The Perspective of DeSean Jackson from a Jewish Eagles Fan

By: Ben Halpern

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On Monday, July 6th, if you were to tell me how I felt about DeSean Jackson, I would’ve told you he was one of my favorite players not only on the Eagles, but in the whole NFL. Ever since the Miracle at the Meadowlands, DeSean Jackson has been one of my favorite players of all time to watch. The Eagles signed him on a three year deal, and boy was I excited to see him on the field once again.

Not even 24 hours later, I woke up to news that left me lost, hurt, angry, and very disappointed. Per his Instagram story, Jackson posted a quote he attributed to Hitler that said white Jews "...will blackmail America…(They) will extort America, their plan for world domination won't work if the Neg**** know who they were." And it didn’t stop there. He later shared two posts on Instagram, expressing admiration for Farrakhan, whom the Anti-Defamation League and Southern Poverty Law Center have identified as anti-Semitic.

As a fan of Jackson, the team that he plays for, and being a member of the Jewish Community, my initial reaction to this was complete shock and disapproval. It saddens and frustrates me that Jackson somehow thought it was okay to post something so sensitive and hurtful. 

Jackson later apologized for his posts and deleted them. Honestly, it is unclear if I will ever forgive him. The biggest question remaining is his motive for the post. Action must be taken immediately, and I don’t know if I can root for a player who views the Jewish community as blackmailers. Hopefully, Jackson, the Jewish community, and the Eagles organization can all move forward with this. But for now, I AM DISGUSTED. 

***This article is sponsored by 4th and 20 Media, give them a follow @4thand20media on all social media platforms***

Photo credits: nbcsports.com