DeSean Jackson: The Man Behind The Helmet

Last season, rookie DeSean Jackson, took the Philadelphia Eagles by storm, becoming the first rookie to lead the team in receptions in over 20 years, and setting numerous rookie team records. 

The team is only expecting bigger and better things from him this year, but we at the Bleacher Report want to get to know the man behind the helmet, and delve deeper into the life of DeSean Jackson. 

1)  Coming in as a rookie last year, what impact did you expect to have?  Did you expect to set team records in receptions and yards, and become the first rookie to lead the team in receptions since 1988? And what impact, if any, did the coaches lead you to believe they expected from you?

2)  You received some help prior to the start of your NFL career from Jerry Rice.  What exactly did you two work on and what was it like learning from possibly the greatest receiver of all time?

3)  What was the reaction from your teammates after your infamous play in the Cowboys game, where you dropped the ball before you crossed the goal line? How can you assure Eagles fans that will never happen again?

4)  What did you think of the Eagles drafting Jeremy Maclin with their first round pick in the draft this year? Do you see that as a sign they are not confident in you? Is it a threat to your position on the team? Or is it just another way to bolster an already solid receiving corp?

5)  How did you get your start returning punts? Is it something you enjoy doing?

6)  Do you want to continue to return punts, even though Maclin is also an excellent punt returner?

7)  What is it like for you catching balls from Donovan McNabb?

8)  What advice did you receive from guys veterans like McNabb, Brian Westbrook, and other leaders on the team?

9)  What was it like growing up in a household with four older brothers? Do you think that is what gave you the competitive nature that you have today? Were you the best athlete of the bunch?

10) What was it like being on the cover of EA Sports’ NCAA Football 2009? Do you one day want to be on the cover of Madden?

11) You were ranked as the third best all-around athlete in the Major League Baseball draft prospect pool, but did you ever consider trying to make it as a pro baseball player rather than in the NFL? Why did you choose football over the national pastime?

12) Was it difficult growing up in the Crenshaw section of Los Angeles, which is known as a tough place for kids to grow up? How did you manage to avoid the problems that seem to afflict so many kids in that neighborhood?

13) How do you think this season will go? Will you guarantee an Eagles’ Super Bowl win in 2010?