DeSean: Could have handled things differently
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DeSean: Could have handled things differently
Jonathan Tamari
DeSean Jackson reiterated that he hopes to return to the Eagles next season, and admitted that he could have handled his contract situation better this year.
The explosive receiver reminded fans, and perhaps Eagles executives, of his quick-strike ability with a 62-yard touchdown in the team's win over the Redskins. But with his rookie contract set to expire, Jackson said his return next season is out of his control.
"I haven't took it that far yet. It's a professional game, it's a business. I wish I could give you an answer saying if I'm going to be here next year or not but honestly I really don't know, so we'll just see how it plays out," Jackson said.
Asked if he would be OK playing under the franchise tag -- which would pay Jackson a significant sum but not offer long-term security -- he said "why wouldn't I be?"
"It's kind of out my control, out of my power," he said of his future in general. "I hope that I'll be here. These guys on this team and just the fans, it's home for myself so we'll see how it plays."
Jackson said this was a learning season for him, but that he finished strong.
"I've learned to the utmost out of everything about it being a business, professionally, about how to come to work and not let things affect me. I can admit to certain things affecting me during the season. I just want to apologize ... I probably could have handled it a little bit different, but now sitting here after the season's over I can just say I was able to put it behind me and really just fight for my teammates, fight for my organization and just really knowing something good was going to happen out of the situation."
Jackson, of course, was benched against Arizona for missing a team meeting and then sat down at the end of the Eagles game against New England. Coaches have praised him for his effort in recent weeks, but the question is: is the recent effort enough to override the problems from earlier in the year?
"I went through what I went through but I was able to shake myself out of it and come back to reality and just give it my all and play hard and do everything the right way," Jackson said. "You can tell a lot about a person and their character to see how they finish."
He added, "I can't really get frustrated over contract situations, or if I'm not paid how I think I should be, whatever the case may be, I can't really allow that to go on as a professional."
Jackson finished Sunday with four catches for 86 yards and a touchdown. That gave him 58 catches for 961 yards and four touchdowns on the year, all of which are down from his previous two seasons. His punt return average was also the lowest of his career.
But teammates said Jackson opens up the field for others on offense and praised his character. Tight end Brent Celek said Jackson apologized to teammates for his behavior earlier in the season.
Jackson said this last game, and his throwing the ball deep into the stands after his touchdown, wasn't about making a statement.
"I don't come out on the field really to make any statements about me being able to play at a high level. I think that's the obvious. There were just some things in my mind that just kind of messed with me that I shouldn't have allowed to happen early on, but I was able to finish strong so that’s all that really matters," Jackson said.
We'll see if Eagles management agrees.
"(I'll) be alright," Jackson said. "God's got a plan."
What is Jackson smoking? How can he imply all is well because he finished 'strong' in the final meaningless games after the way he played earlier is part of what made the games meaningless?— Strom- If I am Jackson's agent, I am already putting out feelers for DeSean around the league, wanting no part of the Eagles and how he was handled. Other yeams will set the price so high the Eagles will decide they don't need him. That's when Reid and Vick will understand DeSean is the best player on the Eagles roster. DeSean needs to go to a winning team with a pocket passer, instead of a running quarterback what wasnts to run ten years and then beat his chest like the Tin Man. Good luck Jackson!!!!— mario1239
- who cares hes a creep ,let him go— merc22
- I was thrilled when the Eagles drafted DJ out of CAL. I hope they bring him back, I'll be pissed if they don't. In all fairness, the reason Maclin's is catching all those balls is because DJ creates gaping holes in the defense through double coverage and teams having to respect his speed and quickness. Fans don't be fooled, you do not want this kid on another roster. DJ, please don't drink to much of Roesehauses water, your only going to get but so much money.— Elguapo50
- Get rid of Jackson? Be careful what you wish for.— dasher
- I would like to have him back. He is a GAMECHANGER!!
We saw that today. The game was in question he broke a long one. How much is that worth? Its priceless!
Hey FO! Bring DeJax back! - I kind of believe him that he learned some lessons this year (like for example, he is not the center of the universe). I do want him back, although I am not sure at what price -- he's so inconsistent and I just don't know if he's tough enough mentally or physically to really live up to his athletic potential. But his flashes of brilliance are enough to make me want him back (and to prevent other teams from getting him) -- just not at elite receiver money please.— kks
Comment removed.- When are players going to realize that some teams don't play when it comes to "next question", I agree 100%. I hope Shady really has fired him so we can let other teams worry about him. — xlGmanlx
- I agree. Can we truly say the Eagles will be better off without him? I hope he's back. We'll see. — borntosuffer
- Fastest player in the league, you just don't let guys like that walk away.— SilliBilli
- Just like Chris Johnson held that record right? I would like him to come back too, but pure speed doesn't mean JACK! It is whats between the ears that matters most, something DJAX hopefully learns — xlGmanlx
- This is what's known as damage control. The bomb has already gone off, DeSean. That being said, I honestly don't feel like paying Desean as a top 5 WR is a huge priority for the Birds...LB and Safeties gotta be addressed first. We've seen how the Eagles offense is without both DJax and a good LB and safety corps; yeah, we definitely gotta get the defense fixed first.— kjuggs77
- The eagles would be utterly stupid to let this kid go...— Elguapo50
- All you anti DJ fans are fools. I bet you didn't have a issue when he was scoring all those touchdown off of kick returns and deep passes. You have no idea what your talking about..clueless. your an embarrassment to a team and city you say you support.— Elguapo50
