against the Cards. In the end, the Cards prevailed 32–25.

Jackson played his first six seasons with the Eagles, where he averaged 59 receptions, 1,020 yards, and 10 touchdowns a season. During that time, Jackson was selected for all three of his Pro Bowls.

With six consecutive seasons of 700 yards or more, he is the only wide receiver in Eagles history. Zach Ertz, a tight end, did it as well.

After Jackson’s Pro Bowl season in 2013—his 1,332 yards still rank third in Eagles history—Chip Kelly let him go. Jackson went on to have two more seasons with 1,000 yards in Washington before spending two years in Tampa. He was only able to play in eight games for the Eagles when he returned in 2019 and 2020 due to injury. In 2021, he played for the Raiders and Rams, and with the Ravens last year, he concluded his career. He played in the Ravens’ New Year’s Day loss to the Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, which was his final NFL game.

With at least 500 receptions, Jackson’s career average of 17.6 is the greatest by a player in NFL history and the highest in the last 30 years.

With 26 touchdowns of 60 yards or more in his career—three more than Jerry Rice’s 23—Jackson ranks first in NFL history. His 210 yards in a 2010 road game against Dallas rank third in Eagles history. He has more 150-yard games than any other Eagle with eight. All told, he had ten.

Jackson topped four different teams in the NFL in yards per catch. His four punt return touchdowns are in the top 20 in NFL history and are tied with Darren Sproles for the franchise record.

With 6,512 yards, Jackson is only second in Eagles history to Hall of Famers Harold Carmichael (8,878) and Pete Retzlaff (7,412). After Carmichael, Ertz, Retzlaff, Brian Westbrook, and Brent Celek, he has the sixth-most receptions (379) and the ninth-most touchdown catches (35). Only Mike Quick (17.8), Ben Hawkins (18.3), and Tommy McDonald (19.2) are higher than his 17.2 average.

Jackson, Quick, and Carmichael share the record for the most 1,000-yard seasons in Eagles history, with three each. Among Eagles wide receivers, only McDonald (5), Quick (5), and Carmichael (4) earned three Pro Bowls.

The only players in history with 50 receiving touchdowns, four punt return touchdowns, and four rushing touchdowns are Tyreek Hill and Jackson.