Alshon Jeffery was all smiles at the Hyundai Youth Football Camp at the NovaCare Complex on Saturday. Aside from providing a bunch of youngsters with lifelong memories, Jeffery was looking forward to the upcoming season.
He’s not looking back to how last season ended.
The lasting image of Jeffery’s 2018 season will be the ball that went through his hands with just over two minutes left in the divisional round game against the Saints at the Superdome. That ball was picked off by Marshon Lattimore to end the drive in the Eagles’ loss.
As he took blame for the drop — his first in 35 career playoff targets — Jeffery admitted the play would stay with him for the entire offseason.
Now, he’s done dwelling on it.
I’m human. Things like that happen, man,” Jeffery said to reporters on Saturday. “We all human, man. I don’t gotta be on a sports field; it could be a regular job, working. We’re all human. We just have to pick up the pieces and keep moving. I’m past that. I’m good.
Shortly after the drop and the loss, Jeffery received a touching letter from a second-grade girl and then he visited her classroom. And then he got big cheers at a Sixers game as Eagles fans showed their support for him again.
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On Saturday, he said that support meant a lot to him and his family.
“At the same time, I’m human, I’ve moved on from it,” he said. “There’s always next year and you can get better. This year, hopefully, we’re holding up another trophy.”
Aside from the motivation of how last year ended, Jeffery is also excited about being ready for the start of this season. After shoulder surgery in the short offseason after the Super Bowl, Jeffery missed the first three games of 2018.
Jeffery is entering his third season with the Eagles and the front office has put together what could be a dynamic offense, adding DeSean Jackson, Jordan Howard, Miles Sanders and JJ Arcega-Whiteside this offseason. Jeffery agreed that this is “definitely” one of the most talented groups he’s played with, but noted they still have to play the games.
Under his current contract, Jeffery has three more seasons with the Eagles. When he finishes the 2021 season, he’ll be almost 32. On Saturday, he said he hopes he can finish his career in Philly.
“I definitely want another Super Bowl this year, for sure,” Jeffery said. “It’s been awesome. Just having fun. Enjoying it.”
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