One of the most electrifying players in NFL history, DeSean Jackson will officially retire as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, December 1. The three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver – all with Philadelphia – will be recognized as the Honorary Captain of the Game in front of a sold-out crowd at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, December 3.
"DeSean Jackson was a dynamic playmaker who captivated Eagles fans with his game-breaking speed, unique skill set, and explosive play," said Jeffrey Lurie, Philadelphia Eagles Chairman and CEO. "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."
Originally a second-round draft pick (49th overall) of the Eagles in the 2008 NFL Draft, Jackson spent eight of his 15 seasons in Philadelphia, where he garnered three Pro Bowl nods (2009, 2010, 2013) as a dual-threat on offense and special teams. In 95 career games with the Eagles, he ranks third all-time in receiving yards (6,512), sixth in receptions (379), and ninth in receiving touchdowns (35). As a punt returner, he finished second in punt returns (132), third in punt return yards (1,296), and is the team's all-time leader in punt return touchdowns (tied Darren Sproles with four).
During his career, Jackson etched his name in many NFL record book categories:
• Became the first player in NFL history to earn Pro Bowl honors at two positions – kick returner and wide receiver.
• Tied the NFL record with eight touchdowns of 50-plus yards in a single season.
• His 52.8 yards per score average during the 2009 season was the highest in NFL history among players with at least 10 touchdowns in a season.
• Became the second player in NFL history to score touchdowns via receiving, rushing, and punt return during each of his first three seasons.
• Became the fifth player in NFL history to have eclipsed 900 or more receiving yards in each of his first four seasons.
Jackson's most memorable play came on December 19, 2010, when the Eagles faced off against the division-rival New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Down 31-10 in the fourth quarter, the Eagles remarkably went on to score 21 unanswered points to tie the game, 31-31. With 12 seconds remaining, the Giants were forced to punt from their own 35-yard line. Jackson, the return man, secured the football off the turf and raced 65 yards to the end zone as time expired. The win propelled the Eagles to the top of the NFC East – eventually winning the division – and marked the first time in NFL history that a game had ended on a walk-off punt return.
His most decorated season came in 2013 when he set career highs in receptions (82), receiving yards (1,332), touchdown catches (nine), and 100-yard games (five) en route to his third Pro Bowl selection. It was his third season with 1,000-plus receiving yards, which tied the franchise mark set by Harold Carmichael and Mike Quick. His 82 catches that season were the fourth-most in team history and third-most by a wide receiver.
A native of Los Angeles, CA, Jackson played collegiately at the University of California (Berkeley), where he was named a first-team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association as a junior in 2007.
After an illustrious 15-year NFL career, DeSean Jackson will sign a ceremonial contract to retire as an Eagle on Friday. Relive the best moments of Jackson's career!