How Big You Play: DeSean Jackson, Teammates Visit Bullying Victim and Eagles Fan

When I watch DeSean Jackson streaking down the field, tiptoeing into the end zone, or dancing past defenders en route to another touchdown, I am reminded of what a different man, in a different sport once said.

“It’s not how big you are, it’s how big you play.”

When John Wooden uttered those words, he must have had Jackson in mind.

The electric Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver, all five feet, ten inches of him, is a living, breathing, sprinting testament to Wooden’s sentiment.

In his three-year NFL career, Jackson has made big time plays a habit. His most recent milestone was a fumble-turned-65 yard punt return to seal the most improbable of comeback victories against the New York Giants.

So, Coach Wooden, you were correct.  It is not how big you are, it is how big you play. 

On the field, Jackson has always played big with his heart. Today, off the field, Jackson played even bigger with his character.

Nadin Khoury, a 13 year-old student from the Philadelphia suburbs, was featured on The View today.  Khoury, who was the victim of a brutal, vicious bullying attack perpetrated by fellow students, came on air to tell his story and, as he put it, help put an end to one of the nation’s scarier trends in schools today.

That Khoury is a brave, young man goes without saying. But sometimes it doesn’t hurt to hear it from your favorite football player.

A few minutes into Khoury’s story, host Elisabeth Hasselbeck told him that there were a few people who wanted to meet him, and out walked DeSean, joined by fellow Eagles teammates Jamaal Jackson and Todd Herremans.

Khoury, who was so well-spoken he made you forget he was only 13, then proceeded to act exactly his age. 

After his visible shock wore off, he cried.  Then he got Jackson’s autograph.  And then he gushed to the lanky wide receiver that he was his favorite player on the team.

It was a touching moment, and although it cannot erase what was done to Khoury, it will help him move on.  And it was a reminder, I think, of why millions fall in love with sports and their players in the first place.

Do fans get carried away? Certainly (present company, included).

Do some forget that it is just a game? Yes. 

But Khoury and Jackson together proved that it can also be something more. The look on Khoury's face when Jackson walked out proved that it is sometimes much more.

If nothing else, the sports and teams and players you love can bring a little sunshine to your day, even on a blustery winter morning in early February.

It is not how big you are. It is how big you play. 

On February 3, 2011, Jackson didn’t just play big. He played huge.

To help put an end to bullying, visit ichoose2live.com, an organization Jamaal Jackson recommended in support of Nadin Khoury.