DeSean's no longer an Eagle, but thanks to 'Playbook' he'll always be 'the man'

Published Mar. 28, 2014 4:06 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Philadelphia Eagles' decision to release Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson after six seasons marked the end of an era.

It also now dates "Silver Linings Playbook."

David O. Russell's 2012 Oscar-winning drama revolved around a Philadelphia family that, among other things, happen to be a flock of rabid Eagles fans. Star Bradley Cooper's character Pat Solitano famously sports Jackson's No. 10 jersey in the film.

The Philadelphia-raised Cooper told ESPN that Pat wore DeSean's number for a reason:

It's a bit of a metaphor for my character, Pat, who has so much promise but just can't finish. His father says that to him. Like DeSean [in 2008 against the Cowboys], Pat spikes the ball at the 1-yard line. But DeSean's also everybody's favorite player from that 2008 season, so the jersey felt like the right thing for Pat to wear.

So it's not the best reason. But thanks to "Playbook" DeSean will forever be remembered on celluloid as the man: