DeSean Jackson says Eagles used 'smear campaign' after 2014 release
Washington Redskins receiver DeSean Jackson says that the Philadelphia Eagles used a “smear campaign" when they released him in 2014.
Jackson made the comment on his reality show called “DeSean Jackson Home Team,” which premiered on BET on Tuesday night.
"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.
The Eagles released Jackson in March 2014 shortly after a NJ.com report suggested that Jackson's gang connections caused the team some concern.
His contract before he was released called for him to be paid $10.7 million in 2014, but he instead signed with Washington on a three-year deal worth $24 million, with $16 million guaranteed the next month.
2015 NFL off-season report cards
Jackson was released despite posting career highs in receptions (82) and receiving yards (1,332) the previous season, helping the Eagles win the NFC East.
Eagles head coach Chip Kelly said that releasing Jackson was "a football decision" and the team decided to go in different direction at wide receiver after the team failed to trade him.
During the show, Jackson said the Eagles “tried to blow me up. That's cold how they did it."
"I was at the top of the top,” Jackson continues. “And then I got released. ... It was a smear campaign. Things media said about me, I bet you could say that about the majority of people in the NFL. I got a second chance to play in the NFL and I'm proving I'm one of the best receivers in the game."
Jackson, 28, caught 56 passes for 1,169 yards and six touchdowns last season for Washington.
Jackson, a three-time Pro Bowler, also didn't hold back when asked about his NFC East rivals.
"I don't care too much about the Cowboys. I'm called a Cowboy killer," Jackson said. "They call me the Cowboy killer. I'm a Giants killer, I'm a Cowboys killer, now I'm an Eagles killer, too."
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