DeSean Jackson 'giving it all' now
Updated: August 20, 2012, 4:57 PM ET
ESPN.com news services
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson told ESPN's Lisa Salters that he didn't give a full effort last season because he didn't want to get injured before signing a new contract.
While no one probably ever thought he'd come out and say it, we all kind of knew this about DeSean Jackson in 2011, Dan Graziano writes.
When asked about instances when his effort was questioned, Jackson said: "I let it get to me, even though I tried not to let it. I was trying to protect myself from getting hurt -- now I'm just giving it all."
After receiving the Eagles' franchise tender, Jackson signed a five-year, $51 million extension with $15 million guaranteed in March. Jackson said he was "happy to finally get the contract. I felt with what I had done for the team, I deserved it."
Jackson sought a contract extension last year and held out the first 11 days of training camp. During the season, Jackson was deactivated for a Week 10 game against the Arizona Cardinals and benched during a Week 12 loss to the New England Patriots.
He finished with 961 receiving yards, his lowest total since his 2008 rookie season, and averaged a career-low 6.7 yards on punt returns.
Updated: August 20, 2012, 4:57 PM ET
ESPN.com news services
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson told ESPN's Lisa Salters that he didn't give a full effort last season because he didn't want to get injured before signing a new contract.
While no one probably ever thought he'd come out and say it, we all kind of knew this about DeSean Jackson in 2011, Dan Graziano writes.
When asked about instances when his effort was questioned, Jackson said: "I let it get to me, even though I tried not to let it. I was trying to protect myself from getting hurt -- now I'm just giving it all."
After receiving the Eagles' franchise tender, Jackson signed a five-year, $51 million extension with $15 million guaranteed in March. Jackson said he was "happy to finally get the contract. I felt with what I had done for the team, I deserved it."
Jackson sought a contract extension last year and held out the first 11 days of training camp. During the season, Jackson was deactivated for a Week 10 game against the Arizona Cardinals and benched during a Week 12 loss to the New England Patriots.
He finished with 961 receiving yards, his lowest total since his 2008 rookie season, and averaged a career-low 6.7 yards on punt returns.
