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Helping kids is a team effort for NFL stars Willie McGinest, DeSean Jackson, Marcedes Lewis and Jayon Brown who donate $50k to Long Beach Youth

01 Friday Jan 2021

Posted by deseanjacksonsfoundation in Uncategorized

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Tags

DeSean Jackson, Green Bay Packers, Jayon Brown, Long Beach, Marcedes Lewis, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Tennesse Titans, Willie McGinest

Press Release

Long Beach, CA

By RICH ARCHBOLD | rarchbold@scng.com | Press-Telegram PUBLISHED: December 23, 2020 at 12:03 p.m. | UPDATED: December 23, 2020 at 2:55 p.m.

From left holding check, Don Rodriguez, CEO Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach, Willie McGinest of the New England Patriots, and Yvonne Withers, mother of NFL player Marcedes Lewis pose for a photograph on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)

Star football player Willie McGinest paid a visit to a Long Beach Boys & Girls Club last week and was so impressed by what he saw that he decided he wanted to do something a little extra for the kids.

That little extra turned out to be a whopping $50,000 check that McGinest gave to Don Rodriguez, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach, this week at the John and Alice Wallace Petrolane Center, on Lemon Avenue.

McGinest said the donation is coming from him and three of his friends, all former Poly High Jackrabbits like himself and now playing in the NFL: Marcedes Lewis, who is with the Green Bay Packers; DeSean Jackson with the Philadelphia Eagles and Jayon Brown with the Tennessee Titans.

From left, Willie McGinest of the New England Patriots and Yvonne Withers, mother of NFL player Marcedes Lewis pose for a photograph during the presentation of a $50,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)

“I reached out to each of them to help the Boys & Girls Clubs, and nobody hesitated,” McGinest said to a group of supporters and youngsters gathered in the gym at the Petrolane Center. “They all wanted to make a difference for these kids.” McGinest said he also has reached out to the NFL for a donation and expects the NFL to help but didn’t know the exact amount yet of its contribution.

The donations from McGinest and his friends came at the end of the Press-Telegram’s Let’s Play Ball drive asking readers to donate sports balls and other athletic equipment to benefit kids at the Boys & Girls Clubs in Long Beach. A final report on the number of balls and money donated will be in the Press-Telegram this weekend.

McGinest said he was especially impressed with how the Boys & Girls Clubs are helping kids during the pandemic with academic and athletic programs, including meals. “I was touched by all that the Boys & Girls clubs are doing, especially during this pandemic,” he said. “Long Beach is my city, and these kids need to know how great the city is and how the community is helping them.”

Willie McGinest, a star football player for the New England Patriots, and Don Rodriguez, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach pose for a photograph on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)

McGinest, who was 8 years old when he joined the Boys & Girls Club, said he learned teamwork at the club that helped him through championship seasons at Poly High, USC and the New England Patriots, where he won three Super Bowls. In 2006, he was inducted into the National Boys & Girls Clubs’ Alumni Hall of Fame.

Willie McGinest, a star football player for the New England Patriots, autographs footballs donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Contributing Photographer)

McGinest also introduced the group at the Petrolane club to Yvonne Withers, mother of Marcedes Lewis, who grew up at that Boys & Girls Club spot.

“My son loved the Boys & Girls Club,” Withers said Tuesday, Dec. 22. “It kept him out of trouble. He was happy to give back and help out.”

Jason Brown, who grew up with McGinest and is the father of NFLer, Jayon Brown, said his son was happy to help out also.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs are doing a great job for kids.,” the father said. “I appreciate what they are doing.”

“It seems like this all in the family,” McGinest said to applause.

Gayle Jackson, mother of DeSean Jackson, of the Philadelphia Eagles‘, and President, of the DeSean Jackson Foundation, who also oversees her son’s vested in the Cali Bears Youth Football & Cheerleaders, which is based on Long Beach, extended DeSean’s sincere apology for not being able to attend the event due to his team obligations in Philadelphia; and, also wanted to applaud and thank Willie McGinest for reaching out to DeSean. “Long Beach and the kids in Long Beach will always have a special place in DeSean’s heart”, states Mrs. Jackson, “when Sunday Night Football comes on and the players are profiled in the starting line-up and proudly state their college, DeSean always says “Long Beach Poly Tech” versus the University of California, Berkley where he had a stellar collegiate career.

Also present at the event were Daysha Austin, president of the Long Beach Patriots, a youth football organization started by McGinest, with her husband, Long Beach Councilman, Al Austin; newly elected Long Beach school board member, Eric Miller; and Chork Nim, chief of staff representing newly elected Long Beach Councilwoman, Suely Saro.

“This is an exciting day for us and the kids,” Rodriguez said. “It’s great to see an alumni like Willie and his friends giving back this way.”

The crowd, smaller than usual because of the pandemic, still had plenty to cheer about and gave McGinest and his friends a rousing ovation.

###########

Reposted with permission by: Joie Adams, DeSean Jackson Foundation.

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NFL 360: The LA Marathon: Nipsey Hussle wins 2020 Webby Award

06 Tuesday Oct 2020

Posted by deseanjacksonsfoundation in DJF Media Release, Social Justice

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DeSean Jackson, Nipsey Hussle, Philadelphia Eagles, The Marathon Continues, The Webby Awards

The Marathon Most Definitely Continues

Contact: Denise Gilley, The Webby Awards, Phone: (212) 675-3555, (denise@webbyawards.com)            

PRESS RELEASE

  NFL 360:  The LA Marathon:  Nipsey Hussle wins 2020 Webby Award DeSean Jackson, Producer

Los Angeles, CA 

The Marathon Most Definitely Continues

NFL 360: The LA Marathon: Nipsey Hussle , featuring Philadelphia Eagle, DeSean Jackson, was named the best 2020 Social (Sports) Video, during the 24th Annual Webby Awards.  The video was developed by the NFL Network, and narrated and produced by DeSean Jackson, who grew up in South Central LA with Ermias Ashedom (a/k/a Nipsey Hussle) an entrepreneur, rapper and social activist, whose assassination sparked an international movement for social justice. 

“The NFL Network and DeSean Jackson have set the standard for innovation and creativity on the Internet,” said Claire Graves, Executive Director, of The Webby Awards. “This award is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of its creators.”

The video tops the shortlist for International Awards Honoring the Best of the Internet.  Out of 13,000 entries from all 50 U.S. States and 70+ countries, and 2.5 million votes cast by 600,000 people in the Webby People’s Voice Awards—the 24th Annual Webby Awards is one of the biggest in its history.

The Webby Award is hailed as the “Internet’s highest honor” by the New York Times. The award was presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS) and is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet.  IADAS, which nominates and selects The Webby Award Winners, is comprised of digital industry experts, including Instagram’s Instagram’s Head of Fashion Partnerships, Eva Chen, Director of Harvard’s Berkman Center for Internet & Society, Susan P. Crawford, actor; and, activist Jesse Williams, GE CMO, Linda Boff, Pod Save the People, host and activist DeRay Mckesson, Google’s Head of Conversation Design, Cathy Pearl, Fortnite Designer, Eric Williamson, HBO Digital Chief, Diane Tryneski, Los Angeles Laker, Isaiah Thomas, and DDB Worldwide ,CEO Wendy Clark.

ABOUT WINNER

Recognitions

2020

Webby Winner

Social
Sports (Video) 2020

Title

NFL 360: The LA Marathon: Nipsey Hussle

The work is listed on our Winners Gallery here:  https://winners.webbyawards.com/2020/social/social-video/sports-video/123295/nfl-360-the-la-marathon-nipsey-hussle

Also, the work is listed on our Winners Gallery here:  https://winners.webbyawards.com/2020/social/social-video/sports-video/123295/nfl-360-the-la-marathon-nipsey-hussle

Entrant

NFL Network

Team

Dallas Hitchcock
Sr. Coordinating Producer
NFL Network

Anthony Smith
Producer, Director
NFL Network

Mike Derouin
Coordinating Producer
NFL Network

Ryan Travis
Director of Photography
NFL Network

Dakota Diel
Cinematographer
NFL Network

John Orfanopoulos
Editor
NFL Network

DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles, All Pro Wide Receiver
Producer

Byron Jackson, Sports Rhythm, Inc.
Producer

Julian Gooden
Story Producer
NFL Network

Jake Albrecht
Cinematographer

Find The Webby Awards Online:

Website: webbyawards.com
Instagram: @TheWebbyAwards
Twitter: @TheWebbyAwards
Facebook: Facebook.com/TheWebbyAwards
YouTube: youtube.com/webby
Snapchat: TheWebbyAwards

About The Webby Awards:

Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites, Video, Advertising, Media & PR, Apps, Mobile, and Voice, Social, Podcasts, and Games. Established in 1996, this year’s Webby Awards received nearly 13,000 entries from all 50 states and 70 countries worldwide.

The Webby Awards are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include: WP Engine, Monday.com, Slack, YouGov, BASIC, KPMG, Adweek, Fast Company, The New Museum, and Social Media Week.

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Team D. Jackson Supports the Eagles’ 2020 Autism Challenge

02 Friday Oct 2020

Posted by deseanjacksonsfoundation in Uncategorized

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DeSean Jackson Foundation, Eagles 2020 Autism Challenge, Philadelphia Eagles

Press Release

Los Angeles, October 2, 2020

Team D. Jackson

On Saturday, September 26, Team D. Jackson, which consists of Philadelphia Eagles’ All Pro receiver, DeSean Jacksons’ mother, Gayle Jackson, his sister, A’Dreea Jackson Clay, and her sons, participated in the Eagles’ 2020 Autism Challenge to raise Autism awareness and crucial funds for research.  Due to Covid-19, this year’s event was virtual with ‘virtual teams’; and, all events were held at remote sites in 14 countries, with 3,000 virtual teams, and 284 fundraising teams.

Team D. Jackson donated $2,500.00 from the DeSean Jackson Foundation to the Autism Challenge. Gayle Jackson, President, of the DeSean Jackson Foundation, said that it was imperative that the Jackson family and our foundation participate in this year’s event to leverage the platform that we have been blessed with to raise Autism Awareness especially in the Black and Brown communities.  Unfortunately, Covid-19 impeded our ability to develop and execute a aggressive fundraising campaign. However, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has reported that approximately 1 in 54 children, in the U.S is diagnosed with an Autism spectrum disorder (ASD); 1 in 34 boys identified with autism; 1 in 44 girls identified with Autism; 31% of Autistic children have an intellectual disability; Autism affects all ethnic and socio-economic groups; minority groups tend to be diagnosed later in life and less often; early intervention affords the best opportunity to support healthy development and deliver benefits across the lifespan; and, there is no medical detection for autism. Therefore, our family was extremely grateful to the Eagles’ Autism Foundation staff for developing this virtual platform so we could participate and also be in compliance with Corona Virus mandates.  

Jackson also stated that as communities around the world are continuing to observe physical distancing measures, in order to prevent spread of Covid-19, many schools and businesses remain closed.  Autistic children may not understand why their daily routine is changing, which may lead to stress, frustration, anxiety.  The emotional triggers can exacerbate the effects of Autism and may lead to more severe behavioral and communication problems; and, severely restricted access to vital educational and early intensive behavioral intervention. Therefore, Team D. Jackson wanted to use this platform to raise awareness to the impact Covid-19 has on those with Autism and their caregivers and loved ones.   

The Jacksons also wanted to use this platform to invite medical researchers to apply for the 2020 Eagles’ Autism Foundation grant funding to support basic and clinical autism research, studies concentrating on affected individuals and families, and diverse model systems. Grant deadline is Friday, October 16th.

# # # #

More About the 2020 Eagles’ Autism Challenge:

The Eagles Autism Foundation has announced that the 2020 Eagles Autism Challenge, presented by Lincoln Financial Group, raised more than $3 million for autism research and care, thanks to donors from 14 countries, nearly 3,000 virtual participants and 284 fundraising teams. One hundred percent of the participant-raised funds will be directed to groundbreaking autism research and programs.

Originally scheduled for May 16, 2020, the Eagles Autism Challenge was re-scheduled to Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. [The event – made famous by its signature Wawa Junior 10-Mile Ride, Wawa Short 30-Mile Ride, Wawa Classic 50-Mile Ride, Five Below 5K Run/Walk and Five Below Sensory Walk – was moved to an all-virtual format where participants were encouraged to complete their selected course from home and share photos on social media using #EaglesAutismChallenge.]

“I am so deeply thankful and inspired by everyone who joined us virtually and supported our efforts from home this weekend,” said Jeffrey Lurie, Philadelphia Eagles. “As we clearly saw on Friday, Saturday and throughout these past few months, nothing is going to stop us from funding the most innovative autism research and programs around the world. When we work together, the possibilities are endless. Raising more than $3 million, and nearly $10 million over the first three years of the Eagles’ Autism Challenge, is an incredible accomplishment and a direct result of everyone’s generosity, participation and enthusiasm.”

The weekend commenced with a virtual kickoff party on Friday night featuring some very special guests, including NFL Pro Football Hall of Famer and Eagles’ Legend, Brian Dawkins, to celebrate in the pre-event festivities with participants. On Saturday, a post-ride celebration was held virtually to recognize everyone’s accomplishments and highlight top fundraisers.

More About The Eagles’ Autism Foundation

The Philadelphia Eagles’ Autism Foundation, which was founded by Jeffrey Lurie, Philadelphia Eagles, CEO, with Lurie’s vision to bring people together to support the autism community, has raised more than $9 million for cutting-edge autism research and programs since 2018. The Eagles Autism Challenge sets out to fund innovative research, drive scientific breakthroughs and provide critical resources, all in an effort to create a major shift from awareness to action. Through fundraising efforts associated with the Eagles’ Autism Foundation, a total of 25 research projects and community grants have been funded for exploratory work in the field of autism since 2018.

Mission Statement:

The Eagles Autism Challenge is dedicated to raising funds for innovative research and programs to help unlock the mystery of autism. By providing the necessary resources to doctors and scientists at leading institutions, we will be able to assist those currently affected by autism as well as future generations. Our event aims to inspire and engage the community, so together, we can provide much needed support to make a lasting impact in the field of autism.

At the Eagles, we take our responsibility to the community very seriously and look for how to best leverage our brand and ability to bring people together in order to drive critical resources and funding to autism. We want to give a voice to families who live with autism – the ones who are out there every day advocating, promoting, supporting and seeking out opportunities for their loved ones.

2020 Eagles’ Autism Foundation Grant Application Process

The Eagles’ Autism Foundation is inviting researchers to apply for grant funding to support basic and clinical autism research, studies concentrating on affected individuals and families, and diverse model systems.

The 2020 Eagles’ Autism Foundation Request for Application process will fund two-year pilot grants that demonstrate substantial published or preliminary data signifying that a strong scientific premise supports the study under review. Researchers interested in applying for a pilot grant are encouraged to submit a Letter of Intent to the Eagles’ Autism Foundation by Friday, Oct. 16, 2020. Once all research proposals have been fully vetted and approved by an independent scientific advisory board, a funding pool of more than $3 million – raised by the 2020 Eagles Autism Challenge – will be distributed and allocated to the principal investigators.

For More Information:  Please contact – Eagles’ Autism Foundation, One Nova Care Way, Philadelphia, PA 19145, (215) 339-6790

https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/eaglesautismfoundation/

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Make-A-Wish: Donovan Troy Update

13 Thursday Aug 2020

Posted by deseanjacksonsfoundation in DJF Media Release

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DeSean Jackson, Donovan Troy, NFL, NFL Players Giving Back, NFLPA, Philadelphia Eagles, University of West Georgia

DeSean Jackson, of the Philadelphia Eagles, sends his sincere congratulations to Donovan Troy, a 2020 high school graduate from Metro Atlanta, who matriculated at the University of West Georgia this week. Jackson states that he is extremely proud of Donovan’s accomplishments despite adversity; and, commends Donovan’s parents for the integral role they play. “Family is first and foremost in everything”, states Jackson, “including life in order for us to be empowered and fulfill our destiny”.

DeSean Jackson met the Donovan family in 2012 when the Make-A-Wish foundation honored a wish from Troy Donovan, a 10-year-old, to spend a day with his idol Philadelphia Eagles‘ wide receiver, DeSean Jackson.

One month after he was born, Donovan Troy was diagnosed with a life-threatening form of sickle-cell anemia. Donovan had to avoid situations that could exacerbate his condition, such as being outside in extreme heat, or even swimming. Football specifically was discouraged, especially after Donovan’s spleen was removed when he was a toddler. Donovan needed monthly blood transfusions. Contact sports could create serious complications. Donovan’s uncle, Cedric, was 32 when he died from the same condition. But Donovan loved football, and while his parents wanted to protect him, they also didn’t want him spending his whole life in hospitals. How the youngster from Atlanta became a fan of the thirteen-year wide receiver from Philadelphia remains a mystery to his family. “My husband and I were born and raised in Atlanta; so, we’re both natives, but he is not a Falcons fan at all,” Tara said. “He loves DeSean Jackson. He always talks about how fast DeSean Jackson is.”

Over the years, Tara Troy has continued to keep DeSean Jackson and his mother, Gayle, informed of Donovan’s accomplishments and also extended the unwavering support for DeSean. It began with Donovan’s wish and has developed into an “extended family”.

– Joie Adams, DeSean Jackson Foundation

Photo Credits: Tara Donovan, 08/2020.
Ee8c_dtXgAESDV8Donovan Troy (Center) 2020 KS Duke Foundation Honoree
DonovanDonovan Troy, University of West Georgia, 2020 Freshman Move-In Day

Diagnosed as an infant with a hematologic disorder, 10-year-old Donovan was told he wouldn’t be able to play sports. But he beat the odds, and his love for football and the Philadelphia Eagles made DeSean Jackson his hero, and his wish.

More About Make-A-Wish:
“My Wish” is a collaborative effort with Make-A-Wish that chronicles the granting of unique sports-related wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Make-A-Wish® grants the wish of a child diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition in the United States and its territories, on average, every 38 minutes. We believe that a wish experience can be a game-changer. This one belief guides us. It inspires us to grant wishes that change the lives of the kids we serve.

Learn more about how you can help grant wishes at wish.org

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DeSean Jackson Foundation Supports Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project Covid-19 Relief Request

15 Wednesday Jul 2020

Posted by deseanjacksonsfoundation in DJF Media Release

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Covid-19, DeSean Jackson Foundation, National Football Foundation, National Football League, Philadelphia Eagles, Social Justice, Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project

Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project Staff – Philadelphia, PA

On May 17, 2020, DeSean Jackson, of the Philadelphia Eagles, answered a plea from the Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project (YASP) a grass-roots, community-based initiative, in Philadelphia, for financial support to address the impact COVID-19 has made on its daily operations; and, the critical social justice and criminal justice advocacy it provides.

Sarah Morris, of YASP, stated that Covid-19 and executive orders required the staff to work from home; and, the subsequent #BlackLivesMatter protests made it difficult to get to the office because of the peaceful protests and street closures.  YASP was seeking a mini-grant for general expenses to sustain operations until they could return to their office.

DeSean Jackson agreed to award YASP funds from the 2019 NFL Foundation Players’ Social Justice grant for $5,000.00 that the DeSean Jackson Foundation received; and, DeSean also offered to meet with YASP in the future to learn more about their advocacy and how he may assist in furtherance of their mission.  Ms. Morris advised that YASP returned to their office on June 22, 2020 and provided a picture of the DJF check.

Advocates for Social Justice & Criminal Justice Reform

Sarah Morris, Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project

Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project (YASP) Mission:  Building a youth-led movement to end the practice of adjudicating and incarcerating young people as Adults.  Through its work in the Philadelphia jails, YASP provides space for incarcerated youth to express themselves creatively and to develop as leaders within and beyond the prison walls.  Young people who have been through the adult court system are at the forefront of YASP, leading the movement to keep young people out of adult prisons and to create possibilities for youth around the city.

YASP was a 2019 recipient of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Social Justice Fund grant for $10,000.  The fund was established in 2018 to provide grants to organizations that work to reduce barriers to equal opportunity, with a specific focus on education, community and police relations, improving the criminal justice system and other initiatives targeting poverty, racial equality and workforce development in the Greater Philadelphia area.  In just two years, the Philadelphia Eagles’ Social Justice Fund has provided area-based organizations with more than $858,000 in unrestricted general operating support.

For More Information About:

Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project: Contact  Sarah Morris, sarah@yasproject.com or visit website: http://www.yasproject.com

National Football Foundation:  Please visit website:  https://www.nflfoundation.org

NFL Foundation logo

 

 

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DeSean Jackson Partners With The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation To Donate $10,000 To Support Top Prospects Baseball, Inc.

09 Sunday Feb 2020

Posted by deseanjacksonsfoundation in Uncategorized

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Tags

Cutters, DeSean Jackson, DICK'S Sporting Goods, McDavid, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Shock Doctor, Sports Matter, Top Prospects Baseball Inc., United Sports Brands

Philadelphia Eagles‘ Wide Receiver, DeSean Jackson

DeSean Jackson gives back to youth facility in Los Angeles where he learned to play baseball thanks to The DICK’S Foundation, Shock Doctor, McDavid, and Cutters

PITTSBURGH, PA /PRNewswire/ — The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation announced that it is awarding Top Prospects Baseball facility, in Los Angeles, a $10,000 Sports Matter grant in partnership with pro football player DeSean Jackson, an ambassador for United Sports Brands – parent company of Shock Doctor, McDavid, and Cutters.

The funds from the Sports Matter grant will be used to purchase new equipment and refurbish the organization’s fields where hundreds of inner-city youth athletes continue to learn to play baseball. A Los Angeles native, Jackson learned to play baseball with Top Prospects and is one of the most accomplished athletes in Southern California prep sports history.

“It’s really special for me to be able to give back to my hometown and help give kids the opportunity to play sports,” said Jackson. “I played a lot of different sports growing up, but most people don’t know that I almost played pro baseball. So much of what I do in football comes from what I learned in baseball, and that all started at Top Prospects.”

Jackson is the latest pro athlete to give back to his community via The DICK’S Foundation Sports Matter program, which has pledged to provide access to sports for one million young athletes by 2024.

“We’re thrilled to partner with DeSean Jackson and United Sports Brands to provide this Sports Matters grant to Top Prospects Baseball to help more kids have the opportunity to play,” said Aimee Watters, Executive Director of The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation. “Sports Matter was created because we believe playing sports make people better and we are committed to supporting all youth athletes in need, and this is just one way we are doing that.”

“We are honored to make this donation with DeSean Jackson and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation,” said Michael Magerman, President/CEO of United Sports Brands. “I’ve watched DeSean as a star on the football field for years, and to see him do this with an eye for the future of sports and young people in his community tells me a lot about who he is.”

Since 2014, DICK’S and the DICK’S Foundation have pledged more than $100 million to support youth sports teams and leagues in need. The Sports Matter program strives to increase awareness for the growing issue of underfunded youth athletics nationwide and provide much-needed support through equipment, uniform and monetary donations.

For more information on Sports Matter, visit SportsMatter.org.

About The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation
The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation is an exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation with a mission to inspire and enable sports participation.  It was created by DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc. as a private corporate foundation to support DICK’S charitable and philanthropic activities.

Contact DICK’S Sporting Goods: press@dcsg.com

About United Sports Brands

United Sports Brands is a global leader in sports performance and protective products designed to help athletes perform at their personal best. Brands within the portfolio include Shock Doctor, the #1 global leader in mouth guards and protection; McDavid, a performance and protective brand at the top of the recommended lists of pro athletes, sports medicine professionals and athletic trainers for more than 35 years; Cutters, the innovative leader in football gloves and high performance glove grip technology; and NATHAN, the running essentials market leader in athletic hydration, visibility and performance gear. United Sports Brands is also a portfolio company of Bregal Partners, a private equity investment firm. For more information, please visit www.Unitedspb.com.

Contact United Sports Brands: emiller@unitedspb.com

Contact DeSean Jackson:  deseanjacksonfoundationceo@yahoo.com

SOURCE DICK’S Sporting Goods

Related Links

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com

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Philadelphia Eagles’ DeSean Jackson Donates $30,000 To California Youth Football Team

21 Saturday Sep 2019

Posted by deseanjacksonsfoundation in NFL Players Giving Back

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American Youth Football League, DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson Foundation, NFL Players Giving Back, Philadelphia Eagles, Southern California King Conference

desean-3 (1)Photo Credit: NFL

DeSean Jackson, of the Philadelphia Eagles, donated $30,000 to the Cali Bears Youth Football and Cheerleaders, an American Youth Football League (“AYF”), Southern King Conference, team, based in Los Angeles, in response to an appeal from the team to Mr. Jackson, for crucial funding to save the organization’s 2019 season. The Cali Bears Youth Football Team serves over 150 disadvantaged, inner-city youth, in South Central Los Angeles; and, was founded in 2018. Crucial funds were needed for uniforms, equipment, referee and venue fees; and, without these funds the entire season was in jeopardy.

Gayle Jackson, President, of DeSean Jackson Foundation, on behalf of DeSean Jackson and his foundation, presented the check to Leila Sedighan of the Southern California King Conference, Cali Bears Youth Football Team.

Cali Bears Check Presentation

As the DeSean Jackson Foundation’s president, Gayle Jackson emphasizes the importance of the foundation’s mission and goals. “The foundation was established in honor of DeSean’s father, William ‘Bill’ Jackson, who sacrificed his life to put his son in a position to do what he’s doing today,” Mrs. Jackson said.

Bill dedicated his life to building a structured foundation and deterrent against negative influences for DeSean by utilizing sports in his formative years. [Frequently, Bill had DeSean play for several teams simultaneously which required changing uniforms in the car between games.]

“DeSean gives back because my son believes, in his heart, that the reason he’s blessed is to be a blessing; and, DeSean also believes he is responsible for preserving Bill’s vision and instilled values to never forget where you came from and those left behind; and, sometimes that works to his detriment; but, he is indeed his father’s son.”

“That’s what the DeSean Jackson Foundation is about: Mentoring, empowering and building confidence in these young kids,” Gayle Jackson said. “To me, that can change a person’s life; and, that’s is what DeSean Jackson, the Philadelphia Eagles’ All-Pro wide receiver, has continued to do throughout his 12 years in the NFL.”

# # # # # #

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

American Youth Football, Inc., established in 1996, is a support services organization, dedicated to giving back to communities by promoting the wholesome development of youth through their association with exemplary adult leaders in the sport of American football and cheer. Guidelines are established to ensure that players play in an atmosphere of learning with a competitive balance between teams. Contact: Dee Graver, National Football Commissioner (602) 283-6006. https://www.americanyouthfootball.com/index.html

Southern California King Conference: Wilson Mays, Southern California King Conference, Commissioner (310) 251-3080.
For More About Southern California King Conference: https://www.sckingconference.com/home

Compton boys football program adds nutritional training table

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2019 Philadelphia Eagles’ Opener: Jackson Family Photos

13 Friday Sep 2019

Posted by deseanjacksonsfoundation in DJF Media Release

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DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson and Kayla Phillips, DeSean Jackson Family, DeSean Jackson's Mom, NFL, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins

Post By: Joie Adams, DeSean Jackson Foundation
Photo Credits: Gayle Jackson

Philadelphia, PA, 9/13/2019

Philadelphia Eagles began their 2019 NFL season, at home, against the Washington Redskins, September 8, in a NFC East match up; and, a phenomenal homecoming for DeSean Jackson back to the Philadelphia Eagles and Lincoln Financial Field.

GAME DAY! GAME DAY TICKET

GAME DAY 10 The Jackson Family – Pre-Game – On the Field

DeSean Jackson‘s immediate family and a host of friends and fans traveled to Philadelphia to support DeSean during this monumental milestone in his personal and professional career in the NFL.

GAME DAY 5 Kayla, DeSean and Their Children

GAME DAY 7 Gayle Jackson and Eagles’ Mascot

GAME DAY2 Adreea (Jacksoon) Clay and her sons, Kameron and Jaiden (DeSean’s Sister and Nephews)

During the game, the Philadelphia Eagles came back to beat the Washington Redskins, 32-27, behind a classic “D-JAX, Cali Swag” performance: eight catches for 154 yards and two touchdowns.
With 31 career touchdown receptions of 50 yards or more, Jackson trails only Jerry Rice (36) for the all-time record. After his second score—for 53 yards—Jackson somersaulted twice, then found his teammates and shimmied in front of cameras.

Game DAY 4

GAME DAY 3 The Jackson Family Grandchildren

GAME DAY 6

Friends Family Friends: Ron White, Hattie Davis, Sheila Washington

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Has Eagles’ DeSean Jackson matured since Philadelphia cut him 5 years ago? Ask his inner circle.

17 Saturday Aug 2019

Posted by deseanjacksonsfoundation in DJF Social Media

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Bill Jackson, Chip Kelley, DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson Foundation, Jason Avant, NFL, NFL Hall of Fame, Pancreatic Cancer, Philadelphia Eagles, Super Bowl, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Team Jackson, Washington Redskins

By Zack Rosenblatt | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Updated Aug 7, 2019; Posted Aug 7, 2019
Repost by: Joie Adams, DeSean Jackson Foundation, Aug 17, 2019

zack article

Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson is back in Philadelphia and out to prove that he’s a different person than the one who was released by Chip Kelly in 2014.

It’s 6 a.m. The phone rings. It rings again. It’s DeSean Jackson.

Finally, half-asleep after a night out, Travis Clark rolls over and picks up the phone.

“It’s time to go,” the 15-year-old Jackson says. “Let’s go!”

DeSean Jackson repeats this early-morning wake-up call four more times. He rousts his brother, Byron Jackson, Darrick Davis, Irving Booker and Gary Cablayan, too. In less than an hour, DeSean and Bill Jackson, his father, are in a beat-up Mazda 300Z, driving to USC, UCLA, Venice High School or a park in Culver City, wherever they could find an open field.

This is the posse hand-picked by Bill, the people he believes will keep Jackson on the straight and narrow, get him to the NFL and, eventually, the Pro Football Hall of Fame. When his son was 8 years old, Bill Jackson told his son he’d be a Hall-of-Famer, and he meant it. Fast-forward 17 years to a recent midsummer day, and the five of them are meeting for lunch in Los Angeles to discus the person they affectionately consider a little brother.

Team Jackson
Team Jackson: Gary Cabalyan, Byron Jackson, Darrick Davis, Travis Clark, Irving Booker. Courtesy of the DeSean Jackson Foundation

“When we set out on this journey we didn’t brand ourselves,” Darrick Davis said. “We were just five guys pulling together to make this dude: a) get to the NFL, b) be a Pro Bowler; and, now c) get him to the NFL Hall of Fame. That was just our mission.”

Oh, they got him to the NFL, all right. He’s made three Pro Bowls, earned $75 million and has his sights set on the Hall of Fame and a Super Bowl ring. The ride here, however, hasn’t always been smooth.

Today, he’s back with the Philadelphia Eagles, determined to prove he’s not the same person he was five years ago when he was kicked to the curb amid rumblings that he had a bad attitude, an inconsistent work ethic, was late for meetings and butted heads with coaches.

Jackson, his family and “Team Jackson” insist that was a long time ago, that he was misunderstood then, and that he’s changed now.

In rare interviews, his inner circle spoke to NJ Advance Media about the impact of his father’s death in 2009, about Jackson becoming a father himself, and the impact the Eagles’ tough (but eventually forgiving) love had on their most explosive player. Also: why they think this time around will be different.

“They’ve [Team Jackson] been, my whole life, helping me every step of the way,” Jackson told NJ Advance Media. “Obviously, my dad created a team that was like a backbone. They train me, advance me with the game and how life is gonna be. It’s a brotherhood.”

DeSean-Jackson-Gang-STACK

Here’s the story of those five men.

‘Mad Scientist Work’

Irving Booker still watches Jackson’s famous “Miracle at the Meadowlands” punt-return touchdown from 2010 on YouTube from time to time. Everything that happened on that punt return, Booker said, encompasses what Team Jackson taught Jackson from a young age — from his fumble at the beginning of the return, the cutback, juking past a defender, bursting through a sea of Giants and outrunning all of them to the end zone in the epic play.

“That encompasses all of us,” Irving Booker said.

DeSean-Jackson-Bound-STACK

DeSean Jackson and Irving Booker, Courtesy of STACK.

Byron Jackson (51 years old): The older brother emphasized finishing plays in practice. He helped with route-running, taking everything he learned at San Jose State while catching passes from Jeff Garcia, and from two seasons on the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad, learning from legendary receivers coach Al Saunders.

Darrick Davis (51): A former defensive back who had a cup of coffee with the Atlanta Falcons, he connected with the Jackson family when he played with Byron at Santa Monica College — along with Booker — before he left for Long Beach State and Byron for San Jose. He was the mastermind behind many key decisions in Jackson’s football career, including sending Jackson to Long Beach Poly High and California-Berkeley.

cf4effb6d76dcd469af8f67ed7628f8d

DeSean Jackson, Darrick Davis, Gary Cablayan

Irving Booker (51): Booker brought cones to every training session to help Jackson with cutting, functional movement and injury prevention. He has a unique background too: “I used to break dance,” Booker said. “A lot of the moves in my mind’s eye when I was coming up with things (for DeSean) came from break dancing.”

Gary Cablayan (49): Cablayan and his father, Jerry, have trained Olympic sprinters. Jackson, as a child, challenged a Puerto Rican sprinter coached by the Cablayan to a 10-yard sprint. Jackson won. Gary has been training Jackson since. If he actually still runs a 4.3 second 40-yard dash like Booker claims, it’s because of Gary.

61259025_140507030348186_8699779788114502874_n

Gary Cablayan and DeSean Jackson

Travis Clark (50): A former defensive back in the NFL, he focused on the mental aspect of the game, keeping Jackson focused and fortifying his football IQ. He also could throw the ball 70 yards, and practiced deep balls with Jackson at every session.
“It’s us five who have done mad scientist work. Each one, in my eyes, is a genius,” Booker said. “One hundred percent. You can’t tell me anything different.”

Said DeSean: “It is a special bond. I appreciate them every step of the way, what they did. … They’re always calling, checking on me, still motivating me in knowing that, ‘Yeah, you’re a professional, but I’m still your big brother.’ That’s the relationship.”

DeSean’s mother, Gayle Jackson, and sister, A’Dreea Jackson-Clay, have played vital roles in DeSean’s maturation. It all stated with Bill, though.

“A Father’s Dream”- Bill and DeSean Jackson

“He was a genius,” Clark said. “We thought he was crazy. We thought he was off his rocker, but when you look back, you go, ‘Oh this man had a plan and his plan worked.’”

Along the way, the inner circle frustrated its share of coaches — Cal coach Jeff Tedford was especially outspoken, and then-Eagles coach Andy Reid warned DeSean Jackson on draft day about letting his family get involved with team affairs. But ultimately the plan worked.

Bill Jackson just didn’t live long enough to see it through.

Life After Bill Jackson

When DeSean Jackson moved to Philadelphia, his father was with him. For most of DeSean’s life, his father was by his side.

“They were inseparable,” Cablayan said.

His father was his best friend who pushed him to be great. He was there when his son debuted in the NFL, starting against the St. Louis Rams to open the 2009 season.

His first play was an incompletion. The second: A 48-yard catch from Donovan McNabb. Jackson finished with 106 yards, the Eagles won 38-3 and Jackson’s career took off. He had another 100-yard game in Week 2, making him the first receiver to open his career with two straight 100-yard games.

He helped the Eagles reach the postseason, and they beat the Minnesota Vikings in the first round. During the following week, as the Eagles prepared for the Giants, Bill Jackson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was bedridden when the Eagles met the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship Game, watching on a small hospital TV in California, surrounded by his family and Team Jackson.

Bill cheered as his son score on a 62-yard touchdown pass from McNabb in the fourth quarter of a loss. Father and son spoke on the phone afterward. His father told DeSean that he played a great game, and that he was proud of him.

DeSean cried.

By April, Jackson had moved his dad to a hospital in Philadelphia, where he died in May.

“It was tough on all of us,” Davis said, “but DeSean, there were periods where every single day DeSean was with Bill. Every single day. … There wasn’t a moment where DeSean said: ‘I haven’t seen my dad in weeks.’ No, it’s, ‘I haven’t seen my dad in 15 minutes.’

“So once he got to the league, Bill was there dealing with what he had to deal with. It was pretty traumatic. It’s hard to put into words because I know he dealt with a lot of …” He stopped for a moment. “I’m getting a little choked up just thinking about it,” he said.

***

That off season, DeSean started the DeSean Jackson Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer to honor his father, and it was at their first charity event where they all agreed on the Team Jackson name. (Jackson Five was thrown around, too.)

When their father died, Byron took a leave from work and lived in Jackson’s basement during that 2009 season. His death provided extra motivation for Byron to start work on a documentary — “The Making of a First Rounder: The DeSean Jackson Story” — in which Bill was an important character. That process was therapeutic, he said, watching film of his dad — the good, the bad, the ugly — over the course of DeSean’s life.

Some nights DeSean would hear Bill’s voice in his sleep, pumping through his air vents. When he’d wake up, he would realize it was Byron, logging footage for the documentary on his computer.

“Our dad had a strong, aggressive voice,” Byron said. “He was a loud talker and he was very authoritative, he screamed and yelled a lot. I would watch footage and DeSean would wake up up in the middle of the night like, ‘Man, I can hear it.’”

“Just replaying all the tape, then talking before the games it was like: Dad is with you.”

Byron thinks it’s no coincidence that Jackson, at least in his eyes, had the best year of his career that season.

“I was there when his dad passed and … it was a real emotional year,” said Jason Avant, a former Eagles receiver and DeSean’s teammate for all six years he was in Philadelphia. “His dad was everything to him. His dad was the catalyst for the player that he is.”

Jackson had five 100-yard games, scored 11 touchdowns — two on punt returns — and completed his first 1,000-yard season.

On Dec. 29, Jackson received a call to tell him he had been selected to the Pro Bowl as a wide receiver and punt returner, the first player in NFL history to make it at two positions. He dropped the phone, ran to his brother and jumped into his arms. Then, he turned to a camera, filming for Byron’s documentary, and said: “Pops, man, I love you. You knew.”

The Pro Bowl that year was on Jan. 31 — Bill’s birthday. He would’ve been 65.

“The night before the game, there was this halo around the moon,” Byron said. “It feels like to me when he’s on that football field, our dad had so much involvement in DeSean’s life, it’s almost like with football, DeSean is at one with Dad.

“Just seeing DeSean’s success, it kept our Dad’s spirit alive.”

‘He Left With Vengeance On His Mind’

It’s the middle of June, and Jackson is Face Timing with his two kids and their mom, Kayla. He misses them. Jackson is back in Philadelphia, working with his new teammates for mini-camp, but his family is in Florida, where he spent the last few years playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

He wishes he could be there with his boys, DeSean Jr. 4, and Jace, 1. Putting them to bed. Carrying them. Taking day trips to the beach. Laying on the floor, laughing and watching “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” on PBS, or maybe reading them a book. Jackson is 32 and, a father of two now, and he’s more of a homebody.

No, really, he is.

“DeSean off the field is very low key, very quiet,” Davis said. “You wouldn’t believe it. He’s very low key and he’s not confrontational. Him being a dad … he relishes that role.”

This isn’t the same 27-year-old who was cut by ex-Eagles coach Chip Kelly after, statistically, the best season of Jackson’s career in 2013. Jackson had a reputation for partying, tardiness and general immaturity to go along with the off-field concerns. The release was a wake-up call, the moment when Jackson went from being a football player to a professional football player, his team says.

“I think it became a job after he got let go,” Cablayan said.

When Bill passed away, Team Jackson gave him space to let him grow on his own.

“You have five guys who pretty much raised you your whole life, and now you’re a man,” Byron said. “We gotta sometimes take a step back and let him be who we trust he’s going to ultimately become. It’s been a balancing act. We haven’t always done or said things you would script. You still wanna be there for them, but when they come around and are ready to make the right decisions, you’re always going to support them.”

team-jackson

Jackson admits now that he was immature the first time around.

“When I was younger, I had the world at my hands,” DeSean said at his introductory press conference in March. “Coming into the NFL as a rookie and having all that success early in my career, it was kind of hard to get a hold of that at a young age, you know? But you have to go through things in life in order to mature.”

Ultimately, though, the release became a turning point in Jackson’s maturity. Washington D.C., is where DeSean Jr. was born. Jace was born in Tampa Bay.

“He had started to mature, but it’s hard when you’re that age and your friends are around you (and they are) younger and want to do things that young people do,” Darrick Davis said. “Now, with his time away (from the Eagles), having kids, all those little things make you see life differently.

“The whole Eagles thing, getting turned away from them was a harsh reality. He left with vengeance on his mind.”

I’m Going To Tell You Guys … Just Be Careful

It was Week 2 in Tampa Bay last season and the Eagles were in town. DeSean Jackson always had a little extra for his former team, and few players have killed the Philadelphia Eagles over the last five years as Jackson did with the Redskins and Buccaneers.

On the first play of the game, Jackson beat cornerback Jalen Mills, caught a quick pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick, slanted across the field with Mills tailing him, then juked back the other way for an easy path to the end zone and a 75-yard touchdown.

Jackson pointed to Eagles coach Doug Pederson. He said, “You never should have let me go,” Pederson recalled.

“I was like ‘I wasn’t even there! I wasn’t even there!’” Pederson said, laughing. Pederson, an assistant on Reid’s staff from 2009-12, wasn’t around when Jackson was cut.

They reconnected after the game, too, and it was here that the seed was planted in Jackson’s mind — he wanted to return to Philadelphia. One reason: He really wanted to play with Carson Wentz.

Jackson led the league in yards per catch (18.9) for the fourth time, but the Buccaneers went 5-11, missed the playoffs, fired their coach and Jackson was ready for a change. He hadn’t played in a playoff game since 2015 with Washington. He pushed to be traded in the off season. He hoped it would be to the Eagles.

Ask Pederson, general manager Howie Roseman or even owner Jeffrey Lurie, and they’ll tell you there wasn’t much internal debate about that idea when he became available — it was a no-brainer, Pederson said.

“You’ve gotta have guys like (Jackson) on your team,” Pederson said. “You gotta have guys with a little edge and guys that get a little pissed off from time to time. That’s a healthy thing, too. And guys with fire, guys that want to win – and that’s obviously what he wants – that’s what we all want.”

They wanted him back. All it took was a sixth-round pick and a new three-year contract.

So far, it seems to be going well. Teammates and coaches alike have raved about his work ethic, his leadership. He’s been on time for meetings. He’s spent extra time with Wentz on the field and in the film room. He participated in OTAs in May, even though they were voluntary. In between, he’s even found time to host two free youth football camps — one in Philadelphia, one in Long Beach — while also delivering food to the Philly homeless community, and visiting local schools to talk about his journey.

Adreea Clay

A’Dreea Jackson-Clay, DeSean Jackson, and Team Jackson: Byron Jackson, Travis Clark, Irving Booker, Darrick Davis, Photo Courtesy of DeSean Jackson Foundation

In May, after the death of rapper (and friend) Nipsey Hussle — fatally shot in Los Angeles — he spoke at Latin Charter School in West Philly, and talked about gun violence, growing up in tough neighborhoods, and living in the Crenshaw district “where all people know is Crips and Bloods,” he said, via ESPN, adding that he had a decision to make as he ascended to the NFL: “hang out with my homeboys that’s just killing, that’s robbing, that’s selling drugs” or try to make an impact on the community using his platform as a football player.

“You get to a certain point where you feel comfortable,” Jackson told the students, via ESPN. “You’ve got everybody praising you for what you do and where you come from, sometimes you let down your guard. I’m going to tell you guys here today: just be careful.”

Unfinished Business

Sunday, Jackson returned to Lincoln Financial Field for the first time since he was cut. In front of a crowd of 40,000 Eagles fans, he received the team’s largest ovation. It might be even louder in his pre-season debut on Thursday night against the Tennessee Titans.

This is the final stage of Jackson’s career. Since he was drafted in 2008, only five receivers (Larry Fitzgerald, Antonio Brown, Calvin Johnson, Julio Jones, Brandon Marshall) have more than Jackson’s 10,261 receiving yards. He’s outlasted all six of the receivers drafted ahead of him. He’s one of the best deep threats in NFL history.

And now he has his sights set on the Hall of Fame, the last leg of his father’s plan.

Now it’s up to DeSean Jackson to see it through.

“He’s all in,” Byron said. “People don’t know, but it was hard for him to watch the Super Bowl and not be with the team. It was hard for him the way he left Philadelphia. He’s an emotional player. Coming back to Philly, it’s going to be an emotional year … the fact that (the Eagles) were the team that our father got to see him on, and now he’s back … he has some unfinished business in Philadelphia.”

Zack Rosenblatt may be reached at zrosenblatt@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ZackBlatt. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

# # # # # #

ABOUT TEAM JACKSON

For more information about Team Jackson, please contact: EVO Sports Training, Long Beach, CA, (888)-386-4140, or visit the following website.

Home

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2019 DeSean Jackson Foundation, F.A.S.T. Camp – Long Beach, California

06 Tuesday Aug 2019

Posted by deseanjacksonsfoundation in NFL Players Giving Back

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Byron Jackson, Darrick Davis, DeSean Jackson, Gary Cablayan, Gayle Jackson, Irving Booker, John Ross, Long Beach, Long Beach Poly Tech, NFL, NFL Players Giving Back, Philadelphia Eagles, Samie Parker, Stephen Barbee, Terance Austin, Travis Clark, Travon Patterson

DeSean Jackson Hosts Free Football Camp In Long Beach

 July 11, 2019, Long Beach, CA,  By,  Mike Guardabascio, The 562.Org

As usual, Long Beach was host to an NFL player putting on a free summer football camp for local youth last weekend. That’s become regular in Long Beach, where the kids have had plenty of opportunity to hear from local guys made good over the past several years. What was unusual was the NFLer at the center of the hundreds of eager young campers: Long Beach Poly alum DeSean Jackson, of the Philadelphia Eagles.

The camp at Veterans Memorial Stadium was the first free offering Jackson has put on in Long Beach, and he said it was an emotional homecoming for him putting the event on at Vets.

“It’s always a pleasure to be back in Long Beach where I started my career and legacy,” he said. “A lot of familiar faces come out and support, guys I played with, coaches. It’s really an honor to have them here, you don’t get to see all of them a lot.”

Jackson has put on several camps over the years, but not in the city where he first made his name.

“I’ve always taken pride in putting on events like this to have the people who helped me get to this point in my career give these kids the principles that made me who I am,” said Jackson. “I want to give back to these kids out here today, it’s a blessing to have the opportunity to put this camp on. These kids area  huge inspiration to me in my life on a daily basis.”

Poly coach Stephen Barbee was on hand as a volunteer, and was happy to see Jackson inspiring the local kids. Barbee also pointed out that Jackson showed up to the Edison Battle at the Beach the previous weekend to cheer on Poly as the young Jackrabbits made a semifinal run before falling to Mater Dei in a single-possession game.

“DeSean Jackson is such a great representative of our team, and it means a lot to them to see him support them,” said Barbee.

“Long Beach Poly has a special place in my heart going back to 2001 as a young kid,” said Jackson. “I just want to motivate the guys and support them any way possible, Long Beach Poly is the home of the greats–I want them to know I see them and we’re all cheering for them.”

There’s been plenty for Poly fans to cheer about when it comes to Jackson. He’s often repped his high school more publicly than his college, sometimes saying “DeSean Jackson, Long Beach Poly” during television introductions instead of shouting out Cal, where he played NCAA ball. Jackson is back with the Eagles this season as he enters his 12th season in the NFL, a decorated career that’s seen him haul in 589 passes for over 10,000 yards, as well as three Pro Bowl honors. Jackson now stands at No. 45 all-time in the NFL in terms of receiving yards and is fifth in receiving yards by current players.

Barbee wasn’t the only local volunteer to work the camp with Jackson–the sidelines were stuffed with familiar faces including current Poly players and recent alums. Fellow Poly to the NFLers like Terrance Austin, Samie Parker, and Travon Patterson served as volunteers, as did Jackson’s speed trainer Gary Cablayan, who also works with John Ross.

Gayle Jackson, President and Co-Founder, of the DeSean Jackson Foundation, stressed the importance of having this inaugural event in Long Beach in regards to her late husband’s legacy; and, Long Beach is where Bill’s vision for transitioning the youth in South Central L.A. beyond their borders through sports began.

We are privileged to have the resources, donors and community partners to provide a free camp for 350 youth, from extremely diverse segments of Los Angeles County.  We are also honored to have a $1,500.00 grant from the NFL Foundation to help defray some of the costs of associated with the planning and execution of a monumental event of this magnitude.

A’Dreea Jackson-Clay, DeSean Jackson, and Team Jackson: Byron Jackson, Travis Clark, Irving Booker, Darrick Davis

– Coach Travis Clark, Desmond Jackson, Adreea Jackson-Clay, F.A.S.T. Camp, L.A. Coordinator

For More Photos from the Event:   The 562.0rg, and photographer, William Johnson, provided the following media coverage.  https://www.the562.org/2019/07/11/photos-desean-jackson-football-camp-in-long-beach/

For More Information about the NFL Foundation:

Through the Player Foundation Grant program, the NFL Foundation recognizes and supports the charitable work of current and former NFL players’ non-profit organizations that either fund and implement programs; or function as grant-making foundations to other charitable organizations.  www.nflfoundation.org


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