For the Eagles’ Malik Jackson, the 2019 season was filled with a lot of promise. Jackson had visions of creating havoc against offensive linemen with his teammate Fletcher Cox. Then, early in the season, Jackson suffered a Lisfranc injury, ending his season.
Jackson, who spoke on Thursday, said that with the 2020 season almost here, he is happy he gets to be back playing football.
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"It's nice to be able to work with Fletch," said Jackson. "It is exciting. I had to sit there for a year and just daydream about it. Now that I'm here, I have to stay healthy and be consistent and get back to the way I was, and possibly be 110% better."
Jackson joins Cox and new addition Javon Hargrave as one of the best defensive tackle groups in the NFL. However, Hargrave is unable to practice due to a pectoral strain that has kept him sidelined during training camp. Jackson is not worried that the injury will hamper Hargrave’s ability to return this season.
"As far as Javon goes, it sucks, but that is the name of the game," Jackson said. "I told him at least he could come back. I told him, 'Don't come to me with a boo-hoo story. I lost a year.' I know he is a strong guy, a fun guy, and I know he is working hard mentally. When he comes back, he is going to be great."
There has been talk that Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz may at times use a big defensive line that would include Jackson, Cox, and Hargrave. Jackson has experience playing defensive end but prefers to play inside by lining up between the guard and tackle.
“I have done it before,” Jackson said. “Do I want to do it consistently? No. I really feel that I am more of a three-technique. But whatever the team needs me to do to win a ball game. I’m very much a team player, and whatever coach calls, I’m in there.”
Jackson is also a proponent for social justice, even stating during the press conference that the country needed to see justice for Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, two individuals who were killed in police-involved incidents.
The defensive tackle said he had never been on a team with an owner who brought people together to talk about social justice issues and is glad all of his teammates are taking part in the conversation.
“Mr. (Jeffrey) Lurie has done a great job bringing us together and talking about solutions on how we can help our city and be at the forefront of this revolution, so to speak,” Jackson said. “The meetings have been going well, and a lot of things have been said. It’s nice to be in meetings where guys aren’t on the same mindset or haven’t been a part of it, but when you tell them and breakdown the things that have been going on in this country, it’s an eye-opening and awakening conversation because I have to be responsive and take that information in.”
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Eagles’ Malik Jackson is back, and doesn’t want to hear ‘a boo-hoo story' - NJ.com
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