DeSean Jackson
His blistering speed and uncanny ability to stretch defenses redefined the deep passing game, making him one of the most feared receivers of his era.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American football player and coach·Birthday: December 1·Millennials
Biography
DeSean Jackson (b. 1986) became the first NFL player to earn a Pro Bowl selection as both a wide receiver and a punt returner in his rookie season. At the University of California, Berkeley, he was a two-time All-American, turning every catch into a potential touchdown. The Philadelphia Eagles drafted him in 2008, and he immediately punished defenses with his deep-threat speed. His rapport with quarterbacks Michael Vick and Carson Wentz generated some of the league's most explosive scoring plays. Jackson's signature was the deep ball; he consistently led the NFL in yards per reception, forcing defensive coordinators to adjust their coverage schemes. Though he played for several teams, his most memorable moments arrived in an Eagles uniform, including the 'Miracle at the New Meadowlands' punt return. That 65-yard dash in 2010 secured a comeback victory and symbolized how his pure speed could change a game's outcome. His career spanned 14 seasons, during which he accumulated over 11,000 receiving yards and four Pro Bowl nods. Jackson later transitioned into coaching, joining the coaching staff at his alma mater, where he works with wide receivers.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
DeSean was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When DeSean Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
DeSean's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- He holds the NFL record for the most career touchdowns of 60 or more yards (26).
- He was selected to three Pro Bowls (2009, 2010, 2013) and was a First-team All-Pro in 2009 as a return specialist.
- He amassed over 11,000 receiving yards in his NFL career, averaging a remarkable 17.6 yards per catch.
- He won Super Bowl LII as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, though he was injured and did not play in the game.
Did You Know?
In high school, he played quarterback and threw for over 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns in his senior season.
He famously dropped the ball just before crossing the goal line on a punt return touchdown in college, a mistake that became a famous teaching moment.
He has a tattoo of the Philadelphia skyline on his arm, honoring the city where he had his greatest success.
He is a cousin of former NFL wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson.
“I always believed in my speed. If you give me a step, I'll take a mile.”
