Dec 18, 2011; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson (10) celebrates making a first down during the second quarter against the New York Jets at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Jets 45-19. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

It is 2008, the 2nd round of the NFL draft where the Philadelphia Eagles announced they have selected wide-receiver/return specialist DeSean Jackson out of the University of California.

And then the newly drafted DeSean Jackson received a phone call from then (now Kansas City Chiefs) head coach Andy Reid, a call every player should be excited about, but in this case, not so much. In the new documentary focusing on the football life of DeSean Jackson, will share conversations of friends and family members, after that call from Andy Reid ended.

“Hey, I just want to say one thing. I was on the phone with Andy Reid. He said, ‘I don’t want your family to be a problem. I don’t want to deal with your Dad.’ He said some bad things. I just wanted to let you know. That’s kind of messed up, though.” - DeSean Jackson to PhillyMag.com

His Father, being Bill Jackson, was heavily involved with his son DeSean’s football career. DeSean’s coach at the University of California, shared some things about Bill Jackson which made it’s way to Andy Reid during the pre-draft process, which lead to that uncomfortable phone call after Jackson was drafted.

“I never gave him time off. People used to say, ‘Why are you doing him like that. You’re trying to kill him.’ Because he had so much energy, he would be running the streets.” - Bill Jackson says in the upcoming documentary. 

It is almost normal for parents to get heavily involved in their sons football activities, usually from the time they start in junior tackle or pop-warner football, through out high school/college if they go that far. Many Fathers across the country, even globe who get involved in practices or games, expect their child to perform to the best of their ability. They want their child to be the best at what they do, some take the ‘do the best you can, either way you are a winner’ approach, others set goals and expect their child to reach them.

“While I understood what Bill’s motives were, he didn’t always go about it the right way. As far as alienating people or really being loud outside of the locker room and things like that. If DeSean only caught a couple of balls in the game, he wanted him to catch 10. He was driven for DeSean to be successful.” – Jeff Tedford, Jackson’s coach at the University of California 

So based on that reputation, it only made sense for Andy Reid to let Jackson know from the start, what would and wouldn’t fly now that he is a professional football player in the National Football League.

DeSean Jackson’s Father Bill, watched from a hospital bed as the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New York Giants in the Divisional Round to advance to the NFC Championship game in DeSean’s rookie season. Jackson had 4 receptions for 81 yards in that game. Earlier that day, Bill Jackson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, that was January 11th, 2009. Bill Jackson later passed away that same year, on May 14th.

The next season DeSean hit the ground running, posting over 1,100 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns. He and his brother Byron, were awaiting to get word on if he would be selected to the Pro Bowl or not. DeSean’s phone rang and of course, it was his head coach at the time, Andy Reid confirming he was a pro bowl selection. Jackson rushed down his steps and into his brother’s arms, where Jackson turns to the camera and says.

“Pops man, I love you. You knew.”

DeSean Jackson led the NFC with 101 yards and two touchdowns on that Pro Bowl game, which would have been played on his Father’s 65th birthday.

The documentary titled ‘DeSean Jackson, The Making Of A Father’s Dream’ will be released around Father’s Day, OnDemand beginning June 7th, 2013.

Jan 29, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Former NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb watches the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers at the Target Center. The Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Donovan McNabb, who spent 95% of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, announced he will retire in September, as a Philadelphia Eagle.

He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1st round of the 1999 draft, #2 overall and was swarmed with nothing but boos. But later on won the fans over, as he helped the Eagles reach the post season 8 (4 consecutive NFC East titles – ’01 to ’04) times in 10 seasons with this team. In 8 of this playoff runs, the Philadelphia Eagles lead by the once boo’d Donovan McNabb, reached the NFC Championship game 5 times, reaching the Super Bowl in 2004-2005 season where they lost to the New England Patriots 24-21.

“There was never any animosity from the Philly fans. I have nothing but love for the Philly fans, even the ones who were highly criticizing me or opinionated in any way. I can’t get upset at them because my job is to get out on the field and be productive. That’s what quarterbacking is all about. ” - McNabb on the Fans of the Philadelphia Eagles.

While with the Eagles, McNabb has made 6 pro bowl appearances and won the NFC Offensive Player and NFC Player of the Year honors, making the Philadelphia Eagles 75th Anniversary Team. His most memorable play, other than his 14 second scramble away from the Dallas Cowboys defense on Sunday Night Football where he bombed to Freddie Mitchell who caught it, has to be the play that is now titled “4th and 26″. A play that I will remember for the rest of my life.

I was rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles at the time because of course, the Chicago Bears didn’t make it to the playoffs, but the Green Bay Packers did and that is who the Eagles happened to be playing. Coming down to the final minutes of the game, them going for it, I was positive they wouldn’t have converted to get themselves fresh downs, but I was wrong. My entire house hold was going against the Packers that night (it is only right), so I’m pretty sure the entire block heard us erupt into cheers and applauds as McNabb and the Eagles offense picked up what they needed to eventually win in overtime.

McNabb is the all-time leader in career wins, pass attempts, pass completions, passing yards and passing touchdowns for the Philadelphia Eagles. As he moved on from the Eagles as he was traded to the Washington Redskins in 2010 and the Minnesota Vikings, who became the final team he actually played for in 2011, things went down hill for McNabb as he struggled.

He finished the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins with 3,337 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns and 15 interceptions and only 1,026 passing yards, 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in his final season of his career, with the Minnesota Vikings before being benched.

McNabb told NBC Sports Radio that the Eagles suggested September 19th as a potential date for his retirement ceremony. A game in Week 3, where Andy Reid, a man who drafted Donovan McNabb, will return to Lincoln Financial Field as the new head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. I wonder what kind of ovation these two will receive from the fans of Philadelphia on that night?

His career stats as of 2011, are 234 touchdowns, 117 interceptions, 37, 276 passing yards, 616 rushing attempts for 3,459 yards and 29 rushing touchdowns.

Sep 9, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; A Kansas City Chiefs helmet on the field before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Arrowhead Stadium. Atlanta won the game 40-24. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

To kick off the 2013 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs have selected Offensive Tackle Eric Fisher from Central Michigan.

Finally the wait is over, we know who will anchor that offensive line in Kansas City with a new look offense lead by quarterback Alex Smith.

Andy Reid is bringing his west coast offense from the Philadelphia Eagles to try to turn things around in Kansas City after replacing Romeo Crennel.

Look for the Kansas City Chiefs to look for an Inside Linebacker, Wide Receiver, Defensive Tackle and a defensive back of some sort later on in this draft.

He is the highest drafted MAC prospect since Byron Leftwich in the 2003 draft who played for Marshall.

Jacksonville Jaguars are now on the clock.

Dec 30, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; A reflection of Qualcomm Stadium in a puddle on the field during the first quarter of a game between the Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL has been called a quarterbacks league, a copycat league, the No Fun League, and “Not For Long” if you don’t play well enough. Increasingly, it has also become the Perception league.

Think about how our perceptions have changed, and shaped the way we think about… Joe Flacco… Ray Lewis… Randy Moss… Colin Kaepernick went from project to protege overnight. If Tom Brady yells at his teammates during a game, he’s a competitor. But when Jay Cutler does it people say he’s just a dick. Perception.

When Brady recently signed a restructured contract extension, the perception was that he “took less money” because he’s such a Great Guy who just wants to win. Of course, it was quickly pointed out that the extension is fully guaranteed, regardless of injury, so he’ll be making $9 million per year at ages 38-40. In fact, Brady has renegotiated his contract 7 times and gotten a raise each time. But the media narrative is that he’s willing to play for “less” (but still more) so the Patriots can afford to build a winner around him (just as he and his even-richer supermodel wife have built a moat around their mansion).

The perception is that the NFL has a salary cap, but the reality is there are many ways around it. Obviously Brady is only the most famous example; players all over the league are lining up to re-do their deals. (I’m still not sure what the difference is between these book-cooking “restructured” contracts and whatever it is the Cowboys and Redskins were penalized for doing during the un-capped season.)

From New England, we travel to Kansas City (like Matt Cassel, Scott Pioli, and Romeo Crennel before us). Cassel is out, now that the Chiefs have agreed to trade for former 49ers starting QB Alex Smith. The perception is that Smith is/was the top QB available this off season, a solid veteran for new coach Andy Reid to build around. But not long ago Alex Smith was the poster boy for mediocrity, declared a bust perhaps mostly due to being drafted first overall but also in part because it looked like he just wasn’t that great of a football player.

But now that he’s spent a couple years playing well under Jim Harbaugh and playing an instrumental role in the Niners rise to contention, we perceive bringing in Alex Smith to be your starting QB as a slam-dunk of a no-brainer move. I’m not saying he’s terrible or anything, but he’s 2-25 as a starter when the opponent scores 24 or more points and he’s never thrown for 20 TD’s in a season. Let’s just say he may have benefited from the dominant defense and strong running game in San Francisco.

From San Francisco, he travels to Kansas City (like Joe Montana and Elvis Grbac before him). Now he’ll be playing for Andy Reid, another test case in NFL Perception. Most view him as a “great coach,” and he was hailed as the most sought-after skipper about 12 seconds after he was officially let go from Philly. Certainly his record with the Eagles was impressive, but I still see him as a bit overrated. His play calling and clock management (or lack thereof) definitely cost them some games over the years.

It’s interesting that the Chiefs, holding the first overall pick in the upcoming 2013 NFL Draft, saw no franchise QB’s worthy of the number one pick, so they traded for a guy who was once a first overall pick because a QB-desperate team was picking first in a draft that was perceived to not have any franchise QB’s (although some guy named Aaron Rodgers did slip all the way to the 24^th pick).

Anyway, I assume the fans in and around Kansas City are thrilled about the new direction of the Chiefs…. But it wasn’t that long ago that most people would have pointed and laughed at the thought that a surefire way to turn your team around would be to bring in Alex Smith and Andy Reid!

Replacing Reid in Philadelphia is former University of Oregon head coach Chip Kelly. Once again the perception when the NFL coaching carousel started spinning was that (other than The Legendary Andy Reid) Chip Kelly was THE hottest name in coaching. Vince Lombardi reincarnated. Well, in the words of that true legend, “What the hell’s going on out here?” Again, not saying Chip Kelly stinks at coaching football. But he’s never coached at any level in the NFL, and had never been a head coach at any level of college until taking the helm at Oregon in 2009. Just 10 years ago, he was the defensive coordinator at Johns Hopkins.

College coaches have had their ups and downs when making the leap up to the NFL (and often quickly back down to the college ranks). For a while, the perception was that the big-name college coaches just couldn’t cut it (thanks to the failings of Lou Holtz, Butch Davis, Steve Spurrier, Bobby Petrino, Nick Saban, and others). Of course, now that perception has changed (thanks to Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll suddenly threatening to put a stranglehold on NFC domination).

Chip Kelly hails from the Pac-10 conference where Harbaugh and Carroll once operated, as does USC QB prospect Matt Barkley. He was once perceived to be a near-certain franchise QB and possible first-overall pick had he left school early for the 2012 draft. Now he’s just somewhere near the top of the pack of middling QB hopefuls in what is universally deemed to be a pretty weak draft class for franchise QBs.

The top-rated QB in the upcoming draft, one originally rumored as a possible first-overall pick by the Chiefs before they traded for Alex Smith, is West Virginia’s Geno Smith (no relation). Geno has undergone his own perception evolution. Not really on many people’s radar before the 2012 season, Geno put up some ballistic statistics early in the season in Dana Holgorsen’s high-powered Mountaineer offense. On his way to a senior season of 4205 yards with 42 TD’s and only 6 interceptions on 72% passing, he dropped 656 yards in a game against Baylor when he threw more TDs (8) than incompletions (6).

But WVU cooled off (thanks to attempting to play out the season without a defense) and Geno wasn’t even among the finalists for the Heisman. Now, he could be the key to how the first round of the draft unfolds. The perception is that he’s probably the safest bet from this QB class to be a longtime starter and possible Pro Bowler. But some say he’s not worth a top-5 or top-10 pick. Others think that quarterback-needy teams at the top of the draft (Oakland, Philadelphia, Arizona, Buffalo, the NY Jets, and possibly Cleveland) might regret passing on a poised, talented, and experienced passer like Geno Smith.

Speaking of perception, Notre Dame LB Manti Te’o went from Heisman finalist and likely top-5 pick to now being in danger of slipping out of the first round simply because of the infamous fake dead girlfriend hoax and his slow 40-yard-dash time at the NFL Combine.

Of course our perception of all these players and where they end up getting picked will change by the Monday morning after the draft, and then again when they take the field in the fall and then again many times over the next several seasons.

Which brings us back to future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Tom Brady, who was a compensatory 6^th-round draft pick, the 199^th player selected that year.

Dec 9, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws the ball before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

There are so many spots that have to be filled or replaced when it comes to rebuilding an NFL franchise. When it comes to the defense, it’s all about the presence of a field general, guys like Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher, Patrick Willis, DeMarcus Ware just to name a few, who can inspire their fellow team-mates to play hard and leave it all on the field game to game.

Another key part of this process, is a head coach. Andy Reid, 54 years old was brought into the organization after being fired by the Philadelphia Eagles in January. Reid who runs a West Coast offense, said:

“You can basically take any type of quarterback and fit him into this offense. You’re just going to utilize different parts more according to their skill level. But you have that flexibility and that’s what makes it so stinkin’ unique.”

So with the Kansas City Chiefs looking to improve their offense, they have been searching for the right quarterback to lead their new offensive scheme.

Alex Smith, a man whose name has been all over the rumor wire recently, has very high interest from the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith who has been to the NFC Championship game twice, once as a starter and second as a back up to Colin Kaepernick, has the ability to lead an offense and win games.

The Kansas City Chiefs made the playoffs in 2003, 2006 and 2010, having their best season between the 3, 2003 they went 13-3 and won the AFC west.  Of course as time goes on, pieces who helped made that team or coaches who helped mold talent into contenders, they move on. The team has had it’s issues as of late and it mainly comes down to the offense.

Right now there are reports that the Kansas City Chiefs are also leaning more towards Offensive Tackle Luke Joeckel out of Texas A&M who could potentially be the anchor for their offensive line. So bringing in Alex Smith and possibly drafting a quarterback late in the draft, could be a good start to rebuilding this team and getting them on the right track.

They also have the choice to franchise tag Dwayne Bowe, which I think they do, it would be crazy if they just let him walk away while they are talking about putting together a winning team. A boost in the running game wouldn’t hurt either, wouldn’t be surprised if they also talk to Reggie Bush.

With all this being said, it looks as if Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs mean business. Starting from the ground up isn’t an easy thing to do, but it isn’t impossible. Every team in sports has done it, some found success, others took time but eventually came around. But as long as you are surrounded by staff, players and fans who believe that this could work, then that itself is a recipe for success.

Dec 29, 2012; Bronx, NY, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith (12) drops back to pass during the second quarter against the Syracuse Orange at the 2012 New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

The following is a guest post submitted by Aaron Stafford, a future writer for NFL Spin Zone. The Kansas City Chiefs have the first pick and are on the clock, we’ve made our projections in our first pre-Super Bowl mock draft, but Aaron disagrees and makes a case for West Virginia Quarterback Geno Smith.

While there may be a huge football game being played this Sunday between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens, there are 30 other teams in the NFL who are preparing to revamp their rosters in hopes of making it to next year’s Super Sunday.

Arguably the worst team in the NFL this past year, the Kansas City Chiefs currently own the #1 overall pick in this year’s draft. I am proposing they spend that #1 pick on quarterback Geno Smith from West Virginia for a few reasons.

The Chiefs’ new head coach, Andy Reid, has quite the resume when it comes to developing QBs in the NFL. He also runs an offense that would fit Geno Smith’s abilities as a QB. Andy Reid was able to win with multiple quarterbacks while he was in Philadelphia. Most notably in my opinion is Jeff Garcia. Geno Smith fits the mold of the type of QB Andy Reid wants. Geno’s accuracy and his ability to move around in the pocket fits perfect in Reid’s offense. Add a receiver of Dwayne Bowe’s stature with a running back like Jamaal Charles and suddenly a pitiful Chiefs offense looks elite.

Rather than paying a stopgap quarterback like Alex Smith $30 million for a few years of game manager type of play, the Chiefs need to invest in the long term with Geno Smith. The risk/reward weighs too much in the favor of reward with Geno Smith. If Geno comes in and isn’t any better than Matt Cassel or Brady Quinn, (which would be hard), the Chiefs wouldn’t have to waste $50 million in guaranteed money due to the new CBA agreement. But if and when Geno comes into Kansas City and shows his elite potential, Chiefs fans might finally have something to cheer about.

All I’m saying is that not much can go wrong with taking a chance on the future for the Kansas City Chiefs. The rewards of drafting and developing Geno Smith in Andy Reid’s offensive system could result in finally bringing a winning team to Kansas City.

November 13, 2011; Philadelphia, PA USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid after the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cardinals defeated the Eagles 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals parted ways with head coach Ken Whisenhunt following the 2012-13 NFL regular season and they will now be actively searching for a replacement.

Arizona is wasting no time in their head coaching search and they have quickly lined up two interviews for the vacancy.

One of the candidates for the Cardinals job will be Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy. The other candidate that has received early interest from the Cardinals is a big name coach that has had success in the past.

Per Arizona Cardinals beat writer Darren Urban, Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill will interview former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid.

Arizona is one of the jobs Reid had his sights set on since learning he was likely on the outs with Philly. Reid’s other preference is the San Diego Chargers.

July 23, 2012; Bethlehem, PA. USA; A general view of a sign prior to Philadelphia Eagles training camp at Lehigh University. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles have issued multiple statements following the news that head coach Andy Reid’s son, Garrett, had steroids in his room at LeHigh University when he died of a heroin overdose. The problem for the Eagles is that LeHigh University is the location of their training camp.

Luckily for the Eagles organization, Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli said the police did not receive enough evidence to suggest anyone from the Eagles was involved.

However, that hasn’t stopped the the Eagles from issuing a statement following the news.

“The news today on Garrett Reid’s possession of steroids is disappointing,” Lurie said.  “It’s clear the conduct in which he apparently engaged runs counter to the values and principles mandated for everyone associated with our organization.  We have spoken with the league office and have pledged our full cooperation with their requests should there be any.  While we remained saddened by the tragic end of a young man’s life and know how hard this must be for the entire Reid family, we are extremely confident that Garrett’s actions were unknown to those around him and did not involve our football team.

“The NFL has a rigorous drug testing program for its players.  It is a matter of record that none of our players has tested positive for any of the steroids mentioned in the district attorney’s report.”

While there is no connection to a member of the Eagles organization and the steroids in Garrett Reid’s room, it is still not a good look for the organization.

Head coach Andy Reid also released a statement on the news.

“Today’s report saddens me greatly, but only confirms the troubles Garrett encountered in the final years of his life,” Reid said.  “As parents, we were encouraged by his apparent progress but, like many addicts, he was able to conceal the signs of relapse.

“Jeffrey Lurie, the Eagles organization and the people of Philadelphia have been remarkably supportive of my family throughout our ordeal.  I am confident that my son’s decisions did not affect our football team in any way.  I cannot apologize enough for any adverse appearances that my son’s actions may have for an organization and a community that has been nothing but supportive of our family.”

It is sad to see new like this surrounding Garrett Reid’s death. It is hard enough for Andy Reid to deal with the death of his troubled son and these reports make it that much harder to grieve.

Nov 11, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and head coach Andy Reid talks with quarterback Nick Foles (9) during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cowboys defeated the Eagles 38-23. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles playoff went down the drain for the 2012-13 NFL season after they lost on Sunday Night Football to the division rival Dallas Cowboys, 38-23.

With nothing left to play for, head coach Andy Reid announced on Monday that the team will use the remainder of the season to see what rookie quarterback Nick Foles can bring to the table.

“Today I’m going to name Foles — Nick — the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season,” said Reid, per the Washington Post. “Mike is on the fast track so we might be able to get him back this season. No. 1 is his health, most importantly. And No. 2 it gives one of our young players an opportunity to play here the next four games as the starter. Each week he’s come in as the replacement guy.

“Now he is the starter and we’ll see how he does with that on his plate.”

The key factor in Reid’s situation was winning football games. Reid believes Foles can help the team win games to finish out the year and he wants to make sure Vick gets back to 100 percent health.

“I think where we’re at in the season it gives us an opportunity to play and finish it up,” Reid said. “He’s playing well enough to where I think he can win football games and I think where we sit at this position in the season it’s the right thing to do. And Michael, we’ve got to make sure he gets healthy.”

It may not matter in the long run. All signs point to Reid and Vick being ousted at the season’s end.

October 30, 2011; Philadelphia, PA USA; Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid meets Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett on the field after the game at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Cowboys 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Sunday Night Football match up between the NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys just received an interesting new twist.

It is all but certain that the Eagles will part ways with longtime head coach Andy Reid at the end of the season and the speculation has begun as to where Reid will grace the sidelines next.

Mark Eckel of the Times of Trenton, quoted an “extremely reliable source, who is close to Reid” that says Reid believes he could be the Cowboys head coach next season if the Cowboys decide to fire Jason Garrett.

“I know a lot of people think Andy is going to San Diego next year, and I can see that happening,” the source said, per Eckel.  “But I keep hearing Dallas.  I think he can end up with the Cowboys.  As a matter of fact, I think he will end up with the Cowboys, if Jason is fired.”

It is a very interesting piece of news and it will add a new dynamic to the two team’s rivalry. It will be fun to see how this one plays out.