Tank Bigsby Shares Kick Return Duties for Jacksonville Jaguars

As the Jacksonville Jaguars finalize their special teams strategy for the 2025 NFL season, a key development has emerged: running back Tank Bigsby will share kick return duties alongside Travis Hunter, adding a dynamic new option to a unit that aims to create more scoring opportunities. Tank Bigsby Shares Kick Return Duties for Jacksonville Jaguars is more than a positional assignment—it’s a strategic move to leverage Bigsby’s speed, power, and elusiveness, traits that have made him a standout in short-yardage situations on offense. For a Jaguars team that ranked 18th in kick return average in 2024, Bigsby’s inclusion in the return game promises to inject more excitement and productivity, turning a often-overlooked phase of the game into a potential strength. As Week 1 approaches, Bigsby’s dual role on offense and special teams highlights the Jaguars’ commitment to maximizing the talent of their young playmakers.

Tank Bigsby Shares Kick Return Duties for Jacksonville Jaguars comes after Bigsby spent his rookie 2024 season establishing himself as a reliable backup running back, rushing for 427 yards and 3 touchdowns while averaging 4.1 yards per carry. But it’s his collegiate experience as a kick returner that made him a natural fit for the role in Jacksonville. At Auburn University, Bigsby handled kick return duties for two seasons, recording 35 returns for 892 yards (an average of 25.5 yards per return) and one touchdown—a 97-yarder against the University of Alabama in 2022. His combination of size (5’11”, 214 lbs) and speed (4.46-second 40-yard dash) allows him to break tackles while maintaining speed, a rare blend for a kick returner. What sets Bigsby apart is his vision: he has a knack for reading blocking schemes and finding holes in the return lane, a skill he honed during his time at Auburn. “I’ve always loved returning kicks,” Bigsby said. “It’s a chance to make a big play right away, to shift momentum for the team. When the coaches asked if I was interested, I jumped at the opportunity.”

A defining factor in Tank Bigsby Shares Kick Return Duties for Jacksonville Jaguars is his standout preseason performance, which convinced the Jaguars’ coaching staff he could handle the role alongside Hunter. In three preseason games, Bigsby returned 5 kicks for 132 yards, averaging 26.4 yards per return—well above the Jaguars’ 2024 average of 21.8 yards. His most impressive return came against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2, where he took a kickoff from his own 2-yard line, weaved through three defenders, and gained 38 yards, setting up the Jaguars’ offense with excellent field position. He also showed consistency, not fumbling any returns and making smart decisions to call fair catches when the return lane was blocked. Special teams coordinator Brian Schneider was quick to praise Bigsby’s performance: “Tank has been a pleasant surprise. He’s physical, he’s fast, and he understands how to set up his blocks. He complements Travis perfectly—Travis is more of a speedster who can outrun defenders, while Tank can run through them. Having both gives us flexibility.”

Tank Bigsby Shares Kick Return Duties for Jacksonville Jaguars also addresses a key need for the Jacksonville Jaguars: reducing the workload on Hunter, who already plays both wide receiver and cornerback. Hunter handled 70% of the Jaguars’ kick returns in 2024, a heavy load that sometimes left him fatigued in the fourth quarter. By splitting duties with Bigsby, the Jaguars can keep Hunter fresh for his offensive and defensive roles while still maintaining a high level of productivity in the return game. The Jacksonville Jaguars have also designed a rotation plan: Bigsby will handle kick returns in the first and third quarters, while Hunter will take over in the second and fourth, ensuring both players stay involved without being overworked. “We want to make sure Travis is at his best when we need him most—late in games, both on offense and defense,” head coach Doug Pederson said. “Adding Tank to the return game lets us manage Travis’ snaps better, which is good for the entire team.” This strategic rotation not only protects Hunter but also gives the Jaguars two distinct return styles, making it harder for opponents to game-plan.

Another layer of Tank Bigsby Shares Kick Return Duties for Jacksonville Jaguars is how his presence in the return game boosts the Jacksonville Jaguars’ overall special teams unit. Bigsby’s physicality has already made an impact on blocking schemes—opposing teams have had to adjust their kickoff coverage to account for his ability to break tackles, which has opened up more space for other special teams players. His work ethic has also rubbed off on his teammates: he’s been one of the first players to arrive for special teams practices, often staying late to work on his return technique with Schneider. “Tank brings energy to the unit,” said special teams ace Andrew Wingard. “He’s always asking questions, always trying to get better. That kind of attitude makes everyone around him step up their game.” The Jaguars’ special teams unit, which struggled with consistency in 2024, has shown significant improvement in preseason, and Bigsby’s contributions have been a big part of that. For the Jaguars, a strong special teams unit isn’t just about kick returns—it’s about field position, momentum, and winning the “hidden yardage” battle that often decides close games.

Looking ahead, Tank Bigsby Shares Kick Return Duties for Jacksonville Jaguars is a move that could have a lasting impact on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2025 season. If Bigsby can maintain his preseason form, he could become one of the NFL’s top kick returners, while also continuing to contribute on offense as a backup to Travis Etienne. His dual role gives the Jaguars more ways to use his talent, making the team more unpredictable for opponents. For Bigsby, the opportunity to share kick return duties is a chance to prove he’s more than just a backup running back—it’s a chance to become a key contributor in multiple phases of the game. “I want to be someone the team can count on, whether it’s carrying the ball, blocking, or returning kicks,” Bigsby said. “This is my chance to show what I can do.” As the Jaguars prepare to kick off the 2025 season, Tank Bigsby’s role in the kick return game is just one more reason for fans to be excited—another young talent stepping up to help the team compete for an AFC South title. Tank Bigsby Shares Kick Return Duties for Jacksonville Jaguars isn’t just about a positional change; it’s about the Jaguars finding new ways to win, one play at a time.