For Eagles' Jackson, Confidence is Everything

Saturday, November 7, 2009

By Jordan Raanan
CSNPhilly.com

DeSean Jackson entered the NFL with a reputation for being self-confident, even cocky. Nothing the Bolt-like wide receiver has done in his first 23 games with the Eagles suggests anything different.

There was the premature celebration in his rookie year against the Cowboys, the Mary Lou Retton impersonation after scoring a touchdown with a sore groin earlier this season against the Chiefs and the chest bump with coach Andy Reid following his latest long score last week with the Giants in town.

Give Jackson credit, both for his on-field exploits and his brashness. How many players can outrun everyone on the opposing team and then have the footballs to approach Big Red for a chest bump when he reaches the sidelines during a divisional game?

It’s all part of the DePackage. Jackson likes to have fun.

Some see the big smile, supreme self-confidence, stylish strut and elaborate celebrations as indications that he’s cocky. They’re right. Jackson is cocky, and he’s not afraid to admit it.

The second-year speedster believes he’s the best wide receiver in the league. As he explained in a one-on-one with CSNPhilly.com, that whole-hearted belief is part of what makes his so special.

You already have six 50-yard touchdowns this year. Last year you had one or two. How is that possible?

It’s just being put in the right position to go out there and take advantage of it. It’s what the defenses are giving us.

You’re on pace for 14 40-plus-yard touchdowns. That’s ridiculous. You think you can get it?

Whatever comes my way and whatever I’m capable of doing, that’s what I’m going to do. I’m not going to try and overdo it. It’s been coming to me. So far it’s a good situation.

You worked out with Jerry Rice before the draft. Do you still call him and ask for advice?

I really don’t call him and ask him for advice. But we have a good relationship and still talk. He’s a good guy and when he sees me doing things on Sundays, he definitely calls me and congratulates me and things like that. It’s a pretty good relationship.

Any secrets he tells you that stick in your mind?

Not necessarily. It’s more, “Congratulations and keep up the good work.” He knows my talent and stuff, so he’s definitely confident. He knows what I’m capable of doing.

You have a reputation for being very self-confident, even borderline cocky. Fair or unfair?

Yeah, definitely. To be the type of receiver and competitor that I am, you can call it cocky or whatever you want to call it. I still have a job to go out there and make plays. I feel like I’m the best at what I do. You have to have that edge.

Week 1 you had the Carolina group celebration, Week 3 you had the Kansas City split, last week there was the chest bump with Andy. What do you have next?

I don’t know. I’m just out there playing and having fun. I just bring a lot of energy to the team, doing what I love to do. Who knows what’s next? I’ll just keep being creative.

Some people think you’re the fastest player in the league. Have you ever lost a race?

Not since I’ve been younger. I can’t even recall the last time I lost.

Does anyone on this team have a chance?

I’m confident in my teammates and they are pretty good teammates, but I don’t know about that one. I don’t think so.

Jordan Raanan has covered the Eagles for Metro Newspapers and then CSNPhilly.com since 2005. You can follow him on Twitter @jraanan or email him at jraanan@hotmail.com.