DeSean Sees 'Fresh Start'
BETHLEHEM -- One big difference between veteran reporting day last year and this year, at Eagles training camp: DeSean Jackson not only showed up on time, he was smiling and optimistic.
DeSean Sees 'Fresh Start'
Les Bowen, Daily News Staff Writer
BETHLEHEM -- One big difference between veteran reporting day last year and this year, at Eagles training camp: DeSean Jackson not only showed up on time, he was smiling and optimistic.
"The jitters are kind of coming back. I’m ready to get out there on the field," Jackson said as he checked into his fifth Lehigh camp, with a new five-year, $47 million deal, signed in March. "This offseason has been great for myself and for the team."
Jackson showed up late for camp last year, as part of an ongoing contract dispute that he has acknowledged affected his play most of the season. Wide receivers coach David Culley underscored that point vividly Monday, acknowledging that Jackson was reluctant to go over the middle and risk another concussion wihile still playing under his rookie deal in 2011.
"As far as me, I’m going to be accountable for everything I need to do, to help this team get some wins," Jackson said Wednesday.
Jackson said he looks forward to a "fresh start."
"It’s a new year," he said, when asked about his 2011 struggles. "I live in the future. I live moving forward. I don’t like to go off the past. I like to better myself off the past. As far far as last year to today, I can’t really explain that, but I’m happy to be here, start fresh, start anew. It’s going to be a good year for us."
Speaking of which, quarterback Michael Vick upped the stakes on that last week, Vick divining the ingredients of a possible dynasty.
"They’re always going to find stuff to give us madness about as far as being a Philadelphia Eagle," Jackson said. "I think anything someone says or puts in the media, I think they’re all going to make it a big situation because we are the Philadelphia Eagles and we have a lot of ifs on us. I think everybody on our team knows how important this year is. Everybody has a common goal, which is to win the Super Bowl. As long as everybody is putting in the effort … playing together as one team,. I think the sky’s the limit.
"To see the Giants win the Super Bowl last year, and just to know how we play against them, honestly, it kind of bothers me a lot. We’re just ready, man. We’re going to go out there and put in the work, be excited about a big 2012 year."
Reporters took one more shot at trying to get Jackson to discuss the difference between this year and last year for him, asking about having a clearer mind, not worried about the contract.
"It’s clear right now, man, that’s all I can really say," Jackson said. "It’s been a great offseason. I worked very hard to get me where I’m at right now. Gained a little bit of weight, as well. Been running track … I think I even got a little faster, so, it’s going to be a good year for us."
How much does he weigh now?
"174," he said.
A move to linebacker might be imminent.
***
Corner Nnamdi Asomugha rercently met President Obama at a charity event. Asomugha said Obama asked him to relay to Michael Vick a request that the QB learn to slide.
Yea ,, now he can play MIKE,,, LOL. 1,000 plus yards, 10 TD's. A great year. Lets Go Birds— phillyroni- Tell OBLAMEYOU TO SHUT UP AND SLIDE OUT THE BACK DOOR OF THE WHITE HOUSE AT THE END OF THE YEAR! OBLAMEYOU IS A FRAUD OF EPIC PROPORTIONS!!!— Alpha58
- 174, wow! He gained a whole pound.— Geno D
- Hey Alpha, George Bush was better? Better yet, go take a look at what your boy Mitt has done to the state of Michigan.— Geno D
- Why is everything so negative, I think a more appropriate question is how many problems will Desean cause opposing defenders. But, that's what being a negadelphian is about. Using negativity to exploit the feeble mindedness of understably so superbowl starved so called Eagles fans, after all, negativity attracts attention.
Mitt the flip flop Romney will be reviewing his tax forms on November 7 because he will not be preparing to take over as POTUS !!!— Eaglehaslanded - If coach Bowles can get the DBs and Safeties to tackle better the plays of 40 yards or more may go down. Seeing guys run through an entire defense is getting old. Go Eagles.— oldBird
- Cliff Harris is going to be a surprising bonus for Philly, just watch.— escaped to CA.
- Cliff Harris will be the fourth CB on this team, either Curtis Marsh or Brandon Hughes will be cut.— Eaglehaslanded
- Geno.....God your a moron! What does Mit Romney and Michigan have to do with each other???? Freakin Lib, get you arguement straight before you open you pie hole!— Jbarry
- i also have mcnutt and johnson as the 4th and 5th receivers, may be a stretch but riley cooper wasn't the threat they planned for him to be. agree with harris too. I'm loving the undrafted rookies, look for thomas to beat out jarett too— HDemetriou
- DeSean is reportedly upset that Cole got 100 million more than he did, and is considering not running any inside routes until he gets "contract justice"— dragoon6
- Les: thanks for presenting the quotes as the players say them, not with standardized paraphrasing in brackets -- it's good to hear their real voices in text.— Leegles
