Rise to Success: Career Highlights of DeSean Jackson

Discover the career path of DeSean Jackson, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

DeSean Jackson is an American college football coach and former NFL player, currently the head football coach at Delaware State University. Renowned for his exceptional speed, he excelled as a wide receiver and is considered one of the NFL's premier deep-threat receivers. He played college football at California, earning All-American honors twice. Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2008, he also played for Washington, Tampa Bay, the Los Angeles Rams, and Baltimore. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Jackson was the first player named to the Pro Bowl at two positions in the same year (wide receiver and return specialist in 2010). Following his NFL career, Jackson transitioned to coaching, culminating in his appointment as head coach at Delaware State in 2024.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2005: First Collegiate Game

In 2005, during his first collegiate game against Sacramento State, DeSean Jackson scored both an offensive and special teams touchdown, marking a strong start to his college football career.

2006: First-Team All-American

In 2006, DeSean Jackson was recognized as a first-team All-American while playing college football for the California Golden Bears.

2007: Final Season at California

DeSean Jackson played for the California Golden Bears football team until 2007, marking the end of his college football career before declaring for the NFL draft.

2007: Left Cal for NFL Draft

Following the 2007 season, DeSean Jackson left Cal and declared for the 2008 NFL draft, ending his college career to pursue professional football.

2007: Two-Time First-Team All-American

In 2007, DeSean Jackson was again recognized as a first-team All-American for his performance as a wide receiver for the California Golden Bears.

2007: All-American as Return Specialist

In 2007, DeSean Jackson was named an All-American as a return specialist, showcasing his versatility and impact on special teams.

April 26, 2008: Drafted by the Eagles

On April 26, 2008, DeSean Jackson was selected in the second round (49th overall) of the NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.

2008: NFL Combine Performance

In 2008, DeSean Jackson had an impressive showing at the NFL Combine, running an official 4.35 40-yard dash and performing well in positional drills.

2008: Declared for NFL Draft

In 2008, DeSean Jackson officially declared for the NFL draft after a successful college career at California.

2008: Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles

In 2008, DeSean Jackson was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the NFL draft, launching his professional career.

2009: All-Pro Team Selection

In 2009, DeSean Jackson was selected to the Sporting News' All-Pro team as a punt returner, averaging 15.2 yards per punt return as the league leader.

December 19, 2010: Game-Winning Punt Return

On December 19, 2010, DeSean Jackson returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown in the final 14 seconds of the game against the New York Giants, making it the first and only game-winning punt return on the final play from scrimmage in NFL history.

2010: Selected to Pro Bowl

In 2010, DeSean Jackson was selected to the Pro Bowl as a starting wide receiver and a kick returner, marking the first time a player was selected at two different positions in Pro Bowl history.

2010: Selected to Pro Bowl at Two Positions

In 2010, DeSean Jackson was the first player selected to the Pro Bowl at two different positions in the same year, as a wide receiver and return specialist.

March 1, 2012: Eagles Franchise Tag

On March 1, 2012, DeSean Jackson received the Eagles' franchise tag.

2013: Statistical Career Best

In 2013, DeSean Jackson had a career-best season statistically, leading to his third Pro Bowl selection, with 82 receptions for 1,332 yards.

March 28, 2014: Release from the Eagles

On March 28, 2014, DeSean Jackson was released by the Philadelphia Eagles after a statistically impressive season. He left as a top receiver in franchise history.

April 2, 2014: Signed with the Washington Redskins

On April 2, 2014, DeSean Jackson signed a three-year, $24 million contract with the Washington Redskins, including $16 million guaranteed.

March 9, 2017: Signed with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On March 9, 2017, DeSean Jackson signed a three-year, $33.5 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

September 9, 2018: Two Touchdowns against Saints

On September 9, 2018, DeSean Jackson had a strong performance with five passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns in a win over the New Orleans Saints, tying for third most in NFL history with 27 career touchdowns over 50 yards, despite suffering a concussion.