DeSean Jackson: Tackling Bullies

It’s kind of comical to me that my first honorable mention is none other than DeSean Jackson, wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, who I love but chastised indirectly nonetheless during the season for getting too fancy instead of simply going into the end zone. DeSean, along with teammates Todd Herremans and Jamaal Jackson, surprised 13-year old Nadin Khoury on the February 3 episode of The View.

A group of teenagers bullied and beat Khoury last month in Philadelphia. Khoury did not sustain any major injuries after being stuffed in a tree and hung by the hood of his coat on a fence. All teenagers involved were arrested but it saddens me that only one person driving by—a woman at that—thought to get out and help him by chasing the boys away. Even after receiving the help, Khoury was the one to call 911 when he got home.

While telling his story on the morning talk show Khoury was surprised by his favorite athlete and had trouble holding back the tears. DeSean, noticing Khoury’s emotional moment, got up from his seat between Herremans and Barbara Walters and squeezed next to Khoury, comforting the brave young man. It was incredibly touching and impossible—at least for me—to keep the tears from flowing. DeSean told Khoury how brave he was and joked that he had two linemen that could help out if he had any problems again.

I am so proud of this wonderful display of kindness, especially to a child who has been bullied. I sincerely hope that this story will get more people to pay attention to the issue. After all, bullying is getting worse across the country and when people ignore it, they become part of the problem.

Kudos, DeSean!