INTERVIEW: Desean Jackson On Coaching Delaware State, Earning Respect, Fatherhood + More

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club Episode: INTERVIEW: DeSean Jackson On Coaching Delaware State, Earning Respect, Fatherhood + More
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Host/Authors: DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God
Guest: DeSean Jackson, Head Coach of the Delaware State Hornets

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Introduction In this compelling episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God engage in an in-depth conversation with DeSean Jackson, the newly appointed head coach of the Delaware State Hornets. The discussion delves into Jackson's transition from a celebrated NFL career to collegiate coaching, his motivations behind choosing Delaware State, and his vision for empowering young athletes.

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1. Transition from NFL to Coaching DeSean Jackson opens up about the surreal experience of moving from a 15-year NFL career to coaching. Reflecting on his journey, he shares:

"Honestly, bro, I'm in a position, man, going through my whole life and my accomplishments... To be a head coach in the NFL after retiring two years ago, it's a surreal feeling."
[01:54]

Motivation Beyond Money Charlamagne probes into Jackson's motivations, especially given that many HBCU positions may not be lucrative. Jackson passionately responds:

"Honestly man, it's to change young kids' lives, give them opportunities, give them hope... to help them and change their lives."
[02:29]

He emphasizes his desire to provide guidance to young black youths, drawing from his own upbringing in Los Angeles where sports were his pathway out of challenging environments.

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2. Securing the Delaware State Position The conversation shifts to how Jackson landed the head coaching role at Delaware State. Initially hesitant about stepping into college coaching, Jackson explains how opportunities unfolded:

"Deleware, Delaware State. Actually, one of a good friend of mine hit me and he was like, bro, you want to coach college football?... So less than 48 hours, I'm on a flight going to Delaware."
[05:18]

This rapid progression underscores Jackson's readiness to embrace new challenges and his commitment to impacting young athletes positively.

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3. Challenges in Recruiting and Perception of HBCUs Addressing the hurdles HBCUs face in attracting talent, Jackson draws parallels with the successes of figures like Deion Sanders and Michael Vick:

"With the resources like you spoke on, for me, having a name, having a... Deion Sanders, Michael Vick... Travis Hunter and Shador Sanders showed a lot of players that you can go to an HBCU and still go to a Power 5."
[09:11]

He highlights the growing popularity and potential for HBCUs to produce elite athletes, aiming to replicate these successes at Delaware State.

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4. Building Trust and Respect with Players A significant portion of the interview focuses on Jackson's approach to coaching, emphasizing mutual respect and trust:

"Building that trust and letting them know, like, I was once in your position. I know where you want to go. Relate to that. Let me help you get there."
[08:34]

Jackson insists on establishing rapport before exerting authority, ensuring that players feel valued and understood.

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5. Balancing Parenthood and Coaching Jackson candidly discusses his personal life, particularly how fatherhood has influenced his professional responsibilities:

"When I retired in 2022... I got both my kids full time... That really put some discipline in."
[25:07]

He underscores the importance of being present for his children, which has instilled a sense of responsibility and focus as he embarks on his coaching career.

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6. Reflections on NFL Career and Influences Throughout the conversation, Jackson reflects on his NFL tenure and the mentors who shaped him:

"Travis Hunter and Shador Sanders... Eddie George... Jerry Rice... They're my two mentors."
[33:07]

He credits these figures for their guidance and support, which continue to inspire his coaching philosophy and commitment to excellence.

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7. Vision for Delaware State Hornets Looking ahead, Jackson shares his ambitious plans for the Delaware State Hornets:

"We not rebuilding, we coming in right now, we want to win this year."
[23:24]

He aims to infuse the team with determination and a winning mentality from the outset, leveraging his extensive experience to elevate the program.

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8. Addressing Skepticism and Proving Doubters Wrong Acknowledging the skepticism surrounding his appointment, Jackson addresses challenges head-on:

"There's no shoes that are too big for me... I'm surrounding myself with great people. That's not going to allow me to fail."
[07:05]

His confidence and strategic planning aim to dismantle doubts and establish a successful coaching tenure.

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Conclusion In closing, DeSean Jackson's interview on The Breakfast Club paints a picture of a driven, compassionate leader poised to make significant strides in collegiate athletics. His dedication to fostering young talent, combined with his rich professional background, sets the stage for what promises to be an inspiring coaching career at Delaware State University.

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Notable Quotes

• DeSean Jackson
  "Why not go touch these young kids' lives, man, to help them and change their lives."
  [02:29]

• DeSean Jackson
  "I love the doubt. And right now, I'm facing some more doubt... But there's no shoes that are too big for me."
  [07:05]

• DeSean Jackson
  "When you become a coach, you have to be the resemblance of what you want your young men to look like."
  [13:24]

• DeSean Jackson
  "I just want to tell y'all too, man. Y'all been killing it with y'all show, man. Been watching y'all for a long time."
  [36:34]

---

Key Takeaways

• Empowerment Through Coaching: DeSean Jackson is committed to using his platform to uplift and mentor young athletes, providing them with opportunities he once sought.

• Strategic Leadership: His approach to coaching emphasizes building trust, fostering respect, and instilling a winning mentality from day one.

• Personal Responsibility: Balancing fatherhood with professional aspirations, Jackson exemplifies dedication and discipline, serving as a role model both on and off the field.

• Breaking Stereotypes: By taking a coaching role at an HBCU, Jackson challenges preconceived notions about such institutions and showcases their potential to produce top-tier talent.

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Future Implications DeSean Jackson's move to Delaware State is more than a career shift; it's a strategic move to influence and transform collegiate athletics, particularly within HBCUs. His leadership is anticipated to not only elevate the Delaware State Hornets' performance but also inspire other former athletes to pursue impactful roles in sports education and mentorship.

Transcript

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[DJ Envy]

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[Charlamagne Tha God]

Wake that ass up early in the morning.

[Deshaun Jackson]

The Breakfast Club.

[DJ Envy]

Morning, everybody. It's DJ Envy.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Jess.

[DJ Envy]

Hilarious Charlemagne, the guy. We are the Breakfast Club. We got a special guest in the building.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yes, indeed.

[DJ Envy]

He is the new head coach of the Delaware State Hornets. Ladies and gentlemen, desean Jackson.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Welcome, brother.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Congratulations, man.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Come on, man. Appreciate y'all for having me, man. It's a blessing.

[DJ Envy]

How you feeling? First and foremost, brother, man, it's surreal, man.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Honestly, bro, I'm in a position, man, you know, going just going through my whole life and my accomplishments, obviously playing at a high level since I've been a little jit, little kid, you know, from Pop Warner all the way to high school to college and obviously my NFL career. We in New York right now. So I know a lot of New Yorkers hate me for that return a little bit, but, you know, it's all good. But, man, honestly, man, full circle. To be a head coach in the NFL after retiring two years ago, man, it's a surreal feeling, man.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I love seeing brothers like you get these kind of jobs. But it's obvious, obvious these gigs aren't for the money because a lot of HBCUs just don't have it. So what is the motivation?

[Deshaun Jackson]

Honestly man, it's to change young kids lives, man, Give them opportunities, give them hope. I mean, really the visionary for myself was coming from where I came from. Grew up in Los Angeles, California. Really didn't have a lot of resources, didn't have a lot of hope. Moms, pops didn't really have a lot of money to help. So sports and ball was my only way out. So I feel like a lot of young black kids, a lot of kids in general, you know, coming from the areas we come from, I mean, to have a guy like myself that knows every step of the way to get there, I mean, why not go touch these young kids lives, man, to help them and change their lives.

[DJ Envy]

How'd it come about? How did, why Delaware? How did that position happen?

[Deshaun Jackson]

People say why Delaware? I say why not though? But honestly. So I was. Last year was my first year of coaching high school and my older brother had a opportunity to get a coaching job in Long beach, where I went to Long beach, probably one of the number one high school in America to put, you know, guys into the NFL. So when I had a, I had a call, my brother's like, man, I could get a job, but it's in Long Beach. But it wasn't this the high school I went to. It was like a rival school. So I'm like, ah, that's gonna be hard to do. But when he got the job, I was like, man, you get it, I'm gonna come work with you, man. And I got an opportunity to go coach with him last year and I fell in love with it. Obviously I played 15 years and I can't get back to go out there and catch touchdowns. So going out there and helping them young kids and training them, it just like it kind of matched that void that I missed from catching touchdowns to train these young kids. And it was like I got into it and I fell in love with it, man. I said, man, I got an opportunity to really change these young kids lives. I got so much knowledge and insight on the game, it would be crazy for me not to give it back to these young guys and you know, help them do every step of their way.

[DJ Envy]

So how did Delaware call? Did you reach out to Delaware or.

[Deshaun Jackson]

They reached out to you?

[DJ Envy]

How did that happen?

[Deshaun Jackson]

Nah. So Delaware, Delaware State. Actually, one of a good friend of mine hit me and he was like, bro, you want to coach college football? I'm like, college football. Like, I just played 15 years in the league. You know how my time and just everything in my path, I'm like, I'm chilling. Feet kicked up, I'm at the house. I ain't working. Because, you know, it's a lot. A lot of people don't understand the hard work that goes into being professional athletes. So when I got the call, I'm like, college football. I'm like, I'm having a heck of a time right now coaching high school, college. That's time. That time is crazy. I'm like, nah, I don't want to do it. Literally, like an hour later, I got another call from Coach Clark, who's like a big brother mentor to me. And he was like, bro, you interested in coaching college? I'm like, hold on. What the hell is going on? This is getting crazy now. I was like, man, ain't you in school? Because he's a teacher. I'm like, ain't you in school? I said, man, call me back later and we'll talk about it. So I sat back and thought about it and I was like, you know what? I'mma consider it. And literally less than 48 hours, I'm on a flight going to Delaware. So they actually inquired on me and reached out through a few mutual guys I knew, and they was like, man, I had to go take this opportunity, man. I said I couldn't pass on it if it's something I really want to do. And obviously it's changing young kids lives. I was like, man, I ain't going to pass on this one.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You know what I hate, man? I hate the fact that I didn't even know you coached at Woodrow Wilson High School until you got the job at Delaware State. And I'm like, why the hell wasn't people amplifying that? Why wasn't the media talking about that? Because if you did some, yeah, they.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Gonna talk about that for sure, bro. I mean, for me, man, I. I think throughout my career, man, a lot of you know what has followed me. And you know, I don't. I don't like to use the word unfortunate. It is what it is. Growing up, you know, Los Angeles, around the gang culture and, you know, obviously the stigma, oh, he's hanging around with the wrong people, he's doing the wrong things. But throughout my career, like, you know, I've never went to jail, you know, I've never had no feelings, you know, so it's like I'm. I'm kind of put in that box just because I grew up. And, you know, the guys I do hang around with may partake in certain things, but at the end day, that's the culture and that's the nature where I come from. So for me, like, I never turned my back on them. I never made it and was like, you know what? I can't go to Crenshaw and Sauce. I can't go to Crenshaw and Vernon. I ain't gonna go to Leimert Park. That's my ears. And, like, I love to go back and support and help pull guys out of the air because I know how I feel to be stuck in there and have no hope to go anywhere else. You feel me? So for me, like, I just try to, you know, idolize the guys that, you know, I looked up to. My older brother who's here right now. I got having a camera on my face since I've been a little kid, like, every step of the way, it's always been a vision. And I have people around me that believed in my vision and helped me, you know, be or push me through every step of the way. And, you know, now I'm able to really put a lot of lights on it. And, you know, Amazon came through and we did a deal with them and we gonna be releasing a documentary and this fall coming up. So it's just a lot of surreal things going on, and I'm just blessed.

[Jess Hilarious]

That's what's up.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Did you.

[Jess Hilarious]

Did you ever feel like at some point, like, this is way before you even got drafted, you ever feel like doubt? Because they remember, they were saying that you were too small, your frame was too small. You cool, but your frame was too small. Did you ever have doubt?

[Deshaun Jackson]

Honestly, me, personally, I never had doubt. I just used all the naysayers and all the doubt to, like, fuel my fire. So knowing I was always the smallest, one of the smallest, but, like, I was always the fastest. So I'm like. My dad used to always say, well, if they can't hit you and they can't hit. If they can't catch you, they can't hit you. You know what I'm saying? So, like, for me, I just kind of, every step of the way, obviously, couldn't nobody predict that I was gonna be in the NFL for 15 years. Like, the average career in the NFL is three and a half years. I came in at since day one in 2008. No one would have never predicted me to play 15 years. So for me, I just. I love the doubt. And right now, I'm facing some more doubt. You know, people like, man, he ain't never coached college. Why the hell y'all gonna go hire a desean Jackson to be a head coach at Delaware State University? And for me, like, there's no shoes that are too big for me. I feel like I can feel any shoe there is made. And obviously having, like, a guy like coach Andy Reid, who was my coach in Philadelphia, Deion Sanders, who's like a mentor to me, you know, I feel like I'm surrounding myself around great people. That's not going to allow me to fail, and I'm not going to allow myself to fail. So I think the biggest thing about a head coach and being in a position like this, you got to surround yourself and around. I mean, you got to surround yourself with people to help you be successful. And for me, I'm going to put some heavy hitters in position. I can't let y'all know who I'm hiring, but I'm hiring some guys that got a lot of experience, played in the NFL, coached in the NFL, and coached at college at a high level. So I'm excited for this opportunity.

[DJ Envy]

I was going to ask. When it comes to recruiting players, HBCUs sometimes have it a little tough. Especially sometimes. You know, people go to the major schools, right, because they feel like they get better looks on television, and sometimes they feel the facilities are a lot better when training and things like that. So how do you combat that part of it?

[Deshaun Jackson]

You really want to know?

[DJ Envy]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Deshaun Jackson]

I'm about to come holler at you. You went to Howard. Y'all got that Jordan sponsor.

[DJ Envy]

We went to Hampton. I went to Hampton the other day.

[Deshaun Jackson]

All right, well, honestly, man, for me.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

It'S like, ain't no sponsorships at Hampton.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Nah. Yeah, I got it mixed up, but it's all good. Hampton Howard's artists. No, but honestly, man, Howard has a basketball and football.

[Peter Tilden]

Okay.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Nah, for sure. Well, I think, you know, just with the resources like you spoke on, for me, having a name, having a. A guy that had the success I had, I think it's a little easier. Obviously, you go back at what Deion Sanders did at Jackson State, he kind of put the plan down. He put the infrastructure down. He kicked the door open for guys like myself and Michael Vick, obviously. I'm sure you guys seen the Michael Vick get the position at Norfolk State. So, you know, for me, that's like a big brother to me, man. We got a great relationship. I grew up looking up Michael Vick and he kind of knocked the door down before I did. But it's crazy because when he got, he called me, it was like I got an opportunity to either be at Sac State or Norfolk State. He was like, you're gonna be my first hire. So at the same time I was like, I'm interested. But I was trying to like play, not playing, but like kind of keep them limbo because I knew I would potentially have my own position. So I was trying to really figure it out. But I mean, with them type of names, man, obviously Deion Sanders, Michael Vick, and then you have desean Jackson. Like we set up for this and, and for me, I think Travis Hunter and Shador Sanders obviously showed a lot of players that are big that you can go to a HBCU ball out and still go to a Power 5 and still go get the nil money and do everything and still be successful. So I think it's a little more popular now. Before that, I don't see people doing it like myself when I, when I was coming out, obviously I came out in 2005 and I was a big time recruit and I always wanted to go to an hbcu, but for me I was like too big to go to one. But my dad went to Bethune Cookman, you know, my mom went to Duquesne. So for me it's just a history, man. It's the culture, man. And I'm pumped up, ready for it for real, man.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Why don't HBCUs, well, why don't they have more money to make hires like yours and how do we increase that? How do we get them that money?

[Deshaun Jackson]

Great question. I think for myself, honestly, if we gonna talk about money, me being the head coach at Delaware State wasn't about money. You know, at the end of the day, my career and the money I've made on the field obviously is an honor and a blessing. But taking this position, it wasn't like I'm about to take this position, I'm about to become some crazy million dollar coach right away, you know what I'm saying? So for me, it was just a vision. It was the energy I felt when I went to Delaware. The people I met, obviously Dr. Allen, Dr. Hawkins, Tony Tucker, star, who was my guy that actually made this happen. When I, when I stepped foot on that campus, it was just like the morale was like. You could tell the people around just wanted to win. They had an eager for winning. It's like in the past two years, they won two games. I mean, like, this is not an ideal situation for me, but it is because at the end of the day, I know I'm a winner. So no situation scares me. So when I came into that building, that facility, like you said it wasn't. It's high schools that are better than our facilities.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I didn't even know they had a football team to get hired as you as a coach.

[DJ Envy]

Damn.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Damn. That's how you feel, though. Crazy.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And I'm lying.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Nah, that's real. But I mean, honestly, like, I've heard about Delaware State, but I ain't really know too much about Delaware State either. And Philadelphia is right down the road. You know, I spent a lot of time in Philadelphia. I played for the Washington football team. They don't call them the team I used to play for no more. They Commanders or whatever. Commanders or that. I don't like that name. But then I played for Baltimore as well, too. The Ravens, my last year in the league. So I'm surrounded in the same area, man. And I really took a liking to Philadelphia because obviously I'm a Cali dude. So when I got drafted, Philadelphia, like, I played for six teams, but Philadelphia is one of the best places I played in, man. So I feel like I'm at home, man. And I really. I really want to put a gate around Delaware, around Philadelphia, around dmv, around Baltimore, because at the end of the day, it's a lot of talent that goes unnoticed, and all these guys are going other places, you know what I'm saying? So for me, I think it's huge. And that was a part of the pitch when I had to interview for the head coaching job. It's like, I mean, you have desean Jackson coming in here now. A lot of these kids when I was playing in Philadelphia were kids that were five, seven years, you know, six, seven years old. And now they in high school. I'm gonna go into their house and talk, and it's like, wow, I remember you. I'm a Philadelphia Eagle fan, so it just makes it a little easier.

[Jess Hilarious]

Oh, my bad. Did your mentality have to change at all, going from, like, players to coach?

[Deshaun Jackson]

For sure, man. How do I answer that one? I think with this situation, obviously, I did have to clean it up a little bit. And the reason why I would say that is because me and Lashawn McCoy, who's somebody, you know, I have a lot of respect for and is like a brother to me, we was doing a podcast, and you free on that podcast, you can say what you want, you could do, you could drink, you know, whatever the case may be. So for me now being the head coach, it's a lot of things that I was having freedom to do and just relax just because, you know what, I worked hard, I did my thing, and now I could let my hair down a little bit. So, you know, a snap a finger, you know, I had to clean up. But I think throughout my whole career, it was like that, because when you walk into these offices or you walk into these owners or these coaches, you know, you just can't be in there just being yourself. You know what I'm saying? You got to clean up and you got to portray a certain image. So for me, like, I've. I've been used to that. I know how to turn the switch on and off. And I think the biggest thing is when you leading the university, you know, you have to be the resemblance of what you want your young men to look like. So, I mean, you just, you just want them to own up to the responsibility of being a young man, to be responsible, to work hard, and just all the characteristics you want in a young man to be able to be a grown man when you're done with them. I think the biggest thing is when I walk in the door, I look at these young men, like young men, when they leave out that door and they graduate, I want them to become grown man. So you just got to install principles and just let them know. And I think the biggest thing for me is I know what it looks like, I know what they. I know what the next level wants. I know the things not to do and what to do, because I. I'm not the perfect pitch. You know, I did a lot of things that, you know, I had to learn from. And, and now looking back, especially the social media space, like, I posted a lot of things when I was young, and the older I got, I was like, damn, I wish I didn't post that. Damn, I wish I wouldn't have showed that. But.

[Jess Hilarious]

But that also shows them that you are relatable, too.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Yeah, for sure.

[Jess Hilarious]

You know what I'm saying? Like, you got stains, you got stigmas, all that type of stuff. So it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And don't claim it.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Yeah, no, for sure. Yeah, don't claim it.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Just say, it's AI.

[Deshaun Jackson]

It's AI.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You don't gotta claim none of this shit no more. That ain't wasn't me.

[Deshaun Jackson]

It ain't me out here. Nah, for Real. That's real, though.

[DJ Envy]

Now I know Kevin Hart's your guy.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Yes, sir.

[DJ Envy]

Kevin Hart came up here and he said some things about Delaware State.

[Questlove]

You have it.

[Nimini]

You don't understand HBCU culture.

[Deshaun Jackson]

When you went to hbcu, you don't let it go. Come on.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Let it be known.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Where did you go, sis? She didn't. Here's your shot. I thought I was trying to.

[Nimini]

Delaware State University.

[DJ Envy]

There you go.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Let me know it is.

[Peter Tilden]

What do you mean?

[Deshaun Jackson]

I. I know where Delaware State is. That's just a bunch of on campus, shout out, delaware State. Do not listen.

[DJ Envy]

No, I know he's a huge Eagle fan. I know you guys are close. Did you call him when you got the job and be like, bro, you gotta take that back now.

[Deshaun Jackson]

See, what's crazy is I didn't even know about that viral moment until like, maybe like, a few hours ago.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

It wasn't viral just in Delaware.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Oh, it was just in Delaware on campus. So when I heard about what he said, I reached out to him and, you know, I tried to get him to call in to apologize. Cause, you know, now your little homie is the head coach over there. But no, he's dealing with all the fires, and I think he's shooting a show right now. But one thing I would say about Kevin, man, Kevin's a great dude and got a great relationship with him. I know he just say things. You know how he is. Kevin just say things.

[DJ Envy]

There was comedy.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Kevin just joking. He just be popping it. But for sure, Kevin's gonna come. He gonna come support. I mean, you know his roots with Philadelphia and being. Being a huge Eagle fan, you know, he was like, man, what I need to do, I got a building I can put my name on. I'm like, yeah, we got a whole lot of stuff you can put your name on. It's hbcu. We gonna need you. So I'm looking forward to building a lot of relationships, man. I got a lot of relationships with, you know, like, Michael Rubin is a guy that I reached out to, and, you know, he congratulated me as well, too. So just looking forward to putting all our resources, man, and bringing it together, man. Because I think we got a big opportunity, man, to change the perspective on HBCUs, man. And I'm. I'm stoked. I'm ready to get it going for sure, you know?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You know, when you become a. When you become a parent, you start looking at your parents different. Like, you kind of just appreciate them more and respect them more and understood what they went through. Now that you're a coach, do you feel like that about your old coaches? Because you probably gave some of your coaches.

[Deshaun Jackson]

I promise I did. And you know, it's crazy because when I was younger my mom was like, you bad, but your kids are going to be that much more bad than you are. So now Obviously I got two sons, 6 and 9, and my 9 year old boy, he be giving me a run for my money. So I'm like, man, I feel what you saying, but it's crazy you said that because I was in the, in the team meeting with the guys that met him for the first time like two days ago and I could just see like, man, like these dudes gonna give me a run for my money. But, but it's a good thing because it's relatable, you know what I'm saying? I literally was just in their seats. I know what they want to do and I'm not trying to sit here and police them. Like you young man, like you know right from wrong. If you want to be a elite scholar athlete, it's certain things you have to do. I mean it got to look a certain way and it's the nature of the business.

[Questlove]

The new year is here and you want to stay locked in on whatever you're into. Amazon prime is a cheat code. See, a lot of people think Amazon prime is just about getting those packages delivered faster than you can say I forgot to order that. But really, prime is not just one thing. It's all things. A place to stream movies and shows with Prime Video, Amazon Music and that free one day, same day delivery is everything you need to make the season stress free. Picture this, you're watching Thursday Night Football in Prime video and the friends are coming through. You need the last minute snacks and drinks. Prime's got you. You want to kick back and chill after the game. Prime Video's got the movies and shows to keep your night rolling. And if you want to wind down, Amazon Music's got the playlist to keep the vibe just right. So whether you're hosting, chilling, or just trying to make it through the hustle of the week, I know I'm doing all things above. Just know Prime's got your back. It helps you explore, discover and get more of what you love all in one place. So visit Amazon.comprime to get more of whatever you're into. Whatever you're into, it's on Prime. Visit Amazon.comprime now the world is constantly changing.

[DJ Envy]

It's up to you to decide how to respond. Choose to be bold to try something new. Choose to reinvent yourself. That's what Nissan did with the all new, totally reimagined Kicks. The dynamic new exterior styling immediately announces that Nissan isn't messing around. The interior. A completely redesigned cabin with premium features like wireless Apple CarPlay and a panoramic moonroof make driving a Kicks immersive and exciting. And with new performance and safety features like intelligent all wheel drive, the Kicks is both fun and safer to drive than ever before. It is the dawning of a brand new era for the Nissan Kicks. Only one question remains. Is it a new era for you as well? Drive the all new reimagined Nissan Kicks.

[Unknown]

Today Available Features Compatible device service and consumer activation of Nissan Connect Services package Required use only when safe and legal, subject to third party service availability. For more information, see nissanusa.com connect legal Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Intelligent all wheel drive cannot prevent collisions or provide enhanced traction in all conditions. Always monitor traffic and weather conditions.

[Jason Alexander]

I'm Jason Alexander.

[Peter Tilden]

And I'm Peter Tilden. And together on the really no really.

[Jason Alexander]

Podcast, our mission is to get the true answers to life's best baffling questions.

[Peter Tilden]

Like why they refuse to make the bathroom door go all the way to the floor.

[Jason Alexander]

We got the answer.

[Peter Tilden]

Will space junk block your cell signal? The astronaut who almost drowned during a spacewalk gives us the answer. We talk with the scientist who figured out if your dog truly loves you and the one bringing back the woolly mammoth. Plus, does Tom Cruise really do his own stunts? His stuntman reveals the answer and you never know who's going to drop by.

[Jason Alexander]

Mr. Brian Kratz, how are you?

[Deshaun Jackson]

Hello.

[Peter Tilden]

My friend Wayne Knight about Jurassic Park.

[Jason Alexander]

Wayne Knight, welcome to really not really, Sir.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Bless you all.

[Peter Tilden]

Hello Newman. And you never know when Howie Mandel might just stop by to talk about judging.

[Jason Alexander]

Really?

[Deshaun Jackson]

That's the opening.

[Jason Alexander]

Really?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

No.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Really? Yeah, really?

[Unknown]

No really.

[Jason Alexander]

Go to reallynoreally.com and register to win.

[Peter Tilden]

500 a guest spot on our podcast or a limited edition sign. Jason Bobblehead.

[Jason Alexander]

It's called really no really? And you can find it on the iHeartRadio app on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Unknown]

Sup, y'all? This is Questlove and I'm here to tell you about a new podcast I've been working on with the story pirates and John Glickman called Historical Records. It's a family friendly podcast. Yeah, you heard that right. A podcast for all ages. One you can listen to and enjoy with Your kids. Starting on September 27th, I'm going to toss it over to the host of Historical Records Nemesis to tell you all about it. Make sure you check it out.

[Nimini]

Hey y'all, Nimini here. I'm the host of a brand new history podcast for kids and families called Historical Records. Historical Records brings history to life through.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Hip hop, smash, slam. Another one gone. Bash, bam. Another one gone. The cracker, the bat and another one gone. The tip of the cap is another one gone.

[Nimini]

Each episode is about a date, different inspiring figure from history. Like this one about Claudette Colvin, a 15 year old girl in Alabama who refused to give up her seat on the city bus nine whole months before Rosa Parks did the same thing.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Check it.

[Nimini]

And it began with me.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Did you know?

[Nimini]

Did you know I wouldn't give up my seat? Nine months before Rosa, he was Claudette Goldman. Get the kids in your life excited about history by tuning in to Historical Records because in order to make history, you have to make some noise. Listen to Historical records on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Now. It's a lot of money involved in these colleges. Like you able to get paid for it. So I'm able to really walk in there and say, look, if you want xyz, this what you gotta do, you know what I'm saying? And if you don't do it like this, Delaware State might not be your fitness and you know, it's unfortunate, but I want guys that want to do this, I want guys that want to play at the next level. Like I know what I want to accomplish there. And like I said, I don't got time to wait. We don't got time to mess around. Like we not rebuilding, we coming in right now, we want to win this year.

[DJ Envy]

Have you thought about that? Like what Charlamagne said, like, you know, these students might come in there, some of them might be feeling themselves a little bit, talk to you a little crazy. When you in the league, you could talk back. I'm sure you could talk to your coach, you know, you might have to go move some furniture. But now you a coach, you can't move that furniture.

[Deshaun Jackson]

You can't move that furniture. But one thing I will say, I think it's a respect, it's a respect level. And I always say like how, how do you, like when you first meet somebody, like do you come in there and just expect or like say you, you got a job or you a boss and you hire somebody, like yeah, you might have the Authority. But you're not just going to talk to him any type of way. Now, you do have certain bosses that do feel like, you know what, I'm talking to you any type of way, and I don't care how you feel. But, like, is he really going to run through a wall for you? So for me, it's like my perspective. If I'm gonna come here and ask you to do certain things, I'm a mutually build that rapport with you before I just come at you crazy and talk to you crazy. Because it's like how I'm expect you to run through wall for me and you. I don't know you, like, I don't trust you. You gotta build that before you just run through a wall. So I feel like building that trust and letting them know, like, you know what? I was once in your position. I know where you want to go. Relate to that. Let me help you get there. Follow my steps. I can't make. I can't go play for you. I did my thing on the field. I can't go play for you. DJ can't go on the field and go catch a pass for you, But I can tell you what it takes to get there. And if it's on you to follow me. Like I told my. My players, I love y'all, and I don't. I don't use that word lightly. I said I love y'all, but it's on y'all to make me not love y'all. You know what I'm saying? So if I turn my back on you, it's because you made me turn your back. It's not because I did anything. Because at the end of the day, I'm coming in with love. I'm giving y'all love. I'm not coming in here trying to be our daddy. Y'all got dads. Yeah, I got kids. But at the end of the day, y'all gonna respect me. Because if y'all respect me, I'm gonna get you where you. I'm gonna get you to where you want to go to.

[Jess Hilarious]

And then a good thing to always, a good way to always humble them is y'all are in Delaware.

[Deshaun Jackson]

There ain't nothing out there. You gonna come. We gonna turn it up. You gonna come to the game. You know. You know you. Oh, yeah, you gotta come pull up, come support it n. But there ain't nothing to Delaware, so they got nothing to do but stay in the. Within the past two, three days, I've been out there, I've Been going to get food because obviously Dover is like, everything's on this one strip. So we driving out, I done seen probably like 10 of my, my student athletes. We driving down and we in the car, they're like, coach, coach. I'm like, damn, look, it's another player. There's another player. So it's like, it's real close and it's like it's family oriented for sure.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You might need that at this point in your life because you say you played 15 years, you retired, you was quiet, but you're still in Cali. So around all your family, your friends, you might need that quiet life.

[Deshaun Jackson]

I definitely do. And I think for me, man, this it's a great time. Because those who really know me, after my 15 year career was over, I retired in 2022 when I played for the Ravens. So right when I retired, I got both my kids full time and their mom wasn't around. So I think that really helped me too. And that really put some discipline in. Cause if I didn't have them, I would have probably been traveling, spending money, blowing money, I would have been everywhere. Because obviously people don't understand. So it's not only 15 years, it's the three years before that and maybe one or two years before that when I was in high school. Cause I was a high Prof. Player coming out of high school. So you gotta think all them years of non stop working out, training, this, that, and the third. So it was 2022 when I retired, where I was like, I could have really just splurged and just went crazy. But I got my kids full time, so that really helped me sit down. And I was taking them to school, picking them up, taking them to sports and doing a lot of things. So I think last year was like, all right, hold on. I just did that for a whole year. I said, now it's time. I can't be the baby daddy and the baby mama. I said, I got to go coach. Went to go coach with my older brother, Coach Clark, who's in the building. Let's give a huge shout out to Coach Clark. He's a huge inspiration in my life and not only to my life, man, to a lot of, a lot of young men. He put a lot of young guys into college, active college players right now that are ballers, man. I'm excited for his journey because this was a dream come true for him to get this spot in this position. And he's coming with you. I made him my assistant head coach, man, because just for everything he meant to me, and what he did, I missed a dream come true, man. He's leaving his family. He's leaving his daughters. He left his school that we just built. Something crazy that's never been happening in 100 years, and he coming, man. So, man, I just want to tell you I appreciate, you.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Know, like I said, you know, even with the coaching thing at Woodrow Wilson High School, there's things that people don't amplify, right. I didn't know that you had custody of your kids, like, because usually it's the other way around, right? It's like, the daddy wasn't around. Why wasn't the mother around?

[Deshaun Jackson]

So some personal things went down. So, you know, we was. We was trying to work out our situation, and throughout our situation, I was actually. I was playing for the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. And throughout that period of time, you know, we was. We was back and forth on and off for about six or seven years, and it just came a point in time where we kind of. We couldn't really figure it out. She left and, you know, started dealing with some individual, and the principles didn't align, you know what I'm saying? The guy she was dealing with didn't align to what I was preaching and doing over here. And we kind of just didn't see eye to eye. We didn't talk, we lost communication. And for me, like, I'm a very respectable man, and I understand when you're in a partnership and you have kids with somebody, you have to align. And if things don't align, like, I'm not gonna have my kids be around somebody that I can't talk to them, or I can't know where their location is, or I'm not going for that. Like, my dad installed principles in me, and I would never turn my back on my kids. So I'm very influential in my kid's life. And. Yeah, so it just went. And we didn't talk, and I was like, I'm grabbing my kids. And it was nothing, you know, nothing too personal. But at the end day, I just had to grab my kids, man. And for me, that was like, I could not be one of them dads that's just not around, man.

[Jess Hilarious]

Then you got two boys, so.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Two boys. And I love them at that, for sure.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

It wasn't like a court situation, you.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Nah. I mean, it almost got to some core stuff, but, like, we really figured it out before then, so it didn't really have to get messy because, you know, the course is public. You try like, hi, you try to close case and all that. And it just kind of got too, too out there. So I was like, you know what, Let me just, you know, get them. And she granted them to me and stuff and then. And we just kind of did like that. But it's good now because now that I'm coaching, you know, she ain't dealing with the dude no more. And like, me and her is cool now. So I'm like, all right, cool. You gonna help me out? I'm about to get this full time coaching job. The kids can come back with you and you know, where everything's good. So them two years, it was tricky though. But we good now.

[Jess Hilarious]

Now you from la? Is your family okay? We got the fires.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Yeah, man, it's crazy. So I'm supposed to be going back Saturday. I'm gonna actually stay in town for the Eagle game on Sunday, but my mom's here. She came in town for it. But yeah, like, my family is kind of more on the outskirts, but a lot of people in la, man, is, you know, it's crazy, man. I just want to pray for my city, man, and, you know, hopefully everything gets, you know, handles.

[DJ Envy]

I just got to ask, you know, before you leave, you know, the Eagles and Giants rivalry was. Was crazy. I've been to one game in Philly and I told myself I'll never go back. Just the fans in Philly is different.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Yeah, it's crazy. They are doing it.

[DJ Envy]

I've never seen nothing like that. I had a baby with me and they were still. He said, I was killed. Yeah, that newborn.

[Deshaun Jackson]

I'm like, Jesus.

[DJ Envy]

But what did you think about the.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Giants letting it say cuongo?

[DJ Envy]

Letting the say quango.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Yeah. I mean, honestly, that was the stupidest thing you could have ever did. And what's crazy, I think like one of the. So it was like a front office guy who was actually on the Eagles, he worked for the Eagles and then like he went to New York and he was in the room. Cause I remember when they was making the decision and I seen him, I'm like, man, he used to work for Philly and it's crazy. Come sitting there listening to what they're talking about, they're like, oh, yeah, you know, he had an okay year, but, you know, we could probably just let him go. Like, we're not gonna pay him. And I'm just listening to the conversation. And to see a year, not even a year later, he's killing at a high level. And I think, you know, sometimes it's Just the. Like, you need that fresh start. You need that energy. Cause you know when you're at a team. Oh, I hope none of y'all Giants fans, but when you're at a team, nah, hell no.

[DJ Envy]

I am a Giant. Never in life can we put a Saquon. Signed it, so I gotta turn it.

[Deshaun Jackson]

This way, but damn, you talking about you.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I'm a Cowboy fan.

[DJ Envy]

That's what I said, cowgirl.

[Deshaun Jackson]

I'm a cowboy killer. Didn't do your homework. He must not know about.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

My daddy was a Cowboy fan. He is a Cowboy fan.

[Deshaun Jackson]

I don't.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You know, I'm. I'm grandfathered in every year, he say.

[DJ Envy]

Going to super bowl every year.

[Deshaun Jackson]

That's what they say. My boy. I got a. A best friend. He was a die hard cowgirl fan. My bad. Oh, cow. Cowgirl.

[DJ Envy]

You said right here.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Cowgirl fan. In, like, every year. Oh, this right here. This right here. This right here. Then middle way through the season. Oh, no. Maybe next. I'm like, bro, y'all need to just get rid of Jerry Jones, man. Once y'all get Jerry. Get rid of him, then y'all might be Jerry Jones.

[Questlove]

The other day, I saw him.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

The other day, I saw him in St. Barts, and I told him, I said, man, we gotta get this shit together. And he hit me with some rich white man. Like, well, yeah, we zigged and we were supposed to zag, but it's okay.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Yeah, that's Ravens. Oh, yeah. You locked in? We good. Lamar Jackson went crazy this year. He did. Yeah. What y'all predicting on the Super Bowl?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I actually think Baltimore.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Baltimore.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I don't know why. I got a feeling about Baltimore.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Who else, though?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Baltimore and Philly, probably.

[DJ Envy]

Somebody said the Chiefs, I think. I think. I think Eagles gonna get.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Well, actually, Baltimore. Baltimore. I want to say Baltimore and Philly, but I think Baltimore and the Lions.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Lions. I like. I like that. That could be a potential Eagles look good. Yeah.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

But I wanted to say, too, you know, a lot of these coaches are leaving, especially, like, older white coaches, because they say they can't handle these kids and these nil deals. And that's why I think it's good for guys like you, because you made damn near 100 million in the league. And I think the one thing that they're missing, yeah, they might be making some money now, but there's a whole bigger, bigger, bigger bag to get.

[Deshaun Jackson]

It's a bigger picture later.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And I think only guys that have done it, like yourself, can relate to them. Kids like that.

[Deshaun Jackson]

I Mean, you support me, right?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yeah, absolutely.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Charlamagne supporting D Jack, man, that's love.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You mean at hbcu? Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

We love how we asked for a helmet, but they said, you only have I got y'all.

[Deshaun Jackson]

No, for real. I'm gonna lock in with y'all. Whatever y'all. Whatever y'all.

[DJ Envy]

No, I'm serious. We want a helmet to put them up there. You know, I got my Hampton helmet up there. My h. You know, I like to be.

[Deshaun Jackson]

I thought it was Howard. My bad.

[DJ Envy]

Nah, it's all good Hampton.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And we don't salute Eddie George enough either. They always talk about Mike, Vic, and Dion.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Eddie George does his thing over there, too, man.

[DJ Envy]

Nah, definitely come out and support. Definitely.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

And I saw what Dion said about you. He just like, everybody need to wrap their arms around your stuff. Has he always been in your corner like that?

[Deshaun Jackson]

Yeah, Dion's always been a. A big influencer for me, man. I think going back to when I was in high school, man, he used to reach out to me and had a opportunity to sit with him a few times, went fishing with him a few times and just really pick his brain, man. I think he's special, dude, man. Him and Jerry Rice are, like my two mentors. So to have two guys like that in my corner, man, every step of the way, even, like, while I was playing, even before I got to the league. So, I mean, that ain't just a post he just posting. Like, we really locked in, and we got a real great relationship, and he's helping out a lot. Like, my thing, I think, you know, in our culture, we don't give a flowers to people that really, like, support us and help us out. I. I definitely want to give Coach Promise flowers because he's for the culture. He is the culture. I think he's doing some great things, and a lot of people still hating on him, like, at a big level, man, what his sons is doing, like, that's a dream come true, man, for any man. And I know they be like, oh, he daddy balling all he's doing. I don't care, man. If you got an opportunity to coach your kids and see them at the highest level and succeed like that, I hope he become the first pick, man. I hope you know what? Oh, no, y'all can't get him. Well be third pick. Tennessee Titans might be able to do it. Patriots don't. They got the first. The Tennessee Titans.

[DJ Envy]

Titans first. First the Titans and the Patriots, then.

[Deshaun Jackson]

They need to make it a package deal, man. Let the daddy and the coach man go in, they probably come back and get Shiloh later on. Maybe get Travis at it too. You never know.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Prime said some slick on on wallow and Gilly showed up. I picked it up. He was like, he owns something. He was like, I would coach in the NFL if I could coach my two sons. I'm like, oh, I see what he did.

[Deshaun Jackson]

I know a little something. The only way he ain't going Colorado, something like that happened. And I know Dion, man, he's a. Yeah, he liked that. We might see that. It might be crazy.

[DJ Envy]

I would love for the Giants to pick him up.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Giants, Y'all won a mean a non meaningful game. Like, why would y'all.

[DJ Envy]

That was stupid as hell.

[Deshaun Jackson]

I'm about to ask.

[DJ Envy]

Do y'all ever. I mean, in the NFL, do y'all ever just say, like, there's no sense of winning this game. Let's not win this game. Does that conversation happen?

[Deshaun Jackson]

I can't account for I now higher up, potentially. Yeah. Because they want them number one picks. I believe that happens. But as a player, you go out there playing around, you're gonna get hurt and one injury will end your career. So it's not really worth going out there trying to BS and mess around interior ACL or be knocked out on. You gotta think them grown men on that field, they taking care of their families and they want their bonuses. So it's a lot of money riding on them games. So I never partaked in on that. I can't speak for nobody else, but I ain't never done.

[DJ Envy]

They should have just pulled some of the players out.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Like, let's pull him out for this play.

[DJ Envy]

He's injured. Let's pull this one out.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Nothing for them to win that game.

[DJ Envy]

Nothing.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Like, come on, that was the first home win. You feel me? Like, come on, what are we doing?

[DJ Envy]

That's the only game I ain't go to. I'm like, I'm not going again. We going to lose this one and they win. I'm sitting in the house like, what the is going on?

[Deshaun Jackson]

N. That's crazy, man.

[DJ Envy]

Oh, man. Well, we appreciate you for joining us.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Absolutely. Congratulations again, man.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Thank you, man.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Absolutely right. You're not going.

[Deshaun Jackson]

No.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You ain't going to end up quitting before the. Okay, okay.

[Deshaun Jackson]

Nothing I do, I quit in life, man. We going to be there to support everything. My all going. I just want to tell y'all too, man. Y'all been killing it with y'all show, man. Been watching y'all for a long time. Rest in peace, Nipsey Hussle. That's my brother, man. Got a great relationship with him, man. But I been watching y'all and seeing y'all do y'all thing, man. Y'all keep going, man. Take it off, man. For real. All right.

[DJ Envy]

Well, it's Deshaun Jackson, the new head of the coach, the new head coach for Delaware State Hornets. And it's the Breakfast Club. Good morning.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Wake that ass up early in the morning.

[Deshaun Jackson]

The Breakfast Club.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Listen to me. This is Charlamagne Tha God talking. If you're not on prime, you're missing out. Prime's not just fast free delivery, although that is definitely a big perk. It's a collection of excellent services that help you get more out of whatever passions you're into or getting into. Like right now I am really getting into past life regression therapy and there's so many books about it on Prime. So you can order books with prime or even listen to content on Amazon Music. Whether you're binge watching the latest on prime video, listening to music on Amazon Music, or getting those last minute gifts dropped at your door with prime, same day free delivery with prime customers get closer to what they care about. Whatever you're into, it's all on Prime. Visit Amazon.comprime now.

[Jason Alexander]

I'm Jason Alexander.

[Peter Tilden]

And I'm Peter Tilden.

[Jason Alexander]

And together our mission on the really.

[Peter Tilden]

Know really podcast is to get the.

[Jason Alexander]

True answers to life's baffling questions, like.

[Peter Tilden]

Why the bathroom door doesn't go all the way to the floor, what's in the music museum a failure? And does your dog truly love you? We have the answer.

[Jason Alexander]

Go to reallynoreally.com and register to win.

[Peter Tilden]

$500, a guest spot on our podcast or a limited edition sign. Jason Bobblehead the Really no really Podcast.

[Jason Alexander]

Follow us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.