08 Sunday Aug 2021
Posted in DJF Social Media, NFL Players Giving Back
Tags
Byron Jackson, DeSean and Gayle Jackson, DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson FAST Camp, DeSean Jackson Foundation, Gary Cablayan, Los Angeles Rams, NFL Foundation, Team Jackson, Travis Clark
Photo Credits: NIL Media, Post by: DeSean Jackson Foundation
03 Tuesday Aug 2021
Posted in DJF Social Media, NFL Players Giving Back
Tags
California Lutheran University, DeSean and Gayle Jackson, DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson FAST Camps, DeSean Jackson Foundation, Gayle Jackson, LA Rams, NFL Foundation
Photos from: July 23, 2021 – Registration, Meet and Greet with DeSean Jackson and the Parent University Forum & Q&A Session
Event Venue: California Lutheran University, William Rolland Stadium, 3256 Luther Avenue, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
More About the venue:
William Rolland Stadium and Gallery of Fine Art is the newest addition to the athletics complex on north campus. The two-story stadium, completed in fall 2011, has 2,000 fixed seats, an artificial turf field and outdoor sports lighting for football, soccer and intramural matches. The two-story stadium, which is designed to meet NCAA standards, will has approximately 2,000 fixed seats in the bleacher structure, a permanent artificial turf field and outdoor sports lighting. The facility will include an art gallery, coaches offices, locker rooms, meeting rooms and treatment/taping facilities. Approximately 460 overflow parking spaces will be added to accommodate additional guests at the new facility.
Named for the generous lead donor William Rolland, the stadium is located on the north side of Olsen Road, west of the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center. Included in the 16,000-square-foot facility is the William Rolland Gallery of Fine Art, which houses pieces of bronze statuary, paintings and other items from Bill Rolland’s collection.
03 Tuesday Aug 2021
Posted in DJF Social Media, NFL Players Giving Back
Tags
DeSean Jackson FAST Camp, DeSean Jackson Foundation, Los Angeles Community Relations, Los Angeles Rams
Post by: Los Angeles Rams, July 28, 2021
Photo Credits: Hanna Yamamoto /LA Rams/ Copyright: Hanna Yamamoto/ LA Rams, Youth Football Clinic at California Lutheran University, William Roland Stadium, Thousand Oaks, CA
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver DeSean Jackson hosted a youth football camp at Cal Lutheran campus for over 150 student-athletes,
03 Tuesday Aug 2021
Posted in DJF Social Media, NFL Players Giving Back
Tags
DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson Foundation, Long Beach Poly Tech, Los Angeles Rams, Poly Jackrabbits, The 562.org
August 2, 2021 – Mike Guardabascio
Long Beach Poly alum DeSean Jackson is heading into his 14th season in the NFL, but he still hasn’t forgotten where he came from. Jackson, set to debut this year with the Los Angeles Rams, paid a visit to his alma mater last week, where he surprised the team with brand new cleats for every player.
While the players were still celebrating getting the cleats, Jackson revealed that they were also all about to head to a Champs Sporting Goods store in South Gate, where they were treated to a shopping spree as well.
“For me, it’s bigger than the gifts,” said Jackson. “It’s more motivation, to motivate the youth. This stuff is just the icing on the cake. For me, I like to be personally involved. I’ve been where these kids are and I know the sky is the limit. If you can take care of business at Poly you’re going to college for free. That’s the inspiration I’m trying to make sure that they have.”
Jackson gave a speech to the football team as well, highlighting the necessity of staying focused in the classroom as well as on the field, and also underlining that there’s an expectation of greatness that comes with playing at Poly.
“When you’re on this field you have to be at a different level,” he said. “People in the NFL know about you. People in college know about you.”
Poly coach Stephen Barbee said that after an emotional 12 months, it was nice for his team to get a visit from DeSean Jackson as they’re preparing for the 2021 football season.
“This is a really nice reward for them, and it says a lot about DeSean that he’s out here to give back to them while he’s getting ready for his own NFL season,” he said.
Jackson has remained a presence around the Poly football program, despite a career that has primarily had him on the East Coast with the Eagles, Buccaneers and Washington Football Team. Despite that, he usually was on the sidelines for Poly football games on the Friday night of his bye week, and would often give a speech before a game or at halftime. He’s also hosted DeSean Jackson Foundation FAST Camps in Southern California, including one in Thousand Oaks last weekend.
“It means a lot to all of us because we don’t get to see NFL players, this is my first time seeing an NFL player here interacting with us,” said Poly lineman Tyson Ruffins. “It’s really great that he did this, we really appreciate it.”
Jackson said he has high hopes for the Rams’ season this year, with quarterback Matt Stafford and a strong roster that he hopes will allow him to continue his record-setting career. Jackson is already the all-time Long Beach leader in professional touchdowns after passing Gene Washington, and is one of the longest-tenured NFL players to ever come out of the Moore League.
He said he’s hopeful that while the kids were wearing their new cleats they’d think about his journey, and how he used the sport to better his life. “At Poly you’re in the midst of gangs and drugs off the campus,” he said. “I remember we’d see things during practice just over there on the other side of the fence that were crazy. But that’s what you use the field for–you use it as an escape. That’s what it was for me, it was a getaway. Let me block all the noise out and just focus, and take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to just be with your friends and work.”
The562 is a non-profit, community-funded outlet: It’s sports coverage by Long Beach, for Long Beach. If we all work together—all of us, including you—we can guarantee our city will have quality local journalism for generations to come. Contributions you make to The562.org are fully tax-deductible using our EIN/Tax ID: 82-4314833
30 Friday Jul 2021
Posted in DJF Social Media, NFL Players Giving Back
Tags
Coach Stephen Barbee, DeSean and Gayle Jackson, DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson Foundation, Long Beach Poly Tech, Los Angeles Rams, Poly Jackrabbits
Post by: Joie Adams, DeSean Jackson Foundation, 7/29/2021
Prior to reporting to the 2021 Los Angeles Rams’ training camp, NFL All-Pro, wide receiver, and Long Beach Poly alum, DeSean Jackson, stopped by Poly Tech to commend Coach Stephen Barbee for 28 years of impacting the lives of his Poly teams; and, to surprise the football team with cleats and a shopping spree to Champs.
Desean states that he most definitely had to check on the Poly Jackrabbits before he reported to the LA Rams’ training camp for this his 14th year, in the NFL. He often “rolled up” on the Jackrabbits unannounced over the years to inspire, motivate and the Jackrabbits. It is important for them to know he has a vested interest in their team and individual successes. “I made it out and I want them to make it out”, he says.
Several starters of the Poly Jackrabbits lost fathers, mothers, grandparents or friends before the season started; all of their lives were disrupted financially, academically and psychologically due to the Corona-Virus and, many of their families are unfamiliar or confused about the impact the California, Fair Play to Pay Act, will have on eradicating generational poverty, developing economic parity and strengthening families.
“Knowledge is Power”, states DeSean, ” I had Bill and Gayle Jackson educating themselves on the system, protecting me and helping me. I want to instill the importance and value of education as a tool for them to be the architects of their own destiny. I want them to maximize their potential to control and be successful in all aspects of their lives”.
Therefore, it was imperative for DeSean to “pop up” on the Poly Jackrabbits before he reported to LA Rams’ training camp.
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Media and Photo Credits:
Permission granted by ABC7/KABC,, “In the Community”, Laurie A. Bossi
Stephen S. Barbee, Head Coach, Long Beach, Poly Tech
Gayle Jackson, President, DeSean Jackson Foundation
21 Saturday Sep 2019
Posted in NFL Players Giving Back
Tags
American Youth Football League, DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson Foundation, NFL Players Giving Back, Philadelphia Eagles, Southern California King Conference
Photo Credit: NFL
DeSean Jackson, of the Philadelphia Eagles, donated $30,000 to the Cali Bears Youth Football and Cheerleaders, an American Youth Football League (“AYF”), Southern King Conference, team, based in Los Angeles, in response to an appeal from the team to Mr. Jackson, for crucial funding to save the organization’s 2019 season. The Cali Bears Youth Football Team serves over 150 disadvantaged, inner-city youth, in South Central Los Angeles; and, was founded in 2018. Crucial funds were needed for uniforms, equipment, referee and venue fees; and, without these funds the entire season was in jeopardy.
Gayle Jackson, President, of DeSean Jackson Foundation, on behalf of DeSean Jackson and his foundation, presented the check to Leila Sedighan of the Southern California King Conference, Cali Bears Youth Football Team.
As the DeSean Jackson Foundation’s president, Gayle Jackson emphasizes the importance of the foundation’s mission and goals. “The foundation was established in honor of DeSean’s father, William ‘Bill’ Jackson, who sacrificed his life to put his son in a position to do what he’s doing today,” Mrs. Jackson said.
Bill dedicated his life to building a structured foundation and deterrent against negative influences for DeSean by utilizing sports in his formative years. [Frequently, Bill had DeSean play for several teams simultaneously which required changing uniforms in the car between games.]
“DeSean gives back because my son believes, in his heart, that the reason he’s blessed is to be a blessing; and, DeSean also believes he is responsible for preserving Bill’s vision and instilled values to never forget where you came from and those left behind; and, sometimes that works to his detriment; but, he is indeed his father’s son.”
“That’s what the DeSean Jackson Foundation is about: Mentoring, empowering and building confidence in these young kids,” Gayle Jackson said. “To me, that can change a person’s life; and, that’s is what DeSean Jackson, the Philadelphia Eagles’ All-Pro wide receiver, has continued to do throughout his 12 years in the NFL.”
# # # # # #
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
American Youth Football, Inc., established in 1996, is a support services organization, dedicated to giving back to communities by promoting the wholesome development of youth through their association with exemplary adult leaders in the sport of American football and cheer. Guidelines are established to ensure that players play in an atmosphere of learning with a competitive balance between teams. Contact: Dee Graver, National Football Commissioner (602) 283-6006. https://www.americanyouthfootball.com/index.html
Southern California King Conference: Wilson Mays, Southern California King Conference, Commissioner (310) 251-3080.
For More About Southern California King Conference: https://www.sckingconference.com/home
Compton boys football program adds nutritional training table
06 Tuesday Aug 2019
Posted in NFL Players Giving Back
Tags
Byron Jackson, Darrick Davis, DeSean Jackson, Gary Cablayan, Gayle Jackson, Irving Booker, John Ross, Long Beach, Long Beach Poly Tech, NFL, NFL Players Giving Back, Philadelphia Eagles, Samie Parker, Stephen Barbee, Terance Austin, Travis Clark, Travon Patterson
DeSean Jackson Hosts Free Football Camp In Long Beach
As usual, Long Beach was host to an NFL player putting on a free summer football camp for local youth last weekend. That’s become regular in Long Beach, where the kids have had plenty of opportunity to hear from local guys made good over the past several years. What was unusual was the NFLer at the center of the hundreds of eager young campers: Long Beach Poly alum DeSean Jackson, of the Philadelphia Eagles.
The camp at Veterans Memorial Stadium was the first free offering Jackson has put on in Long Beach, and he said it was an emotional homecoming for him putting the event on at Vets.
“It’s always a pleasure to be back in Long Beach where I started my career and legacy,” he said. “A lot of familiar faces come out and support, guys I played with, coaches. It’s really an honor to have them here, you don’t get to see all of them a lot.”
Jackson has put on several camps over the years, but not in the city where he first made his name.
“I’ve always taken pride in putting on events like this to have the people who helped me get to this point in my career give these kids the principles that made me who I am,” said Jackson. “I want to give back to these kids out here today, it’s a blessing to have the opportunity to put this camp on. These kids area huge inspiration to me in my life on a daily basis.”
Poly coach Stephen Barbee was on hand as a volunteer, and was happy to see Jackson inspiring the local kids. Barbee also pointed out that Jackson showed up to the Edison Battle at the Beach the previous weekend to cheer on Poly as the young Jackrabbits made a semifinal run before falling to Mater Dei in a single-possession game.
“DeSean Jackson is such a great representative of our team, and it means a lot to them to see him support them,” said Barbee.
“Long Beach Poly has a special place in my heart going back to 2001 as a young kid,” said Jackson. “I just want to motivate the guys and support them any way possible, Long Beach Poly is the home of the greats–I want them to know I see them and we’re all cheering for them.”
There’s been plenty for Poly fans to cheer about when it comes to Jackson. He’s often repped his high school more publicly than his college, sometimes saying “DeSean Jackson, Long Beach Poly” during television introductions instead of shouting out Cal, where he played NCAA ball. Jackson is back with the Eagles this season as he enters his 12th season in the NFL, a decorated career that’s seen him haul in 589 passes for over 10,000 yards, as well as three Pro Bowl honors. Jackson now stands at No. 45 all-time in the NFL in terms of receiving yards and is fifth in receiving yards by current players.
Barbee wasn’t the only local volunteer to work the camp with Jackson–the sidelines were stuffed with familiar faces including current Poly players and recent alums. Fellow Poly to the NFLers like Terrance Austin, Samie Parker, and Travon Patterson served as volunteers, as did Jackson’s speed trainer Gary Cablayan, who also works with John Ross.
Gayle Jackson, President and Co-Founder, of the DeSean Jackson Foundation, stressed the importance of having this inaugural event in Long Beach in regards to her late husband’s legacy; and, Long Beach is where Bill’s vision for transitioning the youth in South Central L.A. beyond their borders through sports began.
We are privileged to have the resources, donors and community partners to provide a free camp for 350 youth, from extremely diverse segments of Los Angeles County. We are also honored to have a $1,500.00 grant from the NFL Foundation to help defray some of the costs of associated with the planning and execution of a monumental event of this magnitude.
A’Dreea Jackson-Clay, DeSean Jackson, and Team Jackson: Byron Jackson, Travis Clark, Irving Booker, Darrick Davis
– Coach Travis Clark, Desmond Jackson, Adreea Jackson-Clay, F.A.S.T. Camp, L.A. Coordinator
For More Photos from the Event: The 562.0rg, and photographer, William Johnson, provided the following media coverage. https://www.the562.org/2019/07/11/photos-desean-jackson-football-camp-in-long-beach/
For More Information about the NFL Foundation:
08 Monday Jul 2019
Posted in NFL Players Giving Back
Tags
Blackhawk Athletic Club, DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson Foundation, DeSean Jackson Free Youth Camp, Gayle Jackson, NFL, NFL Player Giving Back, NFLPA, Philadelphia Eagles, Team Jackson
NFL player, DeSean Jackson, who was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, in March 2019, gave back to Philadelphia, on Saturday, June 8th, when he hosted a free camp for 250 youth, in North Philadelphia, in partnership with the Blackhawks Athletic Club. Jackson told NBC sports reporter, John Clark, that he is “very blessed and fortunate to be back in Philadelphia.” “I feel it’s my responsibility to give back,” he stated, “This is about helping the community and inspiring our youth to strive for greatness.”
The Blackhawks Athletic Club opened the registration to its members and other youth organizations in the Philadelphia area. Each age group of youth had the opportunity to work out with DeSean’s personal, professional coaches from LA, local youth coaches, who showed them the ‘tricks of the trade’ gained from years of experience; and, the latest technology in developing elite technical and performance skills.
For Gayle Jackson, the level of adulation DeSean has received since returning to Philly; and, reflecting on the terms and conditions of his departure, means that his foundation should “give back” much more. “We’re back, in Philly now and we’re getting all this love”, she said. “If you’re getting all this love, you have to do something, and that something should be the best that you can give.” That is what the DeSean Jackson Foundation is about: Mentoring, empowering and building confidence in these young kids, Gayle Jackson said, “To me, that can change a person’s life.”
Team Jackson: Irving Booker, Byron Jackson, Gayle and DeSean Jackson, Darrick Davis, Gary Cabalyan, Travis Clark
Coach Irving Booker, Team Jackson, organizing drills
Team Jackson Coaches, from LA, and Blackhawks Athletic Club Coaches
Coach Travis Clark, Mentoring Youth and Motivational Speech
DeSean Jackson, Coaching Wide Receivers
Coach Byron Jackson, Mentoring Youth and Motivational Speech
Coach Gary, DeSean Jackson, Coach Darrick Davis
Coaches Pierre and Bobby McRae, F.A.S.T. Camp – Philly – Coordinator
Shele Schell, F.A.S.T. Camp – Key Volunteer and Coordinator
Team Jackson Coaches from Los Angeles
Coaches Brent McNeil, Travis Clark and Pierre
DeSean Jackson and Desmond Jackson
DeSean Jackson and his Speed Coach, Gary Cabalyan
Gayle Jackson and Coach Brent McNeil
DeSean Jackson, develops, manages and executes his youth camps in #10 Mode.
MORE ABOUT: Blackhawks Athletic Club.
Blackhawks Athletic Club has been serving the youth, in Philadelphia, for over 50 years. Established in 1968, as a safe haven for youth to participate in sports, the Blackhawks Athletic Club, is chartered by the Pop Warner Little Scholars, of the Liberty Youth Athletic Association, of Philadelphia. Since 1968, the Blackhawks have continued to focus on teaching and developing the basic skills for football and cheerleading, for boys and girls, ages 15, for diligence and motivation. The Blackhawks practice each week at 11 Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue, Temple University Campus and its teams have brought national attention to the city of Philadelphia. For more information, contact Donald Richardson, Director, (215) 232-3130 or e-mail at Blackhawksathleticclub@msn.com.
Post By: Joie Adams, DeSean Jackson Foundation
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24 Friday May 2019
Posted in NFL Players Giving Back, Social Justice
Tags
#MarathonContinues, DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson Foundation, Morehouse College, National Football League, Nipsey Hussle, Philadelphia Eagles
Tim McManus
ESPN Staff Writer
Repost by: DeSean Jackson Foundation, 5/24/2019
http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=26651401
PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson was about halfway through his Q&A session with the students at Boys’ Latin Charter School in West Philly on Wednesday, and to that point he had fielded only football-related questions. Knowing there were bigger issues at hand, he took it upon himself to change the direction of the conversation.
“Let’s try to switch it a little bit,” Jackson finally said to a group of about 150 high schoolers, who sat at rapt attention as Jackson spoke from the stage in a surprise appearance. “Let’s go to everyday life, when you all leave from school, any obstacles you are all going through.”
Jackson was aware of the series of tragedies that had struck this community. Boys’ Latin, the only public all-boys school in Philadelphia, lost four students to homicide or suicide in the 2017-18 school year alone, according to lead student support officer Kenyon Meeks. One of the victims was William Bethel, a 16-year-old athlete who was slain on Easter Sunday in 2018. Bethel shared a connection with Jackson, having attended Jackson’s youth football camp during his first stint with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Meeks was a supporter of that camp and built a relationship with the star receiver over time. He helped arrange Jackson’s first trip to Boys’ Latin in 2013. It was the death of artist Nipsey Hussle, Jackson’s longtime friend, that prompted Meeks to reach out to Jackson for a return appearance, as he identified a common thread that could tie a success story to a group of young men in need of some hope and direction. Jackson was moved to help.
“We brought in DeSean Jackson today because of the recent Nipsey Hussle situation, related to the loss of some of our students,” Meeks said. “One of the key things for me was, how do I bridge that gap with our students that are feeling down and depressed, or just have to deal with the everyday aspect of being out here in West Philly?
“We have had our shares of ups and downs, and it was nice to finally have some joy here.”
Jackson remained hidden behind a side door in the school cafeteria before being introduced by the principal. He was greeted by a roar of applause when he emerged, and he went down the line shaking the hands of all the boys in the first row before hopping up on stage. He spoke of his journey from the Crenshaw neighborhood of Los Angeles to the NFL, and the pitfalls that had to be navigated along the way. It wasn’t long before he evoked Hussle’s name for the first time.
“I’m sure everybody in this room heard about the Nipsey Hussle situation, right?” Jackson asked, the crowd responding with a resounding “Yeah” in unison. “That was my boy, man. I grew up with him. That still hurts my heart to this day. Because it’s not really the enemies, it’s the people in your inner circle you’ve got to watch out for. You get to a certain point where you feel comfortable. You’ve got everybody praising you for what you do where you come from, sometimes you let down your guard. I’m going to tell you guys here today, just be careful.
Rapper Nipsey Hussle was fatally shot outside of his store in Los Angeles, Marathon Clothing, in late March. AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File
“You have to really understand: What are you in it for? Are you in it to win or to lose? Every day I chase to win. I don’t chase to lose. We’re not losers. Everybody in this room today has a destination in life. You’ve got a born date and you’ve got a death date. In between that time, how are you going to make the most out of it?”
Hussle was fatally shot outside his store in Los Angeles, Marathon Clothing, in late March. According to Meeks, Hussle’s death affected his students “on a level that you wouldn’t even believe,” saying that it “just uprooted everything that we have been through as a school community.”
Besides his music, Hussle was known for being an agent of change for the area in which he grew up, a neighborhood he stayed loyal to his entire life.
Hailing from the same area in South Central Los Angeles, Jackson and Hussle were friends for more than 15 years. Jackson will be wearing custom cleats to honor him this season.
Once he redirected the conversation, Jackson was asked about the neighborhood he came from and difficulties it presented. He spoke of his upbringing in the Crenshaw district, where “all people know is Crips and Bloods,” and where wearing the wrong color clothing can put you in peril. He had a decision to make: go into the streets and “hang out with my homeboys that’s just killing, that’s robbing, that’s selling drugs” or try to make a positive impact by pursuing his dream to be a professional football player.
“It’s obstacles,” Jackson said. “And I’m sure in your neck of the woods, where you come from, it’s the same.”
“It really touched me, because my uncle and a couple of my friends were killed due to gun violence,” said Jeremiah Carter, a Boys’ Latin senior and defensive lineman who is slated to attend Morehouse College in the fall, “so it helped to see somebody that comes from the same situation as that being in a higher place in life, and it motivates me to focus on, OK, even though bad things happen to people, that you can still push through that.”
Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson speaks to a group of students from the Boys’ Latin Charter School in West Philadelphia on Wednesday.
That spoke to Jackson’s overall message, one inspired by Hussle: to make something of yourself so you can one day create the change you want to see in your community.
“It’s the same stuff Nipsey was on,” Jackson said. “Like Jay Z said, ‘Go buy up the block.’ That’s what we need to do as young black men, and any other race, you’ve really got to go back and buy up the block.
“Anytime you’re able to do anything, put your best foot forward and change the culture. We’ve got to come together as one.”
23 Wednesday Jan 2019
Posted in NFL Players Giving Back
Tags
95.7 The Beat, DeSean Jackson, DeSean Jackson Foundation, Guardian ad Litem of Hillsborough County, NFL, NFLPA, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, The Spring of Tampa Bay
Gayle Jackson, President, DeSean Jackson Foundation and Kayla Phillips, Actress/Model/Entrepreneur
On December 10, DeSean Jackson, of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the DeSean Jackson Foundation answered an appeal for support from 95.7 The Beat (Tampa Bay’s Hip Hop & R&B Station) for its’ inaugural holiday Street Car of Hope Donation Drive, at West Shore Plaza, to collect toys, clothing, household items, gift cards to fill the TECO Line Streetcar.
Proceeds and in-kind donations from the event were distributed to The Spring of Tampa Bay and The Guardian ad Litem Program of Hillsborough County. The DeSean Jackson Foundation and Kayla Phillips made a generous donation to the event; and, Gayle Jackson, President, of the foundation appealed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ fans for support during the event. DeSean Jackson was unable to attend the event but did make a public statement of support and appreciation to 95.7 for the impact they are making in changing the lives of vulnerable individuals, families and children in our community.
Kayla Phillips, Desmond Jackson (DeSean Jackson’s brother) and Gayle Jackson
Gayle Jackson and Kayla Phillips
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About: The Spring of Tampa Bay. Mission: To Prevent Domestic Violence, Protect Victims and promote Change in the Lives, Families and the Community. For more information, please visit http://www.thespring.org/
About: Guardian ad Litem Program of Hillsborough County. Advocates for children and youth who have been abandoned, battered abuses, neglected. For more information, please visit http://www.galtampa.org
DeSean Jackson Foundation 