Two years ago, DeSean Jackson was getting ready for his first NFL game. Today, he's not only a leader, but perhaps the most recognizable player on the team. That kind of pressure and attention might bother some players, but not Jackson. He accepts it and revels in it.
"It's cool to accept that role but it's still a huge responsibility," Jackson said. "Even on days when I'm not feeling well, or days when I don't feel like practicing, I still have to go out there and put everything aside and do everything for the team."
Jackson hasn't seen live action with Kevin Kolb and the first-team offense since the first play of the third preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs when he incurred a minor neck and back injury. But the electric wideout doesn't see that hindering him at all against Green Bay. In fact, Jackson thinks that he and Kevin Kolb have developed a great chemistry leading into week one.
"We've definitely been able to get that bond," Jackson said. "There's a lot that you guys don't see, staying late in meeting rooms watching film together and staying on the field doing extra routes. We've been working so hard, and there's something about hard work that you can't take away."
If you were wondering if Jackson's injury might limit his action on Sunday, that doesn't seem to be the case. Not only will he be a major part of the offense, but Jackson says he'll be returning punts as well. After all, he was named to Pro Bowl last season as both a wide receiver and as a return man.
"They still want me to (return punts) and it's something I've always loved to do since I've been younger," Jackson said after practice.
The firepower on this Eagles offense isn't the only thing that has Jackson excited about this weekend. The Birds will be donning some throwback uniforms on Sunday for the 50th anniversary of the 1960 NFL Championship, and DeSean wasn't hiding his enthusiasm about the wardrobe change.
"The throwbacks are awesome," Jackson said. "I can't wait to wear that Kelly Green."
-- Posted by Josh Goldman, 4:48 p.m., September 9
