Former Eagles Pro Bowler lobbied for QB Jalen Hurts to start over Carson Wentz

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has had a meteoric rise since taking over as the team's starter. However, if former Pro Bowl wideout and 15-year NFL veteran DeSean Jackson had his way, Hurts would have started from the jump. 

Speaking with reporters on Friday after announcing his retirement, Jackson revealed that he had lobbied for Hurts to play over then-starter Carson Wentz while chatting with general manager Howie Roseman at practice in 2020. 

Hurts, playing with the second string, dominated against the Eagles' starting defense, impressing Jackson. 

"I'm just seeing him sling the ball, and he's making crazy plays," Jackson told Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports. "I tap Howie and said, 'Howie, I told you that kid will be special, man.'" 

When the Eagles selected Hurts in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, many were left scratching their heads since the team already had Wentz in tow. However, Jackson was a believer after seeing Hurts' talent and how he carried himself in practice and offseason workouts.

Hurts' demeanor on and off the field is often a topic of conversation. Seemingly never too high or low, Hurts gives off the vibe of a highly motivated player whose focus is always on the ultimate goal: winning. 

Some would say Hurts is mature beyond his years, and Jackson would agree, telling reporters he has an "older mentality, like an uncle or old father." 

"The game is not too big for him, it's like he's been here before," Jackson said. 

In his third season as the team's starter, Hurts has the Eagles (10-1) in position to make another Super Bowl run as week in and week out, he simply finds ways to win. 

Hurts has led the Eagles to 14 straight wins over teams with winning records and victories in 27 of their last 29 games overall. Meanwhile, he's only the third QB since 1950 to win 27 or more games over a 29-game span, joining Tom Brady (2003-05) and Jim McMahon (1983-88). 

"I definitely saw Jalen Hurts before what the world sees now," Jackson continued. "I feel like he's just starting. He's going to be here a long time. He's going to have some special moments in Philadelphia."