DeSean Jackson
WR #10 — Philadelphia Eagles
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About DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson's entire career is a tension between breathtaking speed and the constant possibility that he might do something unbelievably stupid at full velocity. The Miracle at the New Meadowlands is the greatest single play in Eagles history: a 65-yard punt return to win the game as the clock hit zero against the Giants. That play lives in highlight reels forever. But so does the time he dropped the football before crossing the goal line against Dallas in his rookie year, turning a sure touchdown into a fumble because he started celebrating one yard too early. Both of those plays are equally DeSean.
Chip Kelly released him in 2014 in a move that confused the entire NFL and further cemented Kelly as a man determined to destroy everything good about the Eagles roster. Jackson was the most electric punt returner in franchise history, a deep threat who could score from anywhere on the field, and a player whose speed kept defensive coordinators awake at night. He ran a 4.35 forty but played like it was 4.1. Every time he touched the ball, something either spectacular or catastrophic was about to happen, and you could not predict which one. That unpredictability is the DeSean Jackson experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Miracle at the New Meadowlands?
On December 19, 2010, the Eagles trailed the Giants 31-10 with under eight minutes remaining. Philadelphia scored four touchdowns to tie the game, and on the final play, DeSean Jackson fielded a punt, weaved through the entire Giants coverage team, and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown as time expired. Eagles won 38-31. It remains one of the most improbable comebacks in NFL history and the defining play of Jackson's career.
Did DeSean Jackson really drop the ball before the end zone?
Yes. In a 2008 game against the Dallas Cowboys, Jackson caught a long pass and began celebrating before reaching the end zone by extending the ball out and releasing it at the one-yard line. The ball bounced through the end zone for a touchback, giving possession to Dallas. It became the signature premature celebration in NFL history and a meme that still follows Jackson two decades later.
Last updated: April 2026