DeSean William Jackson Bio
DeSean William Jackson, born December 1, 1986, in Los Angeles, California, is a former professional American football wide receiver and current college football coach. Known for his exceptional speed and ability as a deep threat, Jackson is regarded as one of the most explosive wide receivers in NFL history. After a successful playing career, he transitioned into coaching and is currently the head football coach at Delaware State University.
Early Life and Background
Jackson grew up in the Crenshaw neighborhood of Los Angeles. He is the son of Bill and Gayle Jackson and has an older brother, Byron, who played wide receiver at San Jose State and spent time on the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad. Jackson attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School, a school known for producing NFL talent, where he excelled in football, track, and baseball. He was named the 2004 Glenn Davis Award winner as Southern California’s player of the year and was a top wide receiver recruit nationally. In track, he recorded a 10.5-second 100-meter dash, showcasing his speed early on.
During his senior year, Jackson caught 60 passes for 1,075 yards and 15 touchdowns, leading his team to a CIF Southern Section championship. He also demonstrated versatility by playing defensive back in the championship game, where he returned two interceptions, including one for a touchdown. Jackson was voted Most Valuable Player at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, where he caught seven passes for 141 yards and threw a 45-yard touchdown pass. He committed to the University of California, Berkeley, choosing the Golden Bears over other scholarship offers.
Path to American Football
At the University of California, Berkeley, Jackson played for the California Golden Bears from 2005 to 2007. He made an immediate impact as a freshman, scoring both an offensive and special teams touchdown in his first collegiate game. Over his college career, Jackson earned first-team All-American honors twice and was recognized as one of the nation’s top return specialists. He set Pac-10 records for punt returns for touchdowns in a season and career and finished with impressive receiving statistics, ranking third all-time at California in receiving yards and touchdowns.
Jackson declared for the 2008 NFL Draft after his junior season, entering a draft class rich with wide receiver talent. Despite concerns about his smaller frame, his speed and agility impressed scouts, including Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. Jackson ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, solidifying his status as a top prospect.
DeSean Jackson Career
Early Career (2008–2013)
Jackson was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a dynamic playmaker, leading the team in receptions as a rookie and setting records for punt returns. His rookie season included a memorable 62-yard touchdown catch in the NFC Championship game. Jackson was named to the Pro Bowl three times during this period and became the first player selected to the Pro Bowl at two different positions in the same year, as a wide receiver and return specialist in 2010.
Throughout his early career, Jackson was known for his big-play ability, regularly scoring long touchdowns and leading the league in yards per catch multiple times. He earned recognition for his electrifying punt returns and was named to several All-Pro teams. Despite some injuries and occasional off-field controversies, Jackson remained a key offensive weapon for the Eagles.
Washington Redskins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2014–2018)
In 2014, Jackson signed with the Washington Redskins, where he continued to produce impressive receiving numbers, including leading the NFL in yards per catch. He recorded multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons and was known for his ability to stretch defenses. Jackson later signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2017, where he maintained his reputation as a deep threat, setting an NFL record for the most receiving touchdowns of 60 yards or more.
Jackson’s time with the Buccaneers was marked by standout performances, including multiple games with over 100 receiving yards and several long touchdown receptions. However, injuries limited his playing time in his final season with Tampa Bay.
Later Playing Career and Transition to Coaching (2019–Present)
Jackson returned to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019, continuing to contribute as a veteran receiver. He later played for the Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens, becoming the oldest active receiver in the NFL during his time with Baltimore. In 2023, Jackson signed a one-day contract to retire officially as a member of the Eagles.
Following his retirement, Jackson began a coaching career. In 2024, he served as the offensive coordinator at Woodrow Wilson Classical High School in California. Later that year, he was named head football coach at Delaware State University, leading the team to an 8-4 record in his first season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Jackson’s playing style was defined by his elite speed and ability to create separation from defenders. He excelled as a deep threat, often scoring long touchdowns and changing the momentum of games with explosive plays. His agility and quickness made him a dangerous punt returner, while his route-running and catching ability allowed him to be a consistent receiving threat. Jackson’s partnership with his quarterbacks and understanding of defensive schemes contributed to his success on the field.
Notable Events and Milestones
Jackson holds the NFL record for the most receiving touchdowns of 60 yards or more, surpassing legends like Jerry Rice. He was the first player selected to the Pro Bowl at two different positions in the same year. His 65-yard punt return touchdown to win a game in the final seconds remains a unique highlight in NFL history. Jackson’s jersey from a game where he scored an 81-yard touchdown against his former team is displayed at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
DeSean Jackson Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Jackson amassed numerous individual accolades and memorable performances, including multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors. His ability to score long touchdowns and impact games as both a receiver and return specialist made him one of the most exciting players of his era.
Philadelphia Eagles Highlights
Jackson’s tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles was the most productive phase of his career. He ranks fourth in franchise history for receiving yards and eighth for receptions. His rookie season set several team records, and he led the Eagles in receiving yards multiple times. Jackson’s electrifying punt returns and big-play ability helped define the Eagles’ offense during his years with the team.
Other Wins & Performances
Jackson also made significant contributions to the Washington Redskins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading the league in yards per catch multiple seasons and setting franchise records. His late-career stints with the Raiders and Ravens added veteran leadership and clutch plays, further cementing his legacy as a premier deep threat.
DeSean Jackson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jackson comes from an athletic family, with his older brother Byron having played college football and spent time in the NFL. His father, Bill Jackson, passed away in 2009 after battling pancreatic cancer. The family’s support played a significant role in Jackson’s development as an athlete and professional.
Personal Life
Jackson currently resides in Moorestown, New Jersey. He has been involved in various media appearances and even had a small role in the 2017 film All Eyez on Me. Jackson’s personal life has occasionally attracted media attention, but he has maintained a focus on his football career and coaching endeavors.
2025 Season Performance
In December 2024, Jackson was appointed head football coach at Delaware State University. In his inaugural season, he led the team to an impressive 8-4 record, demonstrating his ability to transition from player to coach effectively. Jackson’s leadership and experience have brought renewed energy to the program, with expectations for continued success in the coming seasons. His coaching style emphasizes speed, agility, and strategic playmaking, reflecting his own playing strengths.