Here’s the thing with DeSean Jackson. He can be a good guy. As much as he has made me dislike him for the way he has behaved this season, both on and off the field, I can’t forget how much he touched and clearly was touched by the brave young man who was a victim of bullying in Upper Darby.

DeSean knows how to be a decent, mature individual–when he wants to be.

And that’s what I don’t like about him. It’s almost easier to deal with someone like TO who is just an over the top, selfish, outrageous butthead 24/7. But DeSean tries to embrace the diva wide receiver persona almost to the core–and then he backs away. And to be honest, I don’t think it’s because the good angel on his right shoulder tells him he’s behaving like a jerk. It’s because he senses public sentiment–and perhaps the goodwill of the Eagles organization–slipping away from him.

DeSean Jackson is not good at the whole PR thing. I just don’t think he’s aware of it. Effectively managing one’s image does not mean acting up to the point that no one likes you anymore and not performing your job well and then reeling in your off-putting behavior. He will learn that eventually, I hope.

DeSean Jackson apologized for his behavior this season on Sunday, after the season was said and done for the Birds. His remarks, courtesy of CSNPhilly:

“I can admit to certain things affecting me during the season. I just kind of want to apologize or whatever the case may be,” Jackson said after the Eagles finished their lost season with a 34-10 rout of the Redskins (see story). “I probably could have handled it a little different, but now sitting here after the season’s over, I can just say I was able to put it behind me and really just fight for my teammates. Fight for this organization – just really knowing something good out of this situation was going to happen. I was able to finally get to that and just move forward. We’ll see how it plays out.”

Hmm. He was able to “finally” get to that. Very interesting.

Had DeSean said something like this early in the season, or even midseason, it would seem a lot more genuine. Right now, it sounds like a man who realizes that his brattiness and immaturity may have run him out of town.

Will the apology and strong end of the season performance by Jackson help him extend his tenure in Philadelphia. About a month ago my answer would have been a steadfast “no,” but I’m beginning to think that the Eagles will work with DeSean to bring him back for the 2012 season.

One of the many intriguing stories to watch this Eagles offseason.

In other news…

While Philadelphia left it to other teams (like the Colts, Rams, and Bucs) to make dramatic moves this Black Monday, the Eagles did announce some players that they will be re-signing: Members of their practice squad. These include fullback Stanley Havili, tight end Brett Brackett, center Zane Taylor, cornerback D.J. Johnson, defensive end Maurice Fountain and wide receiver Jamel Hamler.

And finally…

He was silent for the totality of the Eagles difficult season, but Jeffrey Lurie will finally come out of hiding and speak to the press on Tuesday at 2:30 pm. Will he drop any jaw-dropping revelations? Don’t get your hopes up. I fully expect him to talk about the team’s strong finish, ignore the issues that left the Birds with a losing record for the whole season, and say that the team is not changing a thing. We’ll see.

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