50 Facts About Desean Jackson

Early Life and High School

DeSean Jackson's journey to NFL stardom began in Los Angeles, California. His early years were filled with challenges, but football became his escape and passion.

1. DeSean Jackson was born on December 1, 1986, in Los Angeles, California.
2. He grew up in Compton, California, a place known for its tough environment.
3. Jackson attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School, a school famous for producing top athletes.
4. He was rated as the number four wide receiver in the country by ESPN.com.
5. PrepStar Magazine named him an All-American and included him in its Dream Team Top 100 players.

College Career at Cal

Jackson's college career at the University of California, Berkeley, showcased his incredible talent and set the stage for his NFL future.

6. Jackson committed to the University of California, Berkeley, under Coach Jeff Tedford.
7. He chose Cal over the University of Southern California (USC) after much deliberation.
8. Jackson played for the California Golden Bears football team from 2005 to 2007.
9. He wore the number 1 jersey, quickly becoming a standout player.
10. In his freshman season, Jackson had 38 receptions for 601 yards and seven touchdowns.
11. He returned a punt 49 yards for a score in his first collegiate game against Sacramento State.
12. Jackson tallied 130 yards and two scores in the 2005 Las Vegas Bowl game against BYU.
13. In his sophomore year, he recorded 1,060 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
14. Jackson returned four punts for touchdowns in his sophomore season.
15. He earned first-team All-Pac-10 honors as both a punt returner and a wide receiver.
16. Jackson was selected to first-team All-America by the Associated Press and other organizations.

NFL Draft and Professional Debut

Jackson's transition to the NFL was marked by immediate impact and memorable performances.

17. Jackson was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft.
18. In his professional debut, he caught eight passes for 107 yards and a touchdown against the Chicago Bears.
19. Jackson suffered several concussions during his time with the Eagles, including one against the Washington Redskins on November 29, 2009.
20. He missed the next game due to the concussion from the Redskins match.

Career Highlights and Records

Jackson's NFL career is filled with remarkable achievements and records that highlight his exceptional talent.

21. One of Jackson's most notable games was against the New York Giants on December 13, 2009.
22. He caught six passes for 178 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown pass from Donovan McNabb.
23. Jackson also had a 72-yard punt return for a touchdown in the same game.
24. This performance earned him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
25. Jackson tied an NFL record by scoring eight touchdowns of over 50 yards in a single season.
26. He was the first player selected to the Pro Bowl at two different positions in the same year.
27. Jackson was named to the 2010 Pro Bowl as a wide receiver and return specialist.
28. He was selected to the Pro Bowl three times during his career: in 2010, 2013, and 2014.

Teams and Transitions

Throughout his career, Jackson played for several NFL teams, each time bringing his unique skills to the field.

29. Jackson played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2008 to 2013.
30. He holds several franchise records with the Eagles, including most career receptions and receiving yards by a wide receiver.
31. After leaving the Eagles, Jackson played for the Washington Redskins from 2014 to 2016.
32. During his time with the Redskins, he continued to be a productive receiver and return specialist.
33. In 2017, Jackson joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he played for two seasons.
34. Jackson returned to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020.
35. In 2021, Jackson signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, marking a new chapter in his NFL career.

Coaching Career and Legacy

After retiring as a player, Jackson transitioned to coaching, bringing his wealth of experience to the next generation of athletes.

36. Near the end of the 2024 season, Jackson was named the head football coach at Delaware State University.
37. As a head coach, Jackson brings a wealth of experience from his playing days.
38. Jackson likely gained coaching experience at the high school level before becoming a head coach.
39. One of Jackson's strengths as a coach is his ability to develop players.
40. His leadership skills, honed during his playing days, will be crucial in motivating his team.
41. Jackson's experience playing in various roles will help him develop effective game plans.
42. Given his history with concussions, Jackson is likely to emphasize player safety in his coaching career.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Jackson's impact extends beyond the football field, as he is also known for his community involvement and philanthropy.

43. Jackson is known for his community involvement, participating in various charitable activities.
44. His philanthropic efforts include initiatives focused on education and youth development.
45. Jackson is married to his wife, Gina, and they have two children together.
46. He is active on social media platforms, engaging with fans and sharing updates about his career and personal life.
47. Jackson is widely regarded as a fan favorite due to his exciting playing style and charismatic personality.
48. His impact on the game extends beyond his individual achievements, inspiring a generation of players.
49. Jackson's legacy as a coach will continue to inspire future generations at Delaware State University.
50. His commitment to developing young players and his passion for the game will ensure his lasting legacy.

DeSean Jackson's Lasting Impact

DeSean Jackson's journey from Compton to NFL stardom and now coaching is nothing short of inspiring. His career highlights, like tying an NFL record for touchdowns over 50 yards in a season, show his exceptional talent. Jackson's three Pro Bowl selections and franchise records with the Philadelphia Eagles cement his legacy as one of the game's greats.

Transitioning to coaching at Delaware State University, Jackson brings a wealth of experience and passion. His focus on player development and safety, given his history with concussions, will undoubtedly shape future athletes. Beyond football, Jackson's community involvement and philanthropy highlight his commitment to giving back.

As a coach, Jackson's leadership and strategic insights will inspire young players. His legacy will continue to influence the game, both on and off the field. DeSean Jackson's story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the power of sports to change lives.