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    DeSean Jackson

    DeSean Jackson

    Celebrity

    American football playerCoach

    Also known as: D-Jax, DeSean William Jackson

    Birthday

    December 1, 1986

    Birth Sign

    Sagittarius

    Birthplace

    Long Beach, California

    Age

    39 years old

    Height

    5 ft 10 in (178 cm)

    About

    DeSean Jackson is an American former professional football wide receiver and the current head coach at Delaware State University. Born on December 1, 1986, he built a legendary reputation as one of the fastest players in NFL history during a fifteen-year career that included stints with the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams, and Baltimore Ravens. His electrifying speed and ability to stretch defenses made him a constant threat for big plays from his rookie season in 2008 through his retirement announcement in 2020.

    Jackson's most iconic achievements include becoming the first player in NFL history selected to the Pro Bowl at two different positions in 2010 and winning Super Bowl LV with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After retiring from active play, he transitioned into coaching, taking over as the head football coach at Delaware State University in late 2024. His journey from a standout high school athlete in Long Beach to an NFL icon and now a collegiate leader defines his enduring impact on the sport.

    Early Life & Background

    DeSean Jackson grew up in Long Beach, California, where he attended Jordan High School. He was a multi-sport star who initially committed to play basketball for the University of Southern California. A change of heart occurred after witnessing the offensive potential of the Cal Golden Bears under head coach Jeff Tedford. He switched his focus to football, leading to a transformative college career at the University of California, Berkeley.

    At Cal, Jackson quickly became a dominant force. He earned first-team All-American honors in both 2006 and 2007 while shattering NCAA records for punt return yards and touchdowns. His explosive speed and agility on the field were evident early on, drawing attention from NFL scouts long before the draft. This period solidified his status as a top prospect and set the stage for his selection by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

    Career Growth

    Jackson's professional career began with immediate impact in 2008 when he returned a kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers and caught a 90-yard pass from Michael Vick in the same game. He spent six seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, earning three Pro Bowl selections (2010, 2011, 2012) and reaching Super Bowl LII. In 2010, he made history as the first player ever selected to the Pro Bowl at two positions: wide receiver and punt returner.

    Following his departure from Philadelphia, he played for the Washington Redskins (2014–2015), where he recorded a career-high 1,000 receiving yards in 2015. He then joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning Super Bowl LV in the 2020 season, though he was inactive for the championship game due to injury. His later years included brief stints with the Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens before returning to the Eagles for a final season in 2020. He officially retired after 15 seasons and was hired as the head coach at Delaware State University on December 27, 2024.

    Career Timeline

    2005Enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley
    2006Named First-Team All-American; set Pac-10 records for punt return yards
    2007Second consecutive First-Team All-American; led NCAA in punt return yards
    2008Selected 49th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL Draft; rookie kickoff return TD (103 yards)
    2009Led NFL in punt return average; Pro Bowl alternate
    2010First player selected to Pro Bowl at two positions (WR and PR); led NFL in punt return touchdowns (5)
    2011Pro Bowl selection; 1,000+ receiving yards
    2012Pro Bowl selection; signed 5-year, $25M extension with Eagles
    2013Traded to Washington Redskins; 1,000+ receiving yards
    2014Signed 4-year, $16M contract with Redskins; 1,000+ receiving yards
    2015Career-high 1,000 receiving yards; 6 TDs
    2016Signed with Tampa Bay Buccaneers; 1,000+ receiving yards
    2017Won Super Bowl LV with Buccaneers (inactive for game)
    2018Played for Los Angeles Rams; limited action
    2019Signed with Baltimore Ravens; played final season
    2020Briefly returned to Philadelphia Eagles; retired after 15 seasons
    2024Hired as Head Coach at Delaware State University (Dec 27)
    2025First season as DSU Head Coach
    2026Documentary Go Deep: The DeSean Jackson Story premieres on Prime Video

    Public Image & Style

    Known for his bold fashion choices, colorful cleats, and unique hairstyles, DeSean Jackson cultivated a charismatic and energetic public persona. His media presence is characterized by a positive tone, focusing on family, faith, and community involvement. As a coach at Delaware State University, he has reinforced his image as a mentor and leader, bridging the gap between the NFL and HBCU football. Despite some controversies during his tenure, he remains a respected figure in the sports community.

    Fame & Fandom

    iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. While DeSean Jackson does not have a formal, named fandom like pop stars, his fanbase is deeply engaged, particularly among Philadelphia Eagles supporters and HBCU enthusiasts. Fans often refer to themselves informally as "D-Jax Nation." Notable fan campaigns include birthday tributes and charity drives in his name, focusing on youth football in underserved communities. His social media engagement is high, with fans actively sharing clips of his "Go Deep" plays and celebrating his coaching milestones.

    Interesting Facts and Legends

    DeSean Jackson is widely known by his nickname "D-Jax" and holds the NFL record for the most punt return touchdowns in a single season with five in 2010. His social media handle @0ne0fone reflects his personal mantra of being "one of none," encouraging others to embrace their uniqueness. The phrase "Go Deep" has become synonymous with his playing style, referring to his ability to stretch the field and score on long plays. Fans often cite his 103-yard kickoff return in 2008 as one of the most memorable moments in Eagles history. Additionally, he is known for his philanthropy, particularly supporting youth football programs in Long Beach and Philadelphia.

    Notable Quotes

    I'm just trying to go deep. That's my job.
    Being one of none means you don't have to copy anyone else.
    Football is about family, and I want to bring that culture to Delaware State.

    Family & Personal Life

    Jackson comes from a family background in Long Beach, California, where he developed his athletic skills. While he keeps his romantic life private, he is a devoted father to children whose identities are not extensively publicized. He has maintained a close relationship with his family throughout his career, often crediting them for his success and resilience. His commitment to giving back to his community is evident in his support for youth sports initiatives in his hometown.

    Notable Connections

    Michael Vick, Jeff Tedford, Andy Reid, John Harbaugh

    Relationships & Dating History

    As of 2026:Single

    Public information regarding DeSean Jackson's romantic history is notably sparse compared to other athletes of his stature. There are no widely documented long-term marriages, engagements, or high-profile divorces reported in credible media sources up to 2026. He has kept his private life largely out of the tabloid spotlight. As of 2026, there are no confirmed reports of a current spouse or fiancée. He is known to be a devoted father, having children with partners whose identities have not been extensively publicized. The lack of extensive dating history coverage suggests he prioritizes privacy, and any relationships prior to his marriage (if it occurred) or current status remain unverified by major outlets. Consequently, he is generally considered to be in a private relationship or single, with no official public statements confirming a new partner as of late 2026.

    Salary, Net Worth In 2026

    $35 Million

    iFANN Editorial Team estimate

    The iFANN Editorial Team estimates DeSean Jackson's net worth at approximately $35 million as of 2026. This figure reflects his lucrative 15-year NFL career, which included significant contracts with the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins. His peak earnings featured a five-year, $25 million extension with the Eagles in 2012 and a four-year, $16 million deal with Washington in 2014. Additional income streams include endorsement deals with major brands like Nike and Gatorade, as well as real estate investments in California and Pennsylvania.

    His recent move into coaching at Delaware State University represents a shift toward a lower salary tier typical of HBCU programs, but it solidifies his long-term financial stability through broadcasting opportunities and speaking engagements. The estimate accounts for his accumulated assets and career earnings, positioning him as a financially secure figure in the sports world.

    Awards Won (4)

    DeSean Jackson won three Pro Bowl selections (2010, 2011, 2012) and made history as the first player selected to the Pro Bowl at two different positions in 2010. He also won Super Bowl LV with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2020 season. His accolades highlight his versatility and speed, making him one of the most decorated return specialists in NFL history.

    2012 · Wide Receiver

    Philadelphia Eagles

    Won

    2011 · Wide Receiver

    Philadelphia Eagles

    Won

    2010 · Wide Receiver / Punt Returner

    Philadelphia Eagles

    Won

    2021 · Champion

    Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    Won
    View all 13 awards, honours and achievements

    Known For

    Go Deep: The DeSean Jackson Story

    2026 · Subject

    NFL Career

    2008 · Wide Receiver

    Delaware State University Football

    2025 · Head Coach

    Keywords

    DeSean JacksonNFLWide ReceiverDelaware State UniversityPhiladelphia EaglesTampa Bay BuccaneersSuper BowlPro BowlCoachingHBCU

    Sources

    Quick Facts

    Profession
    American football player, Coach
    Born
    December 1, 1986
    Birthplace
    Long Beach, California
    Gender
    Male
    Birth Sign
    Sagittarius

    Personal Details

    Full Name
    DeSean William Jackson
    Height
    5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
    Education
    University of California, Berkeley

    Filmography

    1

    Total

    1

    Film

    0

    TV

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How old is DeSean Jackson in 2026?
    DeSean Jackson turned 39 years old on December 1, 2025, making him 39 throughout 2026.
    Is DeSean Jackson still playing football?
    No, DeSean Jackson retired from the NFL in 2020 after 15 seasons and is currently the head coach at Delaware State University.
    What is DeSean Jackson's net worth?
    Estimates place his net worth between $25 million and $35 million as of 2026, derived from NFL salaries, endorsements, and business ventures.
    Did DeSean Jackson win a Super Bowl?
    Yes, he won Super Bowl LV with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2020 season, though he was not on the active roster for the game.
    Where is DeSean Jackson coaching now?
    He is the head football coach at Delaware State University, a position he accepted in December 2024 for the 2025 season.

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