DeSean Jackson discusses 2014 release from Eagles, issues with Chip Kelly
The bad blood between DeSean Jackson and former head coach Chip Kelly is well documented.
In 2014, Jackson was let go in his prime at just 27-years-old amid the best run of his career. Kelly outright released D-Jax during the season due to several reasons, most notably his rumored connections to gang ties.
Recently, DeSean Jackson spoke on the All The Smoke podcast about what exactly went down between the two sides and the fallout of the situation. Jackson signed with the Washington Football Team after his release, which many speculated was to get back at Philly:
“It was a f–ked up situation for me, I took that personal. That’s why I did go to Washington, and every time I played the Eagles, I made them regret that decision.”
When asked why he was let go, Desean Jackson said that Chip Kelly made up those rumors about his gang affiliations.
“What bothered me was the allegations, and the stories that they dug up and made up like that was the reason they released me. Oh, he’s a gang member. He hangs out with thugs, criminals. … You mad at me because I grew up where I grew up and hang out who I hang out with?”
“We really felt like we was college players. We really felt he was trying to control us.”
Jackson made good on his promise, cooking the Eagles whenever he had the opportunity.
DeSean Jackson in six games v. Philadelphia in his career:
- 24 receptions
- 569 yards
- 94.8 yards/game
- 3 TDs
The California native eventually found his way back to Philadelphia in 2019, but he only appeared in 8 games over two years with the team due to injuries.
Jackson is now tied for the most 75+ yard TDs in NFL history with Lance Alworth and sits 2nd all-time in most 50-yard TDs:
- Jerry Rice: 36
- DeSean Jackson: 33
- Randy Moss: 29
- Terrell Owens: 27
Currently a member of the 5-1 Rams, Jackson will have ample opportunity to surpass those records with MVP candidate Matthew Stafford under center. Much like LeSean McCoy, Eagles fans will always wonder what could’ve been if the most incredible deep threat of all time stayed in Philadelphia.
DESEAN JACKSON.
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 26, 2021
75-YARD TD.
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/mxn2yVWR0h
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Mandatory Credit: Associated Press
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