DeSean Jackson’s monumental punt return against the Giants was one of Kobe Bryant’s favorite NFL memories

DeSean Jackson won the Super Bowl with the Rams in 2021.

DeSean Jackson’s monumental punt return against the Giants was one of Kobe Bryant’s favorite NFL memories

Kobe Bryant (L - via CNN) and DeSean Jackson (R - via Philadelphia Eagles)

DeSean Jackson recently announced his retirement from the NFL. The Super Bowl champion spent 15 years in the league and had a very successful career. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. His early years in the NFL were his most successful as he made an impact with the Eagles. Jackson was responsible for former NBA star Kobe Bryant‘s favorite NFL memory.

During a 2010 game between the Eagles and the New York Giants in New York, Jackson caught a punt with few seconds remaining in the game and returned it for a touchdown to win the game for the Eagles. That play was later dubbed as the “Miracle at the Meadowlands II.” The receiver became an instant hero in Philadelphia due to that play and Bryant, who was a die-hard Eagles fan, raved about the play.

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Bryant recalled a few years back during an interview with NFL Films:

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I had a team that was pretty much full of Cowboys fans, and they liked to enjoy the Eagles' misery. They were all excited about it, and we're on the bus and we're trying to watch it. The reception was a little spotty.

The Eagles trailed by 21 points with just over 8 minutes remaining in the game, when they started to make a comeback.

Bryant recalled how he felt when the Eagles started their rally. The legendary Los Angeles Lakers‘ star said:

I was in shock watching and just hoping.

He went on to describe Jackson’s game-winning punt return for a touchdown:

The game's on the line. The stadium's going crazy. The pressure's enormous. Holy s***! Ridiculous. It was like the best bus ride ever.

Jackson spent his first 5 seasons with the Eagles before going to the Washington Commanders in 2014. He hopped around the league after that and in the process, won the Super Bowl in 2021 with the Los Angeles Rams.

Eagles’ chairman Jeffery Lurie talks highly about DeSean Jackson as he retires from football

DeSean Jackson has retired from football after 15 years in the NFL. He spent his playing career with multiple teams including the Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Los Angeles Rams. He won Super Bowl LVI with the Rams against the Cincinnati Bengals. Eagles’ chairman, Jeffery Lurie praised Jackson in a statement.

Jeffery Lurie (L) and DeSean Jackson (R)
Jeffery Lurie (L – via The Philadelphia Inquirer) and DeSean Jackson (R – via Sports Illustrated)

“DeSean Jackson was a dynamic playmaker who captivated Eagles fans with his game-breaking speed, unique skill set, and explosive play,” Lurie said. “What made DeSean truly stand out during his accomplished 15-year career was his ability to make miraculous plays look routine.”

In his 15-year NFL career, Jackson accumulated 11,263 receiving yards and 58 touchdowns. He was selected to the Pro Bowl three times and was selected to the All-Pro second team in 2009. Jackson was primarily a wide receiver but also was a return specialist for the Eagles.

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