Holdout wide receiver Vincent Jackson said Friday that he can still see himself in a San Diego Chargers uniform this season, but he's prepared to sit out the entire 2010 campaign if there's no resolution to his contract dispute.
"I've been financially smart, taking care of things like that off the field, so I'm ready for the long haul, but, again, I miss football," Jackson said during an exclusive interview with NFL Network's Jason La Canfora in Arizona, where the receiver is training. "I want to play football, I'm passionate about the game. I wouldn't be out here training, working as hard as I am if I didn't want to be on the field."
Jackson also said he hasn't had any direct contact with anyone from the Chargers' front office, and he has only heard from one receivers coach -- as a friend. They didn't talk football.
Jackson's off-the-field issues are part of the reason he wanted to sit down for an interview. He has been charged with DUI twice in the last three years, but he said those mistakes don't represent his true character.
"You know, I've done everything off the field right except two bad choices," Jackson said. "I just want the legacy and the thought of Vincent Jackson off the field to be more positive."
Jackson maintains a low profile both on and off the field, which is why he believes his two transgressions have turned fans and general managers around the NFL against him.
"Mistakes can follow you like that, and I'm hoping to obviously clear all that up, get that behind me and let people know that I am serious about playing football," Jackson said. "That is my first love and I'm dedicated to it and work harder than most players in the league, and I don't have any problems like that. There is no character issue here."
Click to expand...