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."
Of course I want him back. I certainly would not trade him at this juncture. If at the start of next year, his head is not with the team, then make the best deal you can for him.— Edae- I like him and I think the Eagles FO screwed this up. However, I just read that Vincent Jackson is a free agent and if there is a chance to sign him I think you do that over Desean.— tremo12
- He has shown himself to be a coward. No amount of money will change that. Let him play for someone else. I'm sure there are players on that defense that might remember how he ruined their season and steered the spotlight on their miscues. He's a cancer, a punk, and a Momma's Boy. As an old Eagle Fan from before 1960, I've always remembered those who played hard. DeSean isn't on that list.— Joe Nickels
Comment removed.- Lol joe nickels, time has passed you by. This isn't 1960 anymore. These guys are pros, they were absolutely not distracted by DJs contract situation.— SilliBilli
- bring him back IF the cost is right. i love jackson and he is a great receiver but to expect to be paid like andre johnson and larry fitzgerald is crazy.
those guys get constant double coverage and still put up the numbers while jackson gets double covered but doesnt get the numbers the best WRs do. easy call— sdffa13 - For all of you complaining about Jackson's motives, if you were offered more money, maybe a lot more money to switch employers, what would you do? Stay with your current job? I don't think so.
Let's say you have a job where on any given weekend, you could get injured and never work again and you are getting paid the same amount as when you started working four years ago, would you climb up that power pole or some other dangerous part of your job?
Jackson was almost decapitated by that Atlanta DB. Let's see you guys run out on the field like nothing ever happened.
I think the problem is Rosenhaus who has convinced Jackson he is a top 5— Johnny Callison - Let's just say you have a job and are being paid. That's not enough incentive to act like a professional?
— kjuggs77 - He had a bad year,but the whole team had a bad year ,, franchise him see how he and the team do next year. It will be a big mistake to let him go despite what the haters say ,, and you all know who you are !— caddymike
- Gotta keep him. Explosive WRs are just too difficult to find. As Eagles fans, we know this well. He's a bit of a knucklehead, but he's young, and deep down, I think he's a good guy. Definitely not the T.O. type.— bpgavin1
- Good god! After all those years of Thrash, Pinkston, Freddie Mtichell, Billy McMullen, Reggie Brown, etc., how can people actually talk about letting Desean go? He is the most explosive player the Eagles have had in a long time, possibly ever. At the very least they have to franchise him. Aside from all of the obvious things he brings to the offense, notice how on any interception return, #10 is always flying around trying to make the tackle. Keep him.— bmack
- fast don't catch the ball...let the chump go.— 2ndNlong
- Yes sir, bring the little guy back, only leave the bad attitude behind and adopt a more aggressive one when it comes to his play on the field.— realtruth
- He has shown himself to be a coward. No amount of money will change that. Let him play for someone else. I'm sure there are players on that defense that might remember how he ruined their season and steered the spotlight to their miscues. He's a cancer, a punk, and a Momma's Boy. As an old Eagle Fan from before 1960, I've always remembered those who played hard. DeSean isn't on that list.— Joe Nickels
- Football players risk their lives and their careers on every single snap of every single game. They (specifically DeSean) are disserved by failing to maximize their earnings at every turn. The Eagles fumbled this season and fumbled their relationship with one of their elite players. DeSean should have no loyalty and needs to go to the best situation that includes competitiveness and compensation -- show him the money!— Jona Jay
