Explosive WR DeSean Jackson retires after 15 seasons

Field Level Media|published: Wed 29th November, 11:14 2023

Eagles' DeSean Jackson (10) brings in a deep pass in front of a diving Josh Norman (24) to score Sept. 8 at Lincoln Financial Field. Sports Eagles Redskins credits: Jerry Habraken/Delaware News Jou, Delaware News Journal via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson retired Wednesday after 15 seasons with six NFL teams.

The speedy playmaker spent eight seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, who announced his retirement.

"DeSean Jackson was a dynamic playmaker who captivated Eagles fans with his game-breaking speed, unique skill set, and explosive play," Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement. "What made DeSean truly stand out during his accomplished 15-year career was his ability to make miraculous plays look routine."

Jackson officially will retire with Philadelphia on Sunday when he serves as an honorary captain as the Eagles (10-1) host the San Francisco 49ers (8-3).

"I'll forever be an Eagle," Jackson said, according to the Eagles' post on X.

His most memorable game was a 38-31 comeback victory by the Eagles over the rival New York Giants on Dec. 19, 2010. Down by 21 with eight minutes left, the Eagles scored four unanswered touchdowns - capped by Jackson's game-winning 65-yard punt return as time expired.

"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,'" Lurie said.

Jackson caught 641 passes for 11,263 yards and 58 touchdowns in 183 games (159 starts) with the Eagles (2008-13, 2019-20), Washington (2014-16), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2017-18), Las Vegas Raiders (2021), Los Angeles Rams (2021) and Baltimore Ravens (2022).

He posted five 1,000-yard seasons and led the NFL in yards per reception in 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018. He also returned four punts for touchdowns and finished with 13,078 all-purpose yards.

—Field Level Media