Former Philadelphia Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson is putting together an impressive post-playing career, having spent time in sports media before transitioning to coaching. Jackson has taken over for Delaware State and already has the team ahead of schedule. While a 2-1 record might not seem that impressive, it is important to note that the coach walked into an awful situation. This is more wins than the team managed each of the past two years in only the first two weeks. A great sign for a former player who still garners a lot of respect in Philly for his accomplishments.
HBCU Premier Sports noted on X that this was the first time since the 2022 season that the school has won back-to-back games. Also, noting that Delaware State leads the FCS in rushing, with quarterback Kaiden Bennett continuing to play at a high level. Jackson has gotten the most important piece right, and that is finding key players to turn the program around.
Former Eagles Receiver DeSean Jackson Starting Off Coaching Career in Impressive Fashion
While this isn't a surprise in some ways, great talents aren't always the best evaluators of it. This is often due to having an unrealistic expectation of adjustments elite players can make that average talents simply can't reach. However, this doesn't appear to be a roadblock for the former Eagle, who has had an instant positive impact. It is great to see such an important recent player putting together such an instant turnaround.
Perhaps Jackson's most memorable moment in Philly was the miracle punt return against the New York Giants. The speedster fumbled the return only to scoop the ball up and take it to the house. No play better encapsulates the incredible roller coaster ride that was Jackson's career.
The Eagles alum was an elite talent who appears to have translated this into teaching at the lower levels. It is a great story not only for Jackson, but for Philly fans who enjoy following its star players even after hanging up their cleats. Delaware State has already exceeded expectations and now simply needs to show continual growth over the next year.
Even in the FCS, it is going to take Jackson a bit of time to turn things around completely and get the needed players in place. However, there is no denying that this is a positive sign and is making it clear that the former Eagle chose the right profession after walking away.