As the Washington Redskins’ team buses pulled into the practice facility in Ashburn around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, players and coaches were riled up with excitement at the sight of fans waiting after a 38-24 win against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Just about everybody was eager to participate in the celebration — everybody except wide receiver DeSean Jackson. It wasn’t that Jackson wasn’t thrilled his team just clinched the NFC East title or that he didn’t want to celebrate. He was exhausted from the emotional rollercoaster that was playing against his former team for the division title.
“I think DeSean Jackson was the only one [asleep]. He was tanked in his chair,” Gruden said. “His emotions, I think, got the best of him. Everybody else was pretty much celebrating, but we had a good time.”
Jackson was booed by most of 69,596 fans in attendance at Lincoln Financial Field. He caught four passes for 40 yards, each of which seemed to serve as a reminder for Eagles fans that Jackson no longer played for their team.
It was Jackson’s third game against his former club, which unceremoniously dumped him in March 2014 after six seasons. Throughout the game, Jackson was excitedly gesturing to the crowd and reveling in the Redskins’ victory. Jackson said didn’t understand the venom from Eagles fans.
“In between the lines and out, I put in a lot of hard work, a lot of success and had the city behind me,” Jackson said after the win, regarding his playing time with the Eagles.
“It’s disturbing to come back and get the boos from the crowd and the fans because it’s not my decision to leave. [Coach] Chip Kelly released me. Knowing what I did for the city, in the community and things like that, I put my heart into it. That part is frustrating, but it doesn’t get any better than coming in here and winning and putting them out. That guy over there, he was the coach. He made the decision, but I’m happy to be where I’m at, and we’re having a lot of success over here.”
• Anthony Gulizia can be reached at agulizia@washingtontimes.com.
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