NFL Network insiderJason La Canfora shares his personal thoughts on Vincent Jackson after his exclusive interview with the Chargers receiver, who's holding out over his contract.
"I would say in general that Jackson seemed at ease, almost placid and reasoned about everything. He's a thoughtful guy who doesn't really want
the spotlight but clearly understands the problems he's caused for himself and
their severity.
"I felt like I needed to double back on him a few times on the DUIs and the idea that he'd sit out the entire season, and he was resolute about both. Although not being around football is stinging him, I can't see him ever playing for that $600,000 restricted free agent tender.
"We chatted for a good bit off camera as well, and he seems generally confused about the Chargers' stance. I believe he would, indeed, love to remain a Charger, as he says, and he loves the area, the system and his teammates. But if a trade came, he gets the business and wouldn't fight it."
"Jackson believes much of this is out of his control and ultimately wants fair compensation and some long-term security after productive years in this league. It's a gamble for any general manager, however, and an impasse that might not be resolved for quite some time.
Holdout wide receiver Vincent Jackson said Friday that he can still see himself in a San Diego Chargers uniform this season, but he's prepared to sit out the entire 2010 campaign if there's no resolution to his contract dispute.
"I've been financially smart, taking care of things like that off the field, so I'm ready for the long haul, but, again, I miss football," Jackson said during an exclusive interview with NFL Network's Jason La Canfora in Arizona, where the receiver is training. "I want to play football, I'm passionate about the game. I wouldn't be out here training, working as hard as I am if I didn't want to be on the field."
As a restricted free agent, Jackson was tendered at $3.268 million this offseason, but he didn't sign by the June 15 deadline and forfeited approximately $2.5 million because the Chargers exercised their right to lower the offer. Some people believe Jackson, who made his first Pro Bowl last season, has outperformed his five-year rookie contract, and he now wants a long-term commitment from the Chargers.
Jackson also said he hasn't had any direct contact with anyone from the Chargers' front office, and he has only heard from one receivers coach -- as a friend. They didn't talk football.
Last weekend, the Chargers placed Jackson on the roster exempt list, meaning he can't play for three games after the date he signs and reports to the team. Jackson also has been suspended by the NFL for the first three games for violating the league's substance-abuse policy, and there is a debate about whether he can serve the sentences concurrently.
Jackson's off-the-field issues are part of the reason he wanted to sit down for an interview. He has been charged with DUI twice in the last three years, but he said those mistakes don't represent his true character.
"You know, I've done everything off the field right except two bad choices," Jackson said. "I just want the legacy and the thought of Vincent Jackson off the field to be more positive."
Jackson maintains a low profile both on and off the field, which is why he believes his two transgressions have turned fans and general managers around the NFL against him.
"Mistakes can follow you like that, and I'm hoping to obviously clear all that up, get that behind me and let people know that I am serious about playing football," Jackson said. "That is my first love and I'm dedicated to it and work harder than most players in the league, and I don't have any problems like that. There is no character issue here."
Jackson said he's unaware if the Chargers want to keep him long term or trade him away. The team has granted only the Seattle Seahawks permission to speak with Jackson, whose agent, Neil Schwartz, said earlier in the week that he doubts the Chargers' intentions to trade his client.
Jackson said his agents haven't made any salary demands, but he believes he's a unique receiver whom coaches and players would love to have on their team.
"I don't limit myself. I don't put myself in a box," said Jackson, who has posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. "I try to run routes so that when you look at me on film, you're like, 'Ih, that guy's probably 6 foot, 185 pounds,' knowing that I'm about 6-4, 6-5, 230 pounds. I think that's where my strength is."
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