Hey there, football fans! Imagine a player who could turn a simple punt return into a heart-stopping sprint to the end zone, or stretch a defense thin with his blazing speed on deep routes. That’s Desean Jackson Career Stats for you – a wide receiver whose career was all about electrifying plays, big grins, and that unmistakable swagger. Born on December 1, 1986, in Long Beach, California, DeSean wasn’t just fast; he was freakishly fast, clocking a 4.31-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Over 15 seasons in the league, he suited up for six teams, racking up highlights that still make highlight reels pop.
If you’re new to football or just love a good underdog story, DeSean’s journey is perfect. He started as a two-time All-American at the University of California, where he terrorized Pac-10 defenses with his returns and receiving skills. Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2008 (second round, 49th overall), he quickly became a star – and a headache for opponents. But his career wasn’t all smooth sailing; injuries, team changes, and even a scary locker room incident tested his resolve. Yet, through it all, DeSean delivered: 641 receptions, 11,263 receiving yards, 58 receiving touchdowns, plus 4 punt return scores. That’s 66 total trips to the house!
In this article, we’ll break down his career like a casual chat over wings at a tailgate. We’ll cover his early days, team hops, standout moments, and of course, a full table of his stats that’s easy to scan – no PhD required. Whether you’re 12 or 82, you’ll walk away appreciating why DeSean is one of the NFL’s ultimate deep threats. Let’s kick it off!
From California Kid to NFL Rookie Sensation
DeSean’s story starts in sunny Southern California, where he grew up idolizing speedsters like Randy Moss. At Long Beach Polytechnic High School, he was a track star too – think state champ in the 100-meter dash. Heading to Cal (University of California, Berkeley), he didn’t disappoint. As a Golden Bear, DeSean amassed 2,423 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns over three seasons, but his real magic was on special teams. He set Pac-10 records with six punt returns for touchdowns in his career, including four in one season. That versatility made him a hot commodity in the 2008 NFL Draft.
The Eagles scooped him up, and boom – instant impact. In his rookie year of 2008, DeSean played 16 games, hauling in 62 catches for 912 yards and 2 scores. But the fun didn’t stop there. He returned 50 punts for 440 yards, including one touchdown on a 68-yard scamper. Philadelphia fans fell in love with his fearlessness; he’d fair-catch nothing and field everything. That season set the tone: DeSean wasn’t just a receiver; he was a game-changer.
Off the field, DeSean’s personality shone through. He’s got that Hollywood vibe – flashy cars, big chains, and a laugh that lights up press conferences. But beneath the flair was a grinder who studied film like a coach. His speed (hello, 4.31 40) forced defenses to play honest, opening lanes for teammates like running back LeSean McCoy. By the end of his Eagles tenure, he’d etched his name in franchise lore, ranking fourth in receiving yards (6,117) despite leaving after six seasons.
The Philly Prime: Peak Performance and Pro Bowls
Ah, the golden era – DeSean’s first stint with the Eagles from 2008 to 2013. This is where he became “DeSean Jackson,” the household name. Picture this: 2010, Lincoln Financial Field rocking as DeSean burns the Vikings for a 91-yard touchdown bomb. That year, he exploded for 47 catches, 1,056 yards, and 6 touchdowns, earning his second Pro Bowl nod (he was also selected as a return specialist that year – a rare double dip!).
His stats during this stretch? Electric. In 2009, he notched 9 receiving touchdowns and two punt return scores, including an 85-yarder that had Eagles Nation chanting his name. The 2013 season was his Philly masterpiece: 82 receptions, 1,332 yards, and 9 touchdowns, snagging another Pro Bowl. DeSean’s yards-per-catch average hovered around 17-18, a testament to his deep-ball prowess. He wasn’t a possession guy grinding for yards after catch; he was the guy who turned a slant into a 60-yard sprint.
But it wasn’t all touchdowns and cheers. DeSean dealt with nagging injuries, like a concussion in 2010 that sidelined him for two games. And in 2012, a down year (700 yards) amid team struggles tested his patience. Still, his rushing contributions – 72 carries for 463 yards over his career, including a 67-yard scamper in 2009 – showed his all-around threat. DeSean could line up anywhere: slot, outside, even motioning as a decoy. His presence alone boosted the Eagles’ explosive play rate by 15% in his prime years, per NFL analytics.
One underrated part? His chemistry with quarterbacks. Donovan McNabb, Michael Vick, Nick Foles – DeSean synced with them all, reading defenses like a book. By 2014, though, contract drama led to his release. Ouch. But that’s pro football – business first. DeSean left Philly with 20 games of 100+ receiving yards, tied for third in team history. Fans still chant “D-Jax!” at the Linc.
Washington Wizards: Redskins Reunion and Steady Production
Fresh off Philly, DeSean signed a four-year, $24 million deal with the Washington Redskins in 2014. It felt like a homecoming – both teams in the NFC East, both with chippy histories. And boy, did he deliver early. In his debut season, 56 catches for 1,169 yards and 6 touchdowns, highlighted by an 81-yard score against the Colts. His 20.9 yards per catch? Pure poetry.
Washington was where DeSean refined his route-running. Under coaches like Jay Gruden, he learned subtler moves – fakes, hesitations – to exploit corners. The 2016 season stands out: 56 receptions, 1,005 yards, and 4 touchdowns, all while mentoring younger guys like Jamison Crowder. Injuries bit him in 2015 (abdominal strain limited him to 9 games), but when healthy, he was gold. Fun fact: DeSean once returned a missed field goal 99 yards for a “touchdown” (ruled a single), but it showed his endless motor.
Off-field, DeSean grew too. He launched the DeSean Jackson Foundation in 2010, focusing on youth empowerment in LA, but expanded it during his D.C. days with anti-bullying events. His speed translated to community sprints – literally hosting track days for kids. By 2019, after stints elsewhere, he’d return to Washington briefly, but the Redskins chapter solidified him as a 1,000-yard threat four times in his career.
Yet, whispers of locker room issues followed him – a 2014 report of gang affiliations led to Eagles’ drama, but DeSean always responded with play. He proved doubters wrong, year after year.
Tampa Bay and Beyond: Veteran Savvy and Homecoming Twists
In 2017, DeSean inked a three-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, joining forces with Mike Evans and a young Jameis Winston. At 31, he wasn’t the every-down guy anymore, but his veteran presence shone. That year: 50 catches, 668 yards, 3 touchdowns. In 2018, he peaked again – 41 grabs for 774 yards and 4 scores, including a 75-yard dagger against Atlanta.
Tampa let him walk in 2019, but DeSean bounced back with the Eagles for a reunion tour. Limited to 3 games by injury, he still flashed: 9 catches, 159 yards, 2 touchdowns. Then 2020 – another Philly stint marred by a broken fibula, but he gutted out 236 yards in 5 games.
The 2021 wanderlust hit: Starting with the L.A. Rams (his hometown team!), he caught 8 balls for 221 yards and a score in 7 games. Traded to the Raiders mid-season, he added 12 receptions for 233 yards. It was a split year, but DeSean thrived as a rotational speed guy, posting a career-best 22.7 yards per catch across 16 games.
Finally, 2022 with the Baltimore Ravens: A quiet swan song – 7 games, 9 catches for 153 yards. No touchdowns, but he mentored rookies like Devin Duvernay. DeSean retired in 2023 at 36, hanging up his cleats after 183 games. Post-career? He’s coaching now, head man at Delaware State University since 2025, passing that fire to the next gen.
Through trades, releases, and rehabs, DeSean’s adaptability defined him. He evolved from return ace to red-zone deep threat, always with that infectious energy.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: DeSean Jackson’s Full Career Stats Table
Alright, let’s get to the meat – the stats! I’ve pulled together a comprehensive table from reliable NFL records (shoutout to Pro-Football-Reference). This covers his regular-season career from 2008 to 2022. It’s split into two easy sections: Receiving & Rushing, and Returns. Columns are straightforward – no jargon overload. Totals at the bottom for quick math. Think of this as your cheat sheet for trivia night.
Receiving and Rushing Stats (Regular Season)
| Year | Age | Team | Games (G/GS) | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs | Yards/Rec | Longest Rec | Rush Att | Rush Yards | Rush TDs | Longest Rush |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 22 | PHI | 16/15 | 62 | 912 | 2 | 14.7 | 60 | 17 | 96 | 1 | 21 |
| 2009 | 23 | PHI | 15/15 | 62 | 1,156 | 9 | 18.6 | 71 | 11 | 137 | 1 | 67 |
| 2010 | 24 | PHI | 14/14 | 47 | 1,056 | 6 | 22.5 | 91 | 16 | 104 | 1 | 31 |
| 2011 | 25 | PHI | 15/15 | 58 | 961 | 4 | 16.6 | 62 | 7 | 41 | 0 | 18 |
| 2012 | 26 | PHI | 11/11 | 45 | 700 | 2 | 15.6 | 77 | 3 | -7 | 0 | 5 |
| 2013 | 27 | PHI | 16/16 | 82 | 1,332 | 9 | 16.2 | 61 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 8 |
| 2014 | 28 | WAS | 15/13 | 56 | 1,169 | 6 | 20.9 | 81 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 9 |
| 2015 | 29 | WAS | 9/9 | 30 | 528 | 4 | 17.6 | 77 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2016 | 30 | WAS | 15/15 | 56 | 1,005 | 4 | 17.9 | 80 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2017 | 31 | TAM | 14/13 | 50 | 668 | 3 | 13.4 | 41 | 3 | 38 | 0 | 23 |
| 2018 | 32 | TAM | 12/10 | 41 | 774 | 4 | 18.9 | 75 | 6 | 29 | 1 | 14 |
| 2019 | 33 | PHI | 3/3 | 9 | 159 | 2 | 17.7 | 53 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2020 | 34 | PHI | 5/5 | 14 | 236 | 1 | 16.9 | 81 | 1 | 12 | 0 | 12 |
| 2021 | 35 | LAR | 7/0 | 8 | 221 | 1 | 27.6 | 75 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2021 | 35 | LVR | 9/4 | 12 | 233 | 1 | 19.4 | 56 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 2022 | 36 | BAL | 7/1 | 9 | 153 | 0 | 17.0 | 62 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| Career Totals | 183/148 | 641 | 11,263 | 58 | 17.6 | 91 | 72 | 463 | 4 | 67 |
Punt and Kickoff Returns Stats (Regular Season)
| Year | Age | Team | Games (G/GS) | Punt Ret | Punt Yds | Punt TDs | Longest Punt Ret | Yds/Punt Ret | Kick Ret | Kick Yds | Kick TDs | Longest Kick Ret | Yds/Kick Ret |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 22 | PHI | 16/15 | 50 | 440 | 1 | 68 | 8.8 | 1 | 12 | 0 | 12 | 12.0 |
| 2009 | 23 | PHI | 15/15 | 29 | 441 | 2 | 85 | 15.2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 |
| 2010 | 24 | PHI | 14/14 | 20 | 231 | 1 | 65 | 11.6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – |
| 2011 | 25 | PHI | 15/15 | 17 | 114 | 0 | 51 | 6.7 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 7.0 |
| 2012 | 26 | PHI | 11/11 | 1 | -3 | 0 | -3 | -3.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – |
| 2013 | 27 | PHI | 16/16 | 14 | 71 | 0 | 32 | 5.1 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 10 | 10.0 |
| 2014 | 28 | WAS | 15/13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – |
| 2015 | 29 | WAS | 9/9 | 2 | -5 | 0 | 2 | -2.5 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 8.0 |
| 2016 | 30 | WAS | 15/15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – |
| 2017 | 31 | TAM | 14/13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – |
| 2018 | 32 | TAM | 12/10 | 5 | 24 | 0 | 11 | 4.8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – |
| 2019 | 33 | PHI | 3/3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – |
| 2020 | 34 | PHI | 5/5 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – |
| 2021 | 35 | LAR | 7/0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – |
| 2021 | 35 | LVR | 9/4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – |
| 2022 | 36 | BAL | 7/1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – |
| Career Totals | 183/148 | 140 | 1,315 | 4 | 85 | 9.4 | 4 | 37 | 0 | 12 | 9.3 |
See? DeSean’s receiving explosion in 2013 jumps off the page, and those early punt TDs show why he was a special teams nightmare. Career-wise, his 17.6 yards per catch ranks him among elite deep threats like Tyreek Hill. And don’t sleep on the rushing – those 4 TDs came from gadget plays that flipped field position.
Legacy of Speed: Why DeSean Still Inspires
Desean Jackson Career Stats wasn’t perfect – injuries stole 40+ games, and his return role faded as rules tightened. But his impact? Undeniable. Three Pro Bowls, a Second-Team All-Pro in 2009, and a spot in the NFL’s “Top 100 Players” (63rd in 2014). He amassed 14,693 all-purpose yards, scoring 66 ways. In an era of possession receivers, DeSean reminded us football’s about fun – those 50+ yard plays (he had 52!) that leave jaws dropped.