Hey there, football fans! If you’ve ever watched a game and marveled at a receiver who could turn a simple pass into a highlight-reel sprint to the end zone, you’ve probably seen Desean Jackson Career Stats in action. Nicknamed “Lightning Bolt” for his blazing speed—clocking in at a jaw-dropping 4.31 seconds in the 40-yard dash—Jackson wasn’t just fast; he was a game-changer. Over a 15-year NFL career, he terrorized defenses with his deep routes, daring punt returns, and that infectious energy that made every play feel electric.
Born on December 1, 1986, in Los Angeles, DeSean grew up in a tough neighborhood but found his escape on the gridiron. He starred at Long Beach Polytechnic High School, where he was a track standout too, before heading to the University of California (Cal). There, he became a two-time All-American, racking up over 2,400 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns. But it was his return skills that turned heads—he set Pac-10 records with six punt return touchdowns in his career. Scouts drooled over his speed and playmaking, and in 2008, the Philadelphia Eagles snagged him in the second round of the NFL Draft, 49th overall.
What made Jackson special? In a league full of big-bodied receivers who bully their way for yards, DeSean was the guy who made cornerbacks look silly with his afterburners. He thrived on the deep ball, stretching the field and opening up offenses for his teammates. But he wasn’t one-dimensional—early in his career, he was a dynamic return specialist, scoring four punt return touchdowns. Off the field, he’s a philanthropist at heart, founding the DeSean Jackson Foundation to help kids in urban communities through education and sports programs. Now, as of 2025, he’s transitioned into coaching, taking the reins as head football coach at Delaware State University. Talk about full-circle—from dodging tackles to drawing up plays.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into DeSean Jackson’s career stats. Whether you’re a die-hard Eagles fan reliving the glory days or a young gridiron dreamer just discovering legends, I’ll keep it straightforward, fun, and full of stories that bring the numbers to life. We’ll break down his yearly highs and lows, spotlight his best seasons, and wrap it up with a handy table of all his key stats. By the end, you’ll see why Jackson’s 11,263 receiving yards and 66 total touchdowns (including returns) cement him as one of the NFL’s most exciting players ever. Let’s kick off!
Early Days with the Eagles: From Rookie Sensation to Pro Bowl Star
DeSean hit the ground running—literally—in Philadelphia. As a rookie in 2008, he lined up opposite star quarterback Donovan McNabb and wasted no time. Imagine this: a 22-year-old speedster hauling in 62 passes for 912 yards and two scores, while also returning punts like a pro. His 50 punt returns netted 440 yards and a touchdown, earning him a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team. But the real magic? That 96-yard punt return against the Cowboys—pure adrenaline, with DeSean weaving through traffic like he was born for it.
By 2009, Jackson was a full-blown weapon. He exploded for 1,156 receiving yards on 62 catches, averaging a ridiculous 18.6 yards per reception, and punched in nine touchdowns. Add two punt return TDs, and he was the first player ever selected to the Pro Bowl as both a wide receiver and return specialist. Picture the scene: Eagles fans chanting his name as he jets 80 yards for a score against the Giants. It was electric, and it helped Philly reach the playoffs.
His 2010 season? More of the same fireworks. Teamed with Michael Vick’s rocket arm, DeSean grabbed 47 balls for 1,056 yards and six TDs, including a 91-yard bomb to seal a win over the Vikings. He averaged 22.5 yards per catch—defenses simply couldn’t cover him deep. Another Pro Bowl nod and a punt return TD kept the legend growing.
But football’s a grind, and 2011-2012 brought bumps. Injuries and a 4-12 Eagles season in ’11 saw him “only” tally 961 yards and four scores. The next year, a torn Achilles sidelined him early, leading to a nightmare -7 rushing yards (yep, he lost ground on those carries). Still, DeSean’s spirit shone through—he was the heart of that Philly locker room.
Then came 2013: redemption. With Nick Foles at QB, Jackson had the year of his life—82 catches, 1,332 yards (a career high), and nine TDs. He led the NFL in yards per catch at 16.2 and earned his third Pro Bowl trip. That season, he had four 100-yard games, including a 443-yard performance in a single game if you count returns. Philly went 10-6, and DeSean was untouchable. Sadly, contract disputes led to his release in 2014, but his Eagles legacy? Fourth in franchise receiving yards (6,117) and tied for third in 100-yard games (20). Fans still chant “D-Jax!” at the Linc.
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Washington and Tampa: Reinventing the Deep Threat
Free agency hit, and the Washington Redskins (now Commanders) pounced, signing DeSean to a three-year, $24 million deal in 2014. Playing with Robert Griffin III and later Kirk Cousins, he didn’t miss a beat. In his debut season, 56 catches for 1,169 yards and six TDs—20.9 yards per pop. He had a 81-yard TD on opening night and finished with the NFL’s longest reception (81 yards). It was vintage Jackson: speed forcing safeties to play honest.
2015 started hot with 528 yards in nine games, but a hamstring injury ended it early. Still, four TDs showed he could still burn. By 2016, fully healthy, DeSean posted 1,005 yards and four scores, helping Washington to the playoffs. His 17.9 YPC was elite, and he became the all-time Redskins leader in 50+ yard receptions (12). Off-field drama, like a 2014 extortion scandal, tested him, but DeSean bounced back stronger, mentoring young receivers like Jamison Crowder.
Released again in 2017, he landed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jameis Winston’s cannon arm. His first year: 668 yards and three TDs on 50 catches. Not his flashiest, but steady—13.4 YPC kept defenses honest. Then 2018: a resurgence! 774 yards, four TDs, and a rushing score. At 32, he averaged 18.9 YPC, including a 67-yard TD scamper. Tampa’s high-octane offense suited him, and he even returned punts again, showing that old spark.
Injuries crept in during 2019—a sports hernia limited him to three games with Philly (after a reunion), but he still managed 159 yards and two TDs. It was a tease of what could have been. DeSean’s mid-career moves proved his adaptability—he wasn’t just a one-team wonder. From Washington’s vertical attack to Tampa’s gun-slinging, he added 3,144 receiving yards across those stops, with 21 TDs. His speed aged like fine wine, forcing defenses to adjust entire schemes.
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Late Career Twists: Homecomings, Trades, and a Graceful Exit
By 2020, at 34, Father Time was knocking, but DeSean answered with grit. Back with the Eagles, an ankle injury sidelined him after five games (236 yards, one TD), but he gutted it out for a score. Traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021—his hometown team!—he linked up with Matthew Stafford. In seven games, 221 yards and a TD, including a 27.6 YPC stretch that reminded everyone of his prime. But a hamstring tweak led to a midseason swap to the Las Vegas Raiders, where he added 233 yards and another score in nine games. Split stats, but 454 combined yards at 22.7 YPC? That’s deep-threat magic.
His swan song came in 2022 with the Baltimore Ravens, chasing a ring with Lamar Jackson (no relation). In seven games, 153 yards on nine catches—no TDs, but solid veteran presence. He retired at 36, walking away with 15 seasons under his belt, six teams, and a resume that screams impact player.
What defined his late career? Resilience. From injuries to roster churn, DeSean adapted, mentoring QBs like Cousins and Winston while still stretching fields. His final rushing TD in 2018 with Tampa? A 21-yard scamper that showed he could still run it too. And those returns? Early career gems like his 2009 pair of punt TDs (85 and 64 yards) accounted for four of his nine total return scores (including kickoffs in college). In the NFL, he tallied 1,315 punt return yards and just 37 on kicks—smartly shifting focus to receiving as he aged.
Beyond stats, Jackson’s career influenced the game. He popularized the “deep threat” archetype, paving the way for speedsters like Tyreek Hill. His 52 plays of 20+ yards (23% of touches) forced offenses to rethink play-calling. And in 2025, his College Football Hall of Fame nomination nods to his Cal roots. Now coaching at Delaware State, he’s passing that lightning to the next generation.
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The Numbers Tell the Story: Desean Jackson Career Stats Table
Alright, let’s get to the meat— the stats! Below is a full breakdown of DeSean’s regular-season NFL numbers. I’ve kept it simple: yearly totals for games, receiving, rushing, punt returns, kick returns, and fumbles. Averages (like yards per catch) are included where they shine. Totals at the bottom. This table pulls from reliable sources like Pro-Football-Reference, so you can trust it. Whether you’re scanning for his monster 2013 or just the big picture, it’s all here.
| Season | Team(s) | Games Played (G) | Games Started (GS) | Receptions (Rec) | Receiving Yards (Yds) | Yards/Rec (Y/R) | Rec TDs | Rushes (Att) | Rushing Yards | Yds/Att (YPC) | Rush TDs | Punt Returns (Ret) | Punt Yds | Yds/Ret | Punt TDs | Kick Returns (Ret) | Kick Yds | Avg | Kick TDs | Fumbles (Fmb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | PHI | 16 | 15 | 62 | 912 | 14.7 | 2 | 17 | 96 | 5.6 | 1 | 50 | 440 | 8.8 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 12.0 | 0 | 4 |
| 2009 | PHI | 15 | 15 | 62 | 1156 | 18.6 | 9 | 11 | 137 | 12.5 | 1 | 29 | 441 | 15.2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2010 | PHI | 14 | 14 | 47 | 1056 | 22.5 | 6 | 16 | 104 | 6.5 | 1 | 20 | 231 | 11.6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 4 |
| 2011 | PHI | 15 | 15 | 58 | 961 | 16.6 | 4 | 7 | 41 | 5.9 | 0 | 17 | 114 | 6.7 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 7.0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2012 | PHI | 11 | 11 | 45 | 700 | 15.6 | 2 | 3 | -7 | -2.3 | 0 | 1 | -3 | -3.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 1 |
| 2013 | PHI | 16 | 16 | 82 | 1332 | 16.2 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 0.7 | 0 | 14 | 71 | 5.1 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 10.0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2014 | WAS | 15 | 13 | 56 | 1169 | 20.9 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 1.8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | WAS | 9 | 9 | 30 | 528 | 17.6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 2 | -5 | -2.5 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 8.0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2016 | WAS | 15 | 15 | 56 | 1005 | 17.9 | 4 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | TB | 14 | 13 | 50 | 668 | 13.4 | 3 | 3 | 38 | 12.7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | TB | 12 | 10 | 41 | 774 | 18.9 | 4 | 6 | 29 | 4.8 | 1 | 5 | 24 | 4.8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | PHI | 3 | 3 | 9 | 159 | 17.7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | PHI | 5 | 5 | 14 | 236 | 16.9 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 12.0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | LAR/LVR | 16 | 4 | 20 | 454 | 22.7 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 4.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 | BAL | 7 | 1 | 9 | 153 | 17.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 |
| Career Totals | 6 Teams | 183 | 158 | 641 | 11,263 | 17.6 | 57 | 72 | 473 | 6.6 | 4 | 140 | 1,315 | 9.4 | 4 | 5 | 37 | 7.4 | 0 | 16 |
Notes on the Table: Data covers regular season only. “2TM” for 2021 combines Rams and Raiders. Averages are career or season-specific. Negative yards (e.g., 2012 rushing) happen—tackles behind the line sting! Punt/kick returns taper off as DeSean focused on receiving later on.
Breaking Down the Milestones: What the Stats Really Mean
Zooming out, DeSean’s numbers paint a portrait of consistency wrapped in explosiveness. That 17.6 career YPC? Top-tier for any receiver, let alone one who played 183 games. His 57 receiving TDs came on just 641 catches—efficiency at its finest. Add four rushing scores and four punt return TDs, and you’ve got 65 ways he crossed the goal line. Fumbles (16) were a knock early on, but he cleaned that up, losing just a handful after 2015.
Peak performers shine brightest under pressure. DeSean’s 2013 (1,332 yds, 9 TDs) and 2009 (1,156 yds, 9 TDs + 2 return TDs) stand out—seasons where his speed turned good offenses great. He hit 1,000+ yards four times, all with Philly or Washington, proving he elevated QBs like McNabb, Vick, and Foles.
Returns were his secret sauce early. Those 140 punt returns for 1,315 yards and four TDs flipped field position and sparked comebacks. Remember his 85-yard return in 2009? It swung momentum in a playoff push. Rushing? A bonus—473 yards on 72 carries, including a 12.5 YPC in ’09. He wasn’t a workhorse back, but end-arounds with his speed were cheat codes.
Injuries shortened some years (e.g., 9 games in 2015, 3 in 2019), but his durability—starting 158 of 183 games—shows toughness. By career’s end, he ranked among the NFL’s best deep threats, with 52 catches of 20+ yards. No Super Bowl ring stings, but three Pro Bowls and All-Rookie honors? That’s Hall of Very Good territory.
Legacy: Why DeSean Jackson Still Inspires
Stats are cool, but impact? That’s forever. DeSean changed how teams build offenses—prioritizing speed to stretch defenses thin. He mentored stars like Crowder and even patched fences with Philly fans after his release, returning in 2019-2020 like a prodigal son. His foundation has donated millions to LA youth, proving he’s more than yards.
