Jamaal Jackson News

When Jason Kelce was named the Eagles' season-opening starting center over Jamaal Jackson last summer, there were more than a few players on the team who wondered whether that really was such a good idea.

The Philadelphia Eagles are coming into the 2012 season as a Super Bowl contender.

Alper pointed out on Friday that former Eagles center Jamaal Jackson was among the veteran free agents attending Giants rookie minicamp on a tryout basis.

The 2012 Eagles rookie minicamp officially got under way Saturday with the first audible Jim Washburn cuss word.

AUGUST 29: Wide Reciever Limas Sweed #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes the catch against corner back Leodis McKelvin #28 of the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field on August 29, 2009 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

At this time last year, it looked like Jamaal Jackson was healthy and ready to resume his role as the Eagles' starting center.

The first thing you notice about Jason Kelce is the lumberjack beard he is working, a signature look he intends to keep throughout the season ahead ... "I've always wanted to grow it out and I figured this is a good season to do it," said Kelce, the second-year center around whom the Eagles are building their offensive line.