Six incredible stops on DeSean Jackson's unforgettable ride as an Eagles legend

One thing is certain. DeSean Jackson's place in Eagles fans' hearts is secure.

It's been quite the ride, but all good things come to an end. Now-former NFL wide receiver DeSean Jackson announced his retirement as he should, as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. He did so on his birthday, December 1st. D-Jax served as an honorary team captain for Philly's Week 13 contest against the San Francisco 49ers two days later at Lincoln Financial Field.

The 2008 second-round selection enjoyed many memorable moments during two stints in Eagles green. He was even mentioned in a feature film, Silver Linings Playbook, starring massive Eagles fan Bradley Cooper who's an Abington Township, Pennsylvania, native.

The 48-year-old actor and filmmaker donned a replica of Jackson's jersey more than once in the movie! The film highlights key moments during the 2008 season of the storied franchise.

Jackson, a Los Angeles, California native, played for the Eagles twice (2008-13 and 2019-20). He laos played for the Washington Commanders (2014-16), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2017-18), Los Angeles Rams/Las Vegas Raiders (2021), and Baltimore Ravens (2022).

Make no mistake about it. He's an Eagle for life though.

Jackson enjoyed three seasons of 1,000+ receiving yards with Philly. In 2013, he hauled in 82 receptions for 1,332 yards, the most receptions and yardage in a single season of his 15-year career. He demonstrated his impact as a duel threat with three rushing scores from 2008-10 with the Eagles. He also contributed on special teams with four punt return touchdowns during his first three NFL seasons.

During his eight seasons with Philadelphia, Jackson finished with 379 receptions, 6,512 receiving yards, and 42 total touchdowns (35 receiving). In total, he stacked five seasons with 1000+ receiving yards during his NFL career. He finished with 641 catches, 11,263 receiving yards, and 66 total touchdowns (58 receiving) over his 15 years in the league.

He made quite the impression, particularly, during his first six seasons in Philadelphia. He played with Donovan McNabb (2008-09) and Michael Vick (2009-13). He played with Nick Foles (2012-13), Carson Wentz (2019-20), and Jalen Hurts (2020).

His final TD with Philadelphia came two days after Christmas versus the Dallas Cowboys. Nothing says 'Philly' like that does. That didn't crack our list of six memorable moments though. Here are six fantastic stops on DeSean's wild ride through Philadelphia.

6. DeSean Jackson's rookie debut - September 7th, 2008

As a rookie taking the field with an Eagles team looking to return to the postseason in 2008, Jackson meshed excellently with the offense. He led Philly in receiving yards in his first NFL game, finishing with six catches for 106 yards and a long reception of 47 yards.

D-Jax also contributed 97 yards on eight punt returns in Philadelphia's 38-3 win over the Rams (they were the St. Louis Rams at the time. It was evident that the Birds had a new wideout in Jackson with the traits of a number-one target. DeSean Jackson had officially arrived.

5. September 8, 2019 - Two TD receptions in his Eagles return.

Jackson re-signed with Philadelphia following a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on March 14th, 2019. The Eagles also received a 2020 seventh-round draft pick in the deal. The Birds gave up a 2019 sixth-round draft choice.

Number 10 wasted no time in making his presence felt at Lincoln Financial Field in his first game back.

The Eagles fell behind early to Washington 17-0 at home. Jackson helped Philadelphia get on the scoreboard. He caught a 51-yard pass from Wentz to narrow the margin to ten points. Later, in the third quarter, he caught another bomb to help give the Birds a 21-20 lead. Click here for some of the highlights of his day.

Overall, he had a big afternoon in his first game back with the organization that drafted him. He finished with eight catches for 154 yards and those two touchdowns in a comeback win for Philly over one of their NFC East rivals.

Yep! You can't tell the 2019 Eagles story without telling that one.

4. January 18, 2009 - The bomb from Donovan McNabb - DeSean Jackson's first postseason TD.

DeSean Jackson continued to step up in his rookie year when it mattered most. During the NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals. Philadelphia dug themselves into an early deficit.
The Cardinals had a 24-6 lead at halftime, but Philadelphia kept their opponent off of the scoreboard in the third quarter and eventually took the lead in the fourth frame.

Donovan McNabb found DeSean Jackson deep. The result was a beautiful toss and catch.

Philadelphia wouldn't win this one, but Jackson's touchdown reception gave the Eagles and their fanbase hope and a sign of things to come.

3. November 22nd, 2009 to December 27th, 2009 - Five consecutive games with a touchdown reception

AS great as DeSean was in his rookie campaign, he took his game to another level in year two. What transpired from mid-November of 2009 until the end of December was one of the best runs by an Eagles wideout ever.

Jackson tallied five straight games with a receiving touchdown. Each game resulted in an Eagles win. Four of the victorious were by a final margin of seven points or fewer.

The former California Golden Bear eclipsed 100 yards receiving in three of the five wins: 107 versus the Chicago Bears, 178 yards receiving and a 72-yard punt return touchdown versus the New York Giants, 140 yards receiving versus the 49ers.

Jackson further established himself as one of the premier versatile offensive playmakers in the league. As he did in year one, he proved that he was a force to be reckoned with.

2. December 12, 2010 - DeSean Jackson banks his highest single-game receiving yards total.

Jackson maintained his dominant play following the Eagles' decision to trade Donovan McNabb to Washington during the 2010 offseason. Michael Vick took over as Philly's starting quarterback and experienced a career resurgence shortly thereafter.

Versus the rival Cowboys, Vick and Jackson combined for 210 yards. Vick's other 60 passing yards were spread among seven other Eagles players.

Philadelphia would edge Dallas, and Number 10's career day had a lot to do with that. He enjoyed several contests during his career where he notched over 100 yards receiving. This would be the lone time however that he'd eclipse 200 receiving yards or more.

1. December 19, 2010 - Another Miracle at the Meadowlands

Our favorite DeSean Jackson memory doubles as his favorite Eagles moment. It came against another divisional foe. It came just one week after his 210-yard day. You probably knew this was coming. How could we not add this to the list?

The Eagles answered some early domination by the hated Giants with a dominating second-half performance. They erased a 24-3 deficit and a 31-10 lead to, incredibly, fight back and tie the game at 31 points. Everyone knows what came in the final seconds.

Now, we don't know if this was true or not, but Jackson once stated that he fumbled the football on purpose to allow himself an advantage and to allow blocks to settle. His walk-off 65-yard touchdown return gave Philly a stunning come-from-behind win and one of the franchise's biggest plays in the rivalry's history.

This new 'Miracle' is often remembered alongside Herman Edwards' fumble return, the original "Miracle at the Meadowlands". Eagles radio's color commentator Mike Quick dubbed this "Miracle at the Meadowlands II." We would disagree though, respectfully of course.

We'd probably call Brian Westbrook's punt return the second miracle (2003). That would make this the third. Regardless of which side you stand on in that argument however, this will forever be our favorite memory of DeSean Jackson in Eagles Green.

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