DeSean Jackson Honored Punt Return Is Considered NFL’s Greatest Play Ever
By Mike Dyce
November 11, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson (10) runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 38-23. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
NFL.com had readers vote on what they considered the “Greatest Play” in NFL history. The obvious nominees were plays like “The Catch” or the “Immaculate Reception.” The play that ended up winning was DeSean Jackson’s punt return against the New York Giants.
This play was called the “Miracle at the New Meadowlands.” The first miracle was when Eagles cornerback Herm Edwards returned a fumble for a touchdown in 1978. For some reason the Giants punter kicked the ball directly at DeSean Jackson, who returned it 65 yards for a touchdown to win the game. There were 13 seconds left in the game when he punted.
“It was a great list and I can recall it going back to my first round and going all the way to the sixth round,” Jackson said on a local Philadelphia station, via Sports Radio Interviews. “Then me and Steve Young? I looked up to him when I was a kid. I am honored to really meet him and grow up with him and all the other guys, as well, too. There were some great plays along with my play, so I am really honored by it.”
But despite how honored he feels, DeSean doesn’t necessarily agree with it.
“Honestly man, I tip my hat to all the guys like Bo Jackson, Lynn Swann, Marcus Allen and Steve Young. I mean, up and down that list, I could keep going and going. How about ‘The Catch,’ where the 49ers won that game in the back of the end zone. Like I said, I am really just honored. I think I was a very good nomination. At the end of the day, all the Eagles fans out there voted for me and I just want to tell my Eagles fans how much I appreciate them because they do a great job. I think they are the best fans out there in the NFL. That’s who I’m going to give the credit to. As far as any other play? I’m just happy mine won.”