Thanksgiving Events Celebrated with Fans by the Jacksonville Jaguars

Thanksgiving in the NFL is about more than just football—it’s about community, gratitude, and coming together. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the 2024 holiday season was an opportunity to deepen their connection with fans, hosting a series of events that blended team spirit with the warmth of the Thanksgiving tradition. From food drives that supported local families in need to a festive fan rally ahead of their Week 12 Thanksgiving Eve game, the Jaguars focused on giving back and creating shared memories. These events weren’t just about celebrating the holiday; they were a way for the team to say “thank you” to the city that supports them year-round. Thanksgiving Events Celebrated with Fans by the Jacksonville Jaguars explores the heart of these initiatives, the impact they had on the community, and how they strengthened the bond between the team and its supporters.

Thanksgiving Events Celebrated with Fans by the Jacksonville Jaguars begins with the team’s annual “Jags for Giving” food drive, a week-long initiative that collected non-perishable food items and monetary donations for Feeding Northeast Florida, a local organization that fights hunger. The Jaguars set up donation drop-off sites at TIAA Bank Field, local grocery stores, and even their practice facility, with players and coaches stopping by to greet donors and help load supplies. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne spent an afternoon at a Jacksonville Walmart, helping fans load food into their cars and posing for photos with families who donated. “Thanksgiving is about making sure everyone has a meal to share,” Lawrence said during the event. “We’re lucky to play this game, and giving back to the people who support us is the least we can do.” By the end of the week, the drive had collected over 50,000 pounds of food and $25,000 in donations—enough to provide more than 41,000 meals to local families. For many fans, the food drive was a chance to give back alongside their favorite players, turning a simple donation into a meaningful experience. “My kids were so excited to meet Trevor,” said Sarah Mendez, a Jaguars fan who donated a carload of canned goods. “It taught them that Thanksgiving isn’t just about getting—it’s about giving to others who need it.”

A highlight of the Jaguars’ Thanksgiving events was the “Turkey & Touchdowns” fan rally, held the night before their Week 12 game against the Atlanta Falcons. The rally, which took place in downtown Jacksonville’s Hemming Park, featured live music from a local country band, food trucks serving Thanksgiving-themed snacks (including mini turkey sandwiches and pumpkin pie), and a kids’ zone with face painting and football-themed games. Players and cheerleaders made appearances throughout the night, signing autographs and taking photos with fans, while head coach Doug Pederson gave a short speech about gratitude and team pride. The rally also included a special moment: the Jaguars recognized three local “Hometown Heroes”—a teacher, a veteran, and a volunteer—who had made significant contributions to the community, presenting each with a custom Jaguars jersey and a gift card for a Thanksgiving meal. “This rally is about bringing everyone together,” said Jaguars vice president of community relations Chris Konopka. “We want fans to feel like they’re part of the team, and what better way than to celebrate Thanksgiving with music, food, and football?” The event drew over 3,000 fans, turning downtown Jacksonville into a sea of teal and gold and setting a festive tone for the next day’s game.

A critical aspect of Thanksgiving Events Celebrated with Fans by the Jacksonville Jaguars is the team’s decision to host a “Thanksgiving Dinner for All” at TIAA Bank Field, where they invited 200 local seniors, veterans, and families from Feeding Northeast Florida to enjoy a free holiday meal. The Jaguars transformed the stadium’s club level into a cozy dining space, with tables decorated with teal tablecloths and centerpieces made of mini footballs and fall flowers. Players like defensive end Josh Allen and wide receiver Calvin Ridley served food, carved turkeys, and sat down to eat with guests, listening to their stories and sharing their own Thanksgiving traditions. One guest, 82-year-old veteran Robert Johnson, talked with Allen about his time in the military and his love for the Jaguars. “I’ve been a fan since day one, but this is the best Thanksgiving I’ve had in years,” Johnson said. “To sit here and eat with Josh—he’s such a nice young man—it feels like I’m with family.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the dinner was about more than just serving food; it was about creating a sense of belonging for members of the community who might otherwise spend Thanksgiving alone. “We wanted to make sure no one felt left out this holiday,” Konopka said. “Hosting them here, in our home, was a way to show them they’re part of the Jaguars family too.”

Another meaningful event was the Jaguars’ partnership with local schools for the “Thankful Notes” project, where students wrote letters of gratitude to first responders, military members, and other community leaders—and the team delivered the notes alongside small gifts. Jaguars cheerleaders and players visited five Jacksonville elementary schools, picking up the letters and talking to students about the importance of gratitude. Defensive back Rayshawn Jenkins visited his alma mater, Northwestern Middle School, where he read a few of the notes aloud and encouraged students to keep expressing thanks. “When I was their age, I didn’t always realize how much people do for us,” Jenkins said. “This project helps them see that even a small note can make someone’s day.” The Jaguars then delivered the notes to local fire stations, police departments, and a nearby military base, along with gift baskets filled with coffee, snacks, and Jaguars memorabilia. For the first responders and military members who received the notes, it was a heartfelt reminder of the community’s appreciation. “Getting these letters from kids means more than they know,” said Jacksonville Fire Captain Mike Torres. “It’s nice to know the Jaguars are helping them recognize the work we do—and it makes our Thanksgiving that much more special.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the project was a way to teach young fans about gratitude while honoring those who serve the community—a double win that aligned with the spirit of the holiday.

Wrapping up Thanksgiving Events Celebrated with Fans by the Jacksonville Jaguars is the lasting impact of these events on the team’s identity and its relationship with the city. In a league where teams often focus on wins and losses, the Jaguars’ Thanksgiving initiatives showed that football is about more than the scoreboard—it’s about being a part of the community. The events didn’t just generate positive press; they created real, emotional connections between players and fans. A single mother who received a Thanksgiving meal through the food drive, a veteran who shared a laugh with Josh Allen over dinner, a child who felt proud to have their “thankful note” delivered by the team—these moments are what build loyalty that lasts a lifetime. For the Jaguars, this loyalty translates to a louder, more passionate fan base on game days, which in turn gives the team an edge on the field. “Our fans are our biggest strength,” Pederson said after the Thanksgiving week. “When we show up for them, they show up for us—and that’s what makes this franchise special.” As the Jaguars look ahead to future seasons, these Thanksgiving events will remain a cornerstone of their community outreach, a reminder that gratitude and teamwork extend far beyond the football field. Thanksgiving Events Celebrated with Fans by the Jacksonville Jaguars isn’t just about a week of activities—it’s about a team that lives its values, giving back to the people who make their success possible.