Tag: DeSean Jackson

Delaware State coach DeSean Jackson signs new deal

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Delaware State football coach DeSean Jackson has signed a new deal through 2028, the school announced on Tuesday.

The former NFL star wide receiver guided the Hornets to an 8-4 record in his first season — more wins than they had in the previous three seasons combined (7-27 record). It was the program’s first winning season since 2012.

Jackson, 39, led Delaware State to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship game, losing 28-17 to South Carolina State on Nov. 22 in Dover, Del.

“Just two days before Christmas last year, I began the next phase of my professional career, as a first-time head coach, in a community I did not know, with players I did not recruit,” Jackson said in a news release. “It was not easy, but it was important. Giving my whole self to these young men and representing one of the best Historically Black Colleges in the country has been a high honor and one I do not intend to take for granted.

“We have some unfinished business to take care of on the field, and I am proud to be a part of the athletic transformation taking place at the school.”

Jackson’s Hornets averaged 32.25 points per game and led the FCS in rushing this season with 291.2 yards per game.

A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Jackson played 183 games over 15 seasons in the NFL from 2008-22, including eight seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles (2008-13, 2019-20). He retired with 641 catches for 11,263 yards and 58 touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Feb 6, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Michael Vick during Fox Sports media day at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Michael Vick, DeSean Jackson to battle in Philly as HBCU coaches

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Former Philadelphia Eagles teammates Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson will square off as opposing coaches in 2025 — and they’ll do so at the home they used to share.

Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference rivals Norfolk State and Delaware State will meet on Thursday, Oct. 30, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

The Eagles announced the news Thursday featuring statements from Vick and Jackson, who are entering their first years as head coaches at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Vick is from the Norfolk, Va., area and took over Norfolk State in December. Jackson was hired by Delaware State soon after. It is the first head coaching position for both men, who played together for the Eagles from 2009-13.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our student-athletes to play in a world-class venue on a world-class stage,” Vick said in a statement. “Coach Jackson and I made so many unforgettable memories together at Lincoln Financial Field — this stadium holds special meaning in my NFL career. I am thrilled to be a part of this historic moment and want to thank the Philadelphia Eagles, Norfolk State and Delaware State for their collaboration to make this happen.”

“I came to Delaware State University to start a new phase of my career with a unique institution that cares about its students and is helping to transform their futures. I know Coach Vick feels the same way at Norfolk,” Jackson said.

“A part of that transformation is opening our students and scholar athletes up to a whole new set of experiences at the highest level. For our teams to be playing in Philly, at the Linc, on the field Coach Vick and I called home for many years will be special for our players, our coaching staffs, our alumni and fans, and for HBCU culture around the country.”

Vick spent five of his 13 NFL seasons with the Eagles and made 42 starts at quarterback for the team. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2010 and overlapped all five years with Jackson, who was in the prime of his career and made the Pro Bowl in 2009, 2010 and 2013.

–Field Level Media

Jan 2, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DeSean Jackson (1) in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Delaware State names DeSean Jackson next head coach

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Longtime NFL wide receiver DeSean Jackson is the new head coach at Delaware State, the school announced Friday.

It is the first coaching job for Jackson, 38.

“DeSean Jackson is a perfect fit for our institution — incredibly competitive, optimistic about the prospects for our collective future, and focused on the fundamentals of the institution: students first,” athletic director Tony Tucker said in a statement.

Jackson’s hiring comes just 10 days after his former Philadelphia Eagles teammate, Michael Vick, was named head coach at Norfolk State. Both teams play in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

In a statement Friday, Jackson said his priority is to create a new “culture” at Delaware State.

“The opportunity for me to help write another chapter here at DSU is a once-in-a-lifetime moment consistent with my journey as a young boy finding his way to manhood through mentorship, accountability, achievement, and discipline,” Jackson said. “If we build that kind of culture at Delaware State University, we will attract the right talent and radically change the trajectory of this program. I cannot wait to get started.”

The Hornets finished 1-11 in 2024 (0-5 MEAC) and fired coach Lee Hull after the season. The program has not had a winning season since going 6-5 in 2012.

Jackson last played for the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. He is best known for two stints with the Eagles (2008-13, 2019-20) and played for a total of six teams in a 15-year NFL career that featured three Pro Bowl selections. Jackson caught 641 passes for 11,263 yards and 58 touchdowns, adding four rushing touchdowns and four punt return touchdowns in 183 career games.

He played his college football at Cal.

–Field Level Media

Jan 2, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DeSean Jackson (1) in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Reports: Delaware State hires DeSean Jackson as head coach

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Longtime NFL wide receiver DeSean Jackson will take over as head coach at Delaware State, Victory Formation Media and ESPN reported Thursday.

If confirmed, it would be the latest data point in a growing trend of FCS football teams hiring well-known former players — with little to no prior coaching experience — in an effort to stand out.

Jackson, 38, has no connection to Delaware State but according to ESPN, “it has always been a dream” of his to coach at an HBCU (historically black colleges and universities).

Earlier this month, Norfolk State hired Michael Vick to take over the Spartans’ program. Vick, who also reportedly heard from Sacramento State, hails from the Norfolk, Va., area. Norfolk State is one of Delaware State’s rivals in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

Colorado coach Deion Sanders spent three seasons (2020-22) as the head coach of Jackson State before moving up to the FBS level. His only prior coaching experience came at the high school level, including at his own short-lived charter school in Texas, “Prime Prep Academy.”

Jackson last played for the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. He is best known for two stints with the Philadelphia Eagles (2008-13, 2019-20) and played for a total of six teams in a 15-year NFL career. Jackson caught 641 passes for 11,263 yards and 58 touchdowns, adding four rushing touchdowns and four punt return touchdowns in 183 career games.

Delaware State went 1-11 in 2024 (0-5 MEAC) and fired coach Lee Hull after the season. The Hornets have not had a winning season since going 6-5 in 2012.

–Field Level Media

Eagles' DeSean Jackson (10) brings in a deep pass in front of a diving Josh Norman (24) to score Sept. 8 at Lincoln Financial Field. Sports Eagles Redskins

Explosive WR DeSean Jackson retires after 15 seasons

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson retired Wednesday after 15 seasons with six NFL teams.

The speedy playmaker spent eight seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, who announced his retirement.

“DeSean Jackson was a dynamic playmaker who captivated Eagles fans with his game-breaking speed, unique skill set, and explosive play,” Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement. “What made DeSean truly stand out during his accomplished 15-year career was his ability to make miraculous plays look routine.”

Jackson officially will retire with Philadelphia on Sunday when he serves as an honorary captain as the Eagles (10-1) host the San Francisco 49ers (8-3).

“I’ll forever be an Eagle,” Jackson said, according to the Eagles’ post on X.

His most memorable game was a 38-31 comeback victory by the Eagles over the rival New York Giants on Dec. 19, 2010. Down by 21 with eight minutes left, the Eagles scored four unanswered touchdowns – capped by Jackson’s game-winning 65-yard punt return as time expired.

“We all remember him scooping up the football in New York on that fateful evening in December 2010 and veering his way into the end zone for what is now famously referred to as the ‘Miracle at the New Meadowlands,’” Lurie said.

Jackson caught 641 passes for 11,263 yards and 58 touchdowns in 183 games (159 starts) with the Eagles (2008-13, 2019-20), Washington (2014-16), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2017-18), Las Vegas Raiders (2021), Los Angeles Rams (2021) and Baltimore Ravens (2022).

He posted five 1,000-yard seasons and led the NFL in yards per reception in 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018. He also returned four punts for touchdowns and finished with 13,078 all-purpose yards.

–Field Level Media

Nov 27, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeSean Jackson (15) makes a reception against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

WR DeSean Jackson clarifies post, says he’s not retiring

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson clarified a post on social media that many interpreted as a retirement announcement.

Jackson, 36, initially caused a stir on Sunday morning with the following post on Instagram:

“Did it my way 15 years strong!! Neva anotha like it! #0ne0fone”

Two days later, Jackson took to social media in a bid to clear the air.

“They reaching my last post wasn’t a retirement post! I just had to get some stuff off my chest! Y’all will know when the Boi retire!” he wrote on Instagram.

Jackson, who is an unrestricted free agent, had nine catches for 153 yards in seven games (one start) last season with the Baltimore Ravens.

He has 641 receptions for 11,263 yards and 58 touchdowns in 183 games (159 starts) with the Philadelphia Eagles (2008-13, 2019-20), Washington franchise (2014-16), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2017-18), Los Angeles Rams (2021), Las Vegas Raiders (2021) and Ravens (2022).

A second-round pick by the Eagles in 2008, Jackson led the NFL in yards per reception in 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018.

–Field Level Media

Jan 2, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DeSean Jackson (1) in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

WR DeSean Jackson hints at retirement after 15 seasons

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson appeared to hint on social media that his NFL playing career has come to a close.

“Did it my way 15 years strong!! Neva anotha like it! #0ne0fone,” Jackson wrote Sunday morning on Instagram.

Jackson, 36, had nine catches for 153 yards in seven games (one start) last season with the Baltimore Ravens.

Jackson has 641 receptions for 11,263 yards and 91 touchdowns in 183 games (159 starts) with the Philadelphia Eagles (2008-13, 2019-20), Washington franchise (2014-16), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2017-18), Los Angeles Rams (2021), Las Vegas Raiders (2021) and Ravens (2022).

A second-round pick by the Eagles in 2008, Jackson led the NFL in yards per reception in 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018.

–Field Level Media

Jan 2, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DeSean Jackson (1) in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens WR DeSean Jackson expected to make season debut

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Baltimore Ravens activated veteran wide receiver DeSean Jackson from the practice squad, and he is expected to make his season debut Monday night against the New Orleans Saints.

The team also activated WR Binjimen Victor from the practice squad. Victor and Jackson would help the short-handed Ravens, who will be playing without All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews (knee/shoulder) and No. 1 wide receiver Rashod Bateman, who was placed on injured reserve with a Lisfranc foot injury.

The Ravens are the sixth team for Jackson, who was selected in the second round of the NFL draft in 2008 by the Eagles. In 176 career games (158 starts), Jackson has averaged 17.6 yards per catch and has 632 receptions for 11,110 yards and 58 touchdowns.

The Ravens signed him to the practice squad on Oct. 18, and Jackson said he’s ready to play.

“I’ve been doing this a long time. If I wasn’t (ready), I wouldn’t be here,” Jackson said, per the team website. “I enjoyed my time back home this offseason and training camp. (But I ) decided to jump back into it. Anytime I’m into something, I put my all into it.”

The Ravens hope he can continue his “Monday Night Football” success. In 16 career games on Monday, Jackson has 1,228 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

Among active receivers, only Julio Jones of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has more receiving yards than Jackson.

Victor, 25, would be playing in his first NFL game. The undrafted Ohio State product spent parts of the 2020 and ’21 seasons on the practice squads of the New York Giants and Ravens, respectively, and Baltimore re-signed him to the practice squad in September.

The Ravens (5-3) lead the AFC North.

–Field Level Media

Dec 5, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DeSean Jackson (1) reacts against the Washington Football Team in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Report: WR DeSean Jackson signing with Ravens’ practice squad

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Veteran receiver DeSean Jackson is reportedly singing with the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad, ESPN reported Tuesday.

A 14-year NFL veteran, Jackson hasn’t been with a club yet this season.

Jackson has caught 632 career passes for 11,110 yards and 58 touchdowns in 176 games (158 starts) with five teams, most notably the Philadelphia Eagles (2008-13, 2019-20) and Washington (2014-16).

He is a three-time Pro Bowl selection who has led the NFL in average yards per reception in four seasons. He has a 17.6 career mark.

Jackson, who turns 36 on Dec. 1, has recorded five 1,000-yard seasons, the most recent for Washington in 2016. He had a career-best 82 catches in a season for Philadelphia in 2013.

Jackson played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2017 and 2018.

He split last season with the Los Angeles Rams and Las Vegas Raiders and had 20 catches for 454 yards (22.7 average) and two touchdowns in 16 games (four starts).

A product of Cal, Jackson was a second round draft pick by Philadelphia in 2008.

–Field Level Media

Dec 5, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DeSean Jackson (1) reacts against the Washington Football Team in the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

WR DeSean Jackson eyeing comeback: ‘I ain’t retired’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Wide receiver DeSean Jackson is looking for an opportunity to resume his NFL career.

“Hell no, I ain’t retired,” the 35-year-old veteran told the I AM ATHLETE podcast this week. “I’m a free agent.”

The three-time Pro Bowl selection listed the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers as preferred landing spots but also mentioned the Baltimore Ravens and a possible return to the Los Angeles Rams.

“I’m going to put Philly first,” Jackson said.

The Rams waived Jackson last November and he spent the rest of the 2021 season with the Las Vegas Raiders. He finished with a combined 20 catches for 454 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games (four starts).

Jackson has 632 receptions for 11,110 yards and 91 touchdowns in 176 games (158 starts) with the Eagles (2008-13, 2019-20), Washington (2014-16), Tampa Bay (2017-18) and the Rams and Raiders.

–Field Level Media