By Ben Troupe
SouthernPigskin.com

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Former NFL tight end Ben Troupe is never shy to offer up his candid opinions on football topics.

How you doing out there, college football fans and football fans in general? Welcome to the latest installment of the most dangerous blog on the planet, “Troupe Talk”. Thanks for taking the time out of your schedule to check me out; I promise you will not be disappointed. I always want to thank my loyal readers and followers for all the love and support, and welcome in my new readers as well. Sit back, relax and enjoy.

The recent situation surrounding DeSean Jackson and his release from the Philadelphia Eagles has dominated headlines throughout the NFL and the media for the last week. I commented on how I felt that the Eagles’ handling of the situation was completely unprofessional. If a player’s time has run its course and it is time for that player to go, then let him go and move on without seeming as if you are trying to affect his image and persona. Point being, just send him on his way and, please, under no circumstances, mess with this man’s money, because that is below the belt.

Now, while I never really believed that Desean Jackson was ever in any gang or even had gang ties (which isn’t a crime, by the way), I was waiting around to see who else would have something to say, because, in fairness to the Eagles, they never said anything about gangs or gang ties; it was reported by New Jersey.com, so my frustrations were directed at them. The Eagles did say the reason why he was released was because of his attitude, work ethic, and how he used to challenge Chip Kelly’s authority. This seems a lot more believable, only because Jackson had his issues with former head coach Andy Reid when he coached DeSean as well. Jackson stated in an interview with Stephen A Smith that he had a phone conversation with Chip Kelly, and Chip basically told him that it would be in the best interests of both he and the team if they parted ways.

First off, Chip did not have to have a conversation with Jackson to let him know that he would be released. Secondly, It showed that even though the two had their differences, Chip handled it with class. What was sad was how some of DeSean’s former teammates hid behind the anoymous tag to voice their displeasures with him. These former teammates said that he is a “me” guy, and he did not work hard and only acted as if he was about the team. While I do not know if any of these allegations are true, the former teammates’ statements, while anonymous, sound very believable and are grounds for release.

DeSean Jackson’s situation should serve as a wake up call for himself, players, coaches and really just about anybody. It does not matter who you are and how much production you bring to any team; if your negative starts outweighing your positive, then changes will be made, and that usually includes your services. This is a basic principle not just in football, but in life. You challenge the authority of your head coach, supervisor, or boss and you are supposed to be terminated. Your contract is supposed to be voided out.

Is DeSean Jackson an incredible talent? Yes. Is he coming off his best season as a pro? Yes. Was he valuable to that team? Yes. Can he help any team that he plays on? Yes. Is he replaceable in that offense or in the NFL in general? Yes.

When you play for a team and represent an organization, then you understand that the team and organization’s overall goals are far more important than your goals, and serve as the centerpiece and foundation in everything that the team and organization does. Whenever individual goals overshadow the TEAM and organization’s goals then you will no longer be a part of this team or work for this organization.

While i applaud DeSean Jackson for doing the interview and clarifying why he is not in a gang or affiliated with any gang, he stated that Chip Kelly did not feel as though he fit what the Eagles were trying to do moving forward. It should be humbling and it should hopefully cause him to take a step back and reevaluate his intentions and his approach, now being a part of the Redskins organization.

One of the hardest things to do is to change overnight. It is much easier to be and do what you have always done instead of putting up a front to blend in with your surroundings. I hope that this situation has given DeSean Jackson motivation and a mindset to be the best he has ever been with his new team, because even though he has a new slate with his new team, these allegations against him will be something that the Redskins will keep a close eye out for. Hey, it is human nature to listen in and be on the lookout for what could be something that could potentially be harmful to your team. Notice I said potentially, not definitely, because, as you may well know, I am rooting for this young man and any other player that plays in both college and the NFL, because I know how hard it is to do both. This situation should serve as a reminder that you are a part of something much bigger than yourself, and that the team is far greater than any individual. Keep doing your thing, DeSean. I will be rooting for you and the world will be watching.

Thanks again for taking the time to check out the most dangerous blog on the planet, “Troupe Talk”. Make sure you frequently check back with Southern Pigskin, where its’ all about the fans. Make sure to go out of your way and be inconvenienced for someone else to show them that they matter. Three words that will change your life are simply: Life Goes On. Keep God first through infinity, and be persistent at being consistent. Two fingers.