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LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson look back on their careers and remember Saquon Barkley and AJ Brown
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LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson look back on their careers and remember Saquon Barkley and AJ Brown

LeSean “Shady” McCoy has consistently delivered record-setting performances in his six years with the Eagles and has become one of the best running backs to wear the green and black. The same goes for former wide receiver DeSean Jackson, a big-play weapon known as one of the top deep threats in the league.

Although the two’s time together was shortened after Jackson was released under Chip Kelly in 2014 and McCoy left in a trade to the Buffalo Bills in 2015, the two remain close friends and hosts. 25/10 Show together, this refers to their Eagles uniform numbers.

Before McCoy Induction into the Eagles Hall of Fame Ahead of the Birds’ matchup with Jacksonville, the duo went on their own adventure to Philly’s Fine Wine & Good Spirits on Girard Boulevard to promote their partnership with Kevin Hart’s Gran Coramino Tequila, the official tequila of the Eagles.

Before signing bottles for fans, McCoy and Jackson spoke with The Inquirer and had a lot to say about their careers. Saquon Barkleyability and where A.J. Brown He ranks as the best Eagles wide receiver of all time.

” READ MORE: Doug Pederson’s tenure on life support with the Jaguars; LeSean McCoy honored by Saquon Barkley’s Eagles

Researcher: What does it mean to be inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame?

– McCoy: This means a lot. All that hard work, sacrifices, injuries, relationships and all of it. It was important. It meant something. I was with my son yesterday, we were walking around the stadium and talking to everyone and he said: ‘Dude, dad, is this all about you?’ And I said, ‘Yes.’ This shows what hard work really gets you. I’m so excited and it’s an honour. … Eagles have been around for generations, so this is a huge honor.

Question: Do you remember when you first learned you were going to be drafted?

A: I will put that video on social media. It was weird because we talk here and there about Mr. (Jeffrey) Lurie, the owner of the Eagles. We text more than talk. It was weird because he called my agent and said, ‘Hey, I’m Jeffrey.’ That’s when I realized it was serious because Jeffrey, who is he? Mr. Lurie. I can’t call him Jeffrey. Jeffrey sounded like they wanted to talk to LeSean one-on-one. Can you make sure you have your phone by 1pm? I’m thinking: ‘What, this guy hits me some other time and now we have a meeting planned?’

I knew something was weird. The other thing is, no one has worn No. 25 since I left Philadelphia, so I already knew something was up. Then he called me and we started talking about some little thing and he said, ‘And the real reason I called was to tell you we were going to induct you into the Eagles Hall of Fame.’ This was really emotional and he baited me by talking about anything and then it got to the point. It was a very emotional speech.

Q: LeSean comes in as a rookie and ends up taking over Brian Westbrook’s position. DeSean, what was your first impression of his running back?

A: My first impression when LeSean first came was that he was like a young kid who really wanted to be a great actor. I could tell from his coolness that he had this feeling since day one. And of course, when he came to Philly, I was considered the best of the boys, and he came in and didn’t let anybody down. I remember Brian Westbrook got injured his freshman year and the lights were never too bright for him. We made some special memories and I feel like our time is running out, but honestly we had a great time in Philly.

” READ MORE: Meet Christian Parker, the 32-year-old assistant coach behind the Eagles’ revamped cornerback room

Question: Where would you rank McCoy on the list of all-time great running backs and the Eagles’ all-time great running backs?

– McCoy: Yes, ask him the tough questions. Now, before we start, I’m 22nd all time in rushing.

Jackson: Frankly, his career with the Eagles is No. 1 in my book. But I also loved Ricky Watters. Ricky Watters…

– McCoy: Ricky Watters, where is he from?

Jackson: Harrisburg?

– McCoy: You know!

Jackson: Ricky Watters was also cold and I know he wore No. 32 when he played for the Eagles. I feel like always, Shady got it. But I really liked Ricky Watters. Obviously Brian Westbrook. Shady of all time, hands down in Eagles history. NFL of all time, I don’t know the top five, but it’s definitely top 10.

Q: LeSean, where do you rank DeSean on the list of the best Eagles receivers of all time?

A: I got a lot of backlash for it on air once – I don’t know the backlash, but it started a lot of discussion. We were talking about the best deep threats of all time. Obviously, you have guys like Tyreek Hill, I said Tyreek was outstanding but he wasn’t enough of a deep threat to get past Jackson. Then they brought up Randy Moss. And that was a great discussion, but I said I’d take DeSean Jackson because I’ve never seen a player at 5-10 with that kind of speed, at 170 pounds, who tracks the ball that way and plays at a high level.

That’s why I pegged him as the Eagles’ best wide receiver in my opinion. It’s hard to do the things he does with his size and build. I always rank D-Jack high. He has some skills that not many people have.

Q: Jeff McLane, one of our beat writers, said: AJ Brown was the greatest Eagles receiver of all time. What are your thoughts on this?

Jackson: It’s a wonder of nature, man. AJ has done great things heading into his third year with the Eagles. Judging by his accolades and statistics, he has proven to be the best receiver in the league. You always have great Eagles receivers. You can go to Michael Quick, Harold Carmichael, Terrell Owens or me. Obviously AJ is in this conversation too. I think it’s just picking your poison. You have too many artillerymen in this position.

But I’m an older man, I’ve played at a high level and my time is not now. Now is the time for young people. I will never hate any of the young cats. This is what I’m here for, I love it. So if he can continue to get the ball and compete at a high level, hopefully he can get a ring.

” READ MORE: Eagles locker room: Saquon Barkley and LeSean McCoy’s mutual respect; Johnny Wilson’s ‘big in the team’ message

Q: LeSean, Saquon Barkley said he didn’t see anyone This can cut like you or stop on a dime. What does it mean to know that you’re inspiring a whole new generation of runners?

A: The first is this; It makes you feel old. A lot of young players I see talk about the way I cut and move, my style is unique. So it means a lot to hear Saquon say that. There was a time when I idolized running backs like Barry Sanders and tried to model my game after them. This means a lot to me and I can see it in some parts of it. Like, ‘Oh, he might have gotten that from me.’ He’s a very good player. I wish I had a talent like him.

The Eagles face the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 9. Join Eagles beating reporters Olivia Reiner and EJ Smith as they break down the hottest stories surrounding the team. Game Day CenterWe’re live from Lincoln Financial Field.