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. He was a wide receiver known for his exceptional speed and deep-threat ability. He played college football at California, earning All-American honors twice. Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2008, he played for multiple teams including the Washington Redskins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams, and Baltimore Ravens. Jackson was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and the first player named to the Pro Bowl at two different positions in the same year (wide receiver and return specialist in 2010). After retiring from the NFL, he transitioned to coaching.

Sections (4)

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

2004: Glenn Davis Award

In 2004, DeSean Jackson was named the Glenn Davis Award winner by the Los Angeles Times as Southern California's player of the year.

2004: U.S. Army All-American Bowl MVP

In 2004, DeSean Jackson was voted the Most Valuable Player at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio after catching seven passes for 141 yards and passing for a 45-yard touchdown.

2005: Collegiate Debut

In 2005, DeSean Jackson made his collegiate debut against Sacramento State, scoring both an offensive and special teams touchdown. During the 2005 Las Vegas Bowl game against BYU, Jackson tallied 130 yards and two scores.

2006: First-Team All-American Selection

In 2006, DeSean Jackson was recognized as a first-team All-American for his performance as a wide receiver for the California Golden Bears.

2007: Departure from Cal

Following the 2007 season, DeSean Jackson left Cal.

2007: All-American as Return Specialist

In 2007, DeSean Jackson finished the season with 65 catches for 762 yards and scored six touchdowns as a receiver. Jackson was named an All-American as a return specialist.

2007: Second First-Team All-American Selection

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.

April 26, 2008: Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles

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

2008: NFL Combine Performance

During the 2008 NFL Combine, DeSean Jackson had an impressive showing, running an official 4.35 40-yard dash and displaying agility and quickness. Jerry Rice said Jackson "has all the talent in the world. There's no reason he can't be everything he wants to be at the next level."

2008: Declared for NFL Draft

In 2008, DeSean Jackson declared for the NFL draft after leaving Cal following the 2007 season.

2008: Drafted by Philadelphia Eagles

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

2009: Sporting News 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.

2010: Pro Bowl Selection

DeSean Jackson was selected to the 2010 Pro Bowl as a starting wide receiver and a kick returner. At the Pro Bowl, Jackson caught six passes for a team-high 101 yards and two touchdowns.

2010: Pro Bowl Selection at Two Positions

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

March 1, 2012: Eagles' Franchise Tag

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

2013: Best Season with the Eagles

In 2013, DeSean Jackson had statistically the best season of his career with the Eagles. He led the team with 82 receptions for 1,332 yards and earned his third Pro Bowl selection.

March 28, 2014: Release from the Eagles

On March 28, 2014, DeSean Jackson was released by the Eagles, despite having statistically his best season of his career in 2013.

April 2, 2014: Signs with the Washington Redskins

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

March 9, 2017: Signs with the 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 New Orleans Saints

On September 9, 2018, DeSean Jackson caught five passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns in the season-opening win against the New Orleans Saints. He also tied for third most in NFL history with his 27th-career touchdown over 50 yards.