DeSean Jackson is a former NFL wide receiver known for his speed and big-play ability. He played college football at the University of California, Berkeley, earning All-American honors twice. Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2008, he also played for Washington, Tampa Bay, the Rams, and Baltimore. A three-time Pro Bowler, Jackson achieved a unique distinction in 2010 by being selected to the Pro Bowl as both a wide receiver and return specialist.
1940: Record for Receiving Yards in First Two Games
DeSean Jackson became the only receiver in NFL history besides Don Looney to record 100+ receiving yards in each of their first two games in the league, achieving the feat in 1940.
December 1, 1986: Birth of DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson was born on December 1, 1986.
1987: California's First Victory in Autzen Stadium
DeSean Jackson helped lead the California Golden Bears to their first victory in Autzen Stadium since 1987 with a performance against Oregon that included 11 receptions, 161 yards, and two touchdowns.
2004: U.S. Army All-American Bowl MVP
DeSean Jackson was named the Most Valuable Player at the 2004 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
2004: Glenn Davis Award
In 2004, DeSean Jackson was awarded the Glenn Davis Award, recognizing him as Southern California's player of the year.
2005: College Debut
DeSean Jackson made his college football debut for the California Golden Bears in 2005, scoring both an offensive and special teams touchdown against Sacramento State.
2006: First-Team All-American Honors
DeSean Jackson earned first-team All-American recognition in 2006 while playing college football for the California Golden Bears.
2007: Junior Season at California
DeSean Jackson finished his junior season at California in 2007.
2007: Departure from Cal
DeSean Jackson left the University of California, Berkeley after the 2007 season.
2007: Second First-Team All-American Honors
DeSean Jackson received his second first-team All-American honor in 2007.
2007: All-American Honors and Injuries
DeSean Jackson was named an All-American as a return specialist in 2007. However, he also suffered several minor injuries throughout the season, including a right thigh injury.
April 26, 2008: Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles
On April 26, 2008, DeSean Jackson was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract with them.
2008: Declaration for 2008 NFL Draft
DeSean Jackson declared for the 2008 NFL Draft.
2008: NFL Draft Selection
DeSean Jackson was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft.
2008: Pre-Draft and NFL Combine
DeSean Jackson participated in the 2008 NFL Combine, where he showcased his impressive speed and agility.
January 18, 2009: NFC Championship Game
On January 18, 2009, DeSean Jackson played in the NFC Championship game against the Arizona Cardinals, where he caught a 62-yard touchdown pass, contributing to his 6-catch, 92-yard game performance.
May 14, 2009: Death of Bill Jackson
DeSean Jackson's father, Bill Jackson, passed away on May 14, 2009, after battling pancreatic cancer.
2009: 2009 Season Performance and Accolades
In 2009, DeSean Jackson led the league in punt return average (15.2 yards) and was named to the Sporting News' All-Pro team as a punt returner.
January 3, 2010: NFC Wild Card Game against Dallas Cowboys
On January 3, 2010, DeSean Jackson and the Eagles faced the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card Game. Jackson had a limited performance with 3 catches for 14 yards, including a 6-yard touchdown, in the 34-14 loss.
December 19, 2010: Game-Winning Punt Return against New York Giants
On December 19, 2010, DeSean Jackson returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown in the final 14 seconds of the game, leading the Eagles to a win against the New York Giants. This was the first and only game-winning punt return on the final play from scrimmage in NFL history.
2010: 2010 Pro Bowl Selection
DeSean Jackson was selected to the 2010 Pro Bowl as both a starting wide receiver and kick returner, marking the first time in Pro Bowl history a player was selected at two different positions. In the Pro Bowl, Jackson caught 6 passes for 101 yards and 2 touchdowns.
2010: Pro Bowl Selection at Two Positions
DeSean Jackson was selected to the 2010 Pro Bowl as both a wide receiver and return specialist, making him the first player to be named to the Pro Bowl at two different positions in the same year.
April 2011: Wins Hole in the Wall Competition
DeSean Jackson won a competition of Hole in the Wall in April 2011.
July 28, 2011: Training Camp Holdout
On July 28, 2011, DeSean Jackson failed to report to the Eagles' training camp, leading to fines and a holdout that ended on August 8.
March 1, 2012: Franchise Tag and Contract Extension
On March 1, 2012, DeSean Jackson received the Eagles' franchise tag. He was then re-signed to a five-year contract worth up to $51 million on March 14, 2012.
2012: NFL Top 100 Players of 2012 Ranking
DeSean Jackson was ranked 71st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012.
2013: 2013 Season Performance and Release
During the 2013 season, DeSean Jackson had a career-best year, leading the Eagles in receiving yards and earning his third Pro Bowl selection. However, he was released by the team on March 28, 2014.
March 28, 2014: Released by the Eagles
Despite having his statistically best season in 2013, leading to his third Pro Bowl selection, DeSean Jackson was released by the Philadelphia Eagles on March 28, 2014.
April 2, 2014: Signed with Washington Redskins
On April 2, 2014, DeSean Jackson signed a three-year, $24 million contract with the Washington Redskins, with $16 million guaranteed.
September 14, 2014: Shoulder Injury and Return to Philadelphia
On September 14, 2014, DeSean Jackson suffered a bruised shoulder during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite this injury, he played the following week against his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, and scored an 81-yard touchdown.
October 17, 2014: Fined for Horse-Collar Tackle
On October 17, 2014, DeSean Jackson received a fine for a horse-collar tackle on Arizona Cardinals safety Rashad Johnson.
2015: Ranked on NFL Top 100 Players
In 2015, DeSean Jackson was ranked 50th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players list.
March 9, 2017: Signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DeSean Jackson signed a three-year, $33.5 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on March 9, 2017.
September 9, 2018: Two Touchdowns and a Concussion
On September 9, 2018, DeSean Jackson caught two touchdowns in a game against the New Orleans Saints, but also suffered a concussion.
2018: Leads NFL in Yards-Per-Reception
DeSean Jackson led the NFL in yards-per-reception for the fourth time in his career in 2018.
March 13, 2019: Traded to the Eagles
On March 13, 2019, DeSean Jackson was traded back to the Philadelphia Eagles.
July 2020: DeSean Jackson's Anti-Semitic Social Media Post
In July 2020, DeSean Jackson shared a quote on Instagram falsely attributed to Adolf Hitler, promoting anti-Semitic views and Black Hebrew Israelite ideology. The post included the phrase "Hitler was right," generating widespread criticism and controversy.
October 26, 2020: Placed on Injured Reserve
DeSean Jackson was placed on injured reserve on October 26, 2020 due to a lower body injury.
December 26, 2020: Activated from Injured Reserve
DeSean Jackson was activated from injured reserve on December 26, 2020.
2020: Seventh-Round Selection Traded
A 2020 seventh-round selection was included in the trade that sent DeSean Jackson to the Eagles.
February 19, 2021: Released by the Eagles
The Eagles released DeSean Jackson on February 19, 2021.
March 21, 2021: Signs with Los Angeles Rams
DeSean Jackson signed with the Los Angeles Rams on March 21, 2021.
November 8, 2021: Signs with Las Vegas Raiders
DeSean Jackson signed with the Las Vegas Raiders on November 8, 2021.
October 18, 2022: Signs with Baltimore Ravens Practice Squad
DeSean Jackson signed with the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad on October 18, 2022.
December 5, 2022: Signed to Ravens Active Roster
DeSean Jackson was signed to the Ravens active roster on December 5, 2022.
January 7, 2023: Released by the Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens released DeSean Jackson on January 7, 2023.
November 29, 2023: Retires as an Eagle
DeSean Jackson officially retired from the NFL, signing a one-day contract with the Philadelphia Eagles on November 29, 2023 to retire as a member of the team.