The Philadelphia Eagles released DeSean Jackson more than a year ago, but the three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver still isn't happy with his final days on the roster and the circumstances around his departure.
DeSean Jackson blasts Eagles for running ‘smear campaign’ against him
Jackson was released by the Eagles shortly after a report was published that linked him to gangs in Los Angeles.
Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
On the first episode of Jackson’s BET reality show, DeSean Jackson Home Team, he spoke about a “smear campaign” run by the Eagles that included accusations that he had ties to gangs in Los Angeles.
After reportedly looking for a trade partner for weeks, the Eagles released Jackson on March 28 of last year, the same day that a report on NJ.com linked him to gang members and detailed the team’s concerns. On the debut of his reality show on Tuesday, Jackson spoke about parting ways with the Eagles (via ESPN):
“When I was released by the Eagles, I feel they tried to paint a picture that definitely wasn’t true. It was a slap in the face, coming off one of my best seasons in the NFL,” Jackson said on the show.
He then told his friends, “The Eagles tried to blow me up. That’s cold how they did it.”
Immediately following his release, Jackson issued a statement thanking the team and the city, but he called the report of ties to gang activity “reckless and irresponsible.” Less than a week later, he signed a three-year deal with Washington.
In his first season with the team, he racked up 1,169 receiving yards and six touchdowns, including nine receptions for 243 yards and a touchdown in two games against the Eagles. On his show on Tuesday, Jackson called himself “the No. 1 receiver in the NFL” and the “killer” of a few select franchises.
In six seasons with the Eagles, Jackson tallied 6,117 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns in addition to three rushing and four punt return touchdowns.
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