DeSean says he's playing Sunday; And more from the great entertainer
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
DeSean says he's playing Sunday; And more from the great entertainer
Jeff McLane, Inquirer Staff Writer
Even though he did not technically practice Thursday, DeSean Jackson said before practice that he's playing Sunday against the New York Giants
"I'll be ready for Sunday and that's all that matters," Jackson said.
Jackson, who has a foot sprain participated in the early portion of practice during individual drills, but left during 11 on 11s and therefore was listed as a non-participant. He missed Wednesday's practice, too
Cornerback Asante Samuel and tackle Winston Justice were limited. Samuel said he's getting better each day, but he was a full participant only a day ago.
Linebacker Keenan Clayton, like Jackson, was also out.
Jackson also spoke a little more about Nestea plunge into the end zone against the Cowboys which has drawn some criticism from around the league.
"Everybody's not going to like it," Jackson said. "I could care less about who likes it and who doesn't. I do it because [it's] entertainment. That's what type of business we're in -- entertainment. The fans like it."
After the game, quarterback Michael Vick said that he did not like the celebration, which drew an unsportsmanlike conduct personal foul, but that he understood why Jackson did it after his electrifying 91-yard touchdown.
"That's his own opinion," Jackson said. "He's his own man. I'm my own man. Like I said, I just wish I didn't get a penalty or shouldn't have been penalized for it to hurt my team. But as far as me doing my celebration, doing my entertainment, that's going to be me."
Jackson said that he thought the penalty was excessive.
"People dive into the end zone all day," Jackson said. "That shouldn't have been a penalty. I turned around backwards, that's probably why. Like I said, I'm going to keep on doing what I'm do, and that's entertainment. That's my job."
Speaking of entertainment -- or something like that -- Jackson went on the T.O. Show on Tuesday and addressed his contract situation. He explained the various reasons why he and the Eagles have not agreed to an extension, but also said that the team was "going to have to do something."
He was asked Wednesday if it was easy to keep his contract situation out of his mind while he's playing.
"No, not necessarily. I know what I'm worth," Jackson said. "I know what I've been here for. It's not going to get in the way of anything. At times, things get in the way, but as a professional you have to put that to the side and just go out there and play football. That's what I'm going to do, but at the end of the day I'm going to be myself and I'm not going to change for no one."
Jackson is poised to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards for the second straight season. He has 42 catches for 972 yards and six touchdowns. Jackson was asked if he was one of the top five receivers in the NFL.
"I don't get caught up in all that," Jackson said. "I know what I'm capable of doing. The fan base that I've built so far, if you ask all of my fans I think they'll tell you I'm a top five, I'm one of the best receivers."
Jackson said that too much has been made of his contract situation, among other things.
"Even when I didn't practice yesterday everybody made a big deal -- he flops in the end zone, he doesn't go to practice," Jackson said. "I suffered a foot injury before that flop into the end zone. Whatever it is people make a big deal out of it. I promise you I could care less about it. It's not going to make me lose sleep."
Good. Jackson is going to be needed in this game - even if only used a decoy to keep the Giant's D honest.— Carcharios
Explaining that it negatively effects his teammates didn't seem to matter. Maybe if his agent explained to him that this ultimately could have a negative effect on his next contract and/or endorsement deal he would knock it off.— tornadoh
Comment removed.- If Reid had some cajones, he'd sit the little @#$%& ... TO disease is cancer on a football team. I suspect his attitude will attract enough attention from some veteran linebacker to cause, shall we say, a shortening of the career.— macdofcb
- Comment removed.
- This perfectly sounds like another TO in the rise. Common Jackson, you may can entertain some your fans, but it brings shame to the eagles team and fans.
Play like a professional, behave like a professional.— man9999 
Perhaps on his next kick return his blockers should all step aside and let the opposing team paste him one. Maybe then he'll care a little less about being his "own man" and morea about being a team player.— Matt Sherlock- I cannnot believe all of the hate and anger towards this player. They hated TO's pushups in the endzone right? They hated Brent Celek's Captain Morgan celebration right? Shucking and jiving is what his celebrations are called? The man said he regrets it cost his team a penalty, he said he hasn't let his contract or lack of new contract affect his play. Looking at how he performed Sunday, I would agree. His attitude is not what attracts linebackers, it is the fact that it is their job to hit, and may I say, hit as hard as they can, the opposing offensive players. Envy is a real mother, it can bring out a persons real colors.— bigphilly12
- I agree with DJax, this should be entertainment right? I was certainly entertained by the little guy doing that splash down in the endzone. He should not have been penalized IMO. As far as some of your comments on DJax being a team player, when did he ever exhibit his "selfish" behavior on the field? He went across the middle for his team and got a concussion. He does end arounds with DLine and Linebackers chasing him for the team. Everybody in the NFL is trying to get paid, he is no different. I don't understand why the anonmosity amongst some of you.— penncrow19
- Jackson should only be returning one punt a game, in a key situation. Not a big surprise he gets hurt when he's doing double duty.— tacklinjoe
Love it DeSean, You can have my name - sHOWTIME!!!- It just shows that the guy's head isn't totally in the game. It's probably why he is so easy to take out of half the games.— jtj06
- I laughed hard at the endzone "celebration" so I will not act outraged like so many others here. As long as his teammates find the huor in the situation we should not be blasting little Jack. His teammates will handle it if it is important enough to warrant their input. This aside, a slow Desean on the field will still mae the giants quake intheir boots, especially after he still manages to beat their corners.— unbelieveable!
