DeSean Jackson made it official, announcing Wednesday not only that he is retiring, but he is officially retiring as a Philadelphia Eagle.
"I'll forever be an Eagle," the Eagles tweeted, announcing his retirement.
"I'll forever be an Eagle."@DeSeanJackson10, congratulations on your retirement and an amazing 15-year career.#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/3iXYSiYLmd
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 29, 2023
Jackson, 36, was originally chosen by the Eagles with the No. 49 overall pick in the second-round of the 2008 NFL Draft and went on to appear in three Pro Bowls before ultimately winning a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams in 2002.
During his 15-year career, Jackson was one of the most prolific deep threats in recent NFL history.
An electrifying playmaker with the kind of speed to easily take the top off opposing defenses, Jackson caught 641 passes for 11,263 yards with 58 touchdowns, while averaging a prolific 17.8 yards per reception for his career.
In 2010, Jackson made history, when he became the only player in NFL history to return a punt for a touchdown in walk-off fashion.
The Miracle at the New Meadowlands. ?
65 days until #NFL100. (via @NFLThrowback) @DeSeanJackson11 pic.twitter.com/JbDDO6p6pr
— NFL (@NFL) July 2, 2019
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Jackson saw immediate success in the Eagles' offense, catching 356 of his 649 targets for 6,117 yards with 32 rushing touchdowns and adding three more rushing scores. However, former Eagles head coach Chip Kelly released Jackson in the fallout of a report that alleged Jackson was tied to gang members, on March 28, 2014.
Shortly after being released — rather unceremoniously by the Eagles, Jackson signed as a free agent with Washington, where he spent three seasons before playing two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jackson returned to Philadelphia in 2019, and spent two seasons on the Eagles' roster before finishing his career with stints with the Las Vegas Raiders, Rams, and Baltimore Ravens.
Jackson leaves a lasting legacy, holding the NFL record for most career touchdowns of more than 60 yards, with 26, and is tied for the record of 80-plus yard touchdowns, with five.
