Happy new NFL calendar year.

The Eagles kicked things off by introducing defensive tackle Malik Jackson to the media this afternoon.

Jackson comes to Philly on a reported three year deal worth $30 million total and will slide in next to Fletcher Cox as a replacement for Tim Jernigan and Haloti Ngata.

Some notes and quotes from the Pro Bowler’s press conference:

  • He started by thanking the Eagles for bringing him to Philadelphia, very excited to get started.
  • He was wearing his high school letterman jacket (Birmingham H.S. in the Los Angeles area).
  • He described the offseason period as “nerve wracking,” but once the Eagles called he felt like he had another chance to get out and prove himself. “It was an easy decision.”
  • It was more challenging trying to prove his offseason value to other teams due to his benching in Jacksonville.

Jackson on why he was benched:

“You’d have to ask the coaches man. They said I wasn’t playing the run too good, that’s all I really heard. But if you’re asking me, coming off the Pro Bowl year, the year before, I don’t think that’s a valid excuse. But like I said, I’m not the coach. I just play.

I think I played good against the run, to be honest with you. But like I said, I just play. It’s up to them to make the decisions and it just is what it is.”

More after the jump:

  • He pointed out that he’s coming into a team that already has established leaders. He expects Fletcher Cox to be double teamed and hopes he can pick up the slack from that. “Hell, I don’t think there’s a better d-line in the league.”
  • It was also pointed out that the Eagles play free defensively, people playing “gritty” and “smacking you in the face.”
  • He believes that Jim Schwartz expects and demands excellence.
  • Jackson is looking forward to having some weight off his shoulders and letting other people lead, just wants to help out where he can.
  • Former teammate Von Miller really shaped him as a player, as did Calais Campbell.
  • His main goal for the season is to get back to where he can be, described 2018 as a disappointing year for him. “That Pro Bowl wasn’t a hiccup or whatever you want to call it, that’s who I am.”
  • I was not happy at all,” he said of his benching, but tried to take it in stride and continue to work hard.
  • He’s healthy and pointed out he’s never had a serious injury.
  • The Jags had high expectations last year, but they navigated a lot of injuries and their depth was decimated early on.

Full video here: