Tradition Continues in Holidays for the Jacksonville Jaguars

As the holiday season rolls around each year, the Jacksonville Jaguars don’t just pause to celebrate—they lean into a set of longstanding traditions that connect the team to its community, its alumni, and its fans. These traditions, built over decades, go beyond festive events; they’re a way for the Jaguars to honor their roots, give back to the city that supports them, and create lasting memories for players and fans alike. From toy drives for local kids to alumni gatherings that bridge past and present, the Jaguars’ holiday traditions are a core part of the franchise’s identity. This year, as in years past, the team is keeping those traditions alive—proving that even amid the chaos of an NFL season, some rituals are too meaningful to break. Tradition Continues in Holidays for the Jacksonville Jaguars explores the key holiday customs that define the team, how they’ve evolved, and why they matter to everyone connected to the Jaguars family.

The oldest and most beloved holiday tradition for the Jaguars is the annual “Jags for Tots” toy drive, a community effort that has been running for over 20 years. Each December, the team partners with local charities and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to collect new, unwrapped toys for children in need across Northeast Florida. Players, coaches, and front-office staff take turns manning collection sites at TIAA Bank Field, local malls, and grocery stores—often posing for photos with fans who drop off donations. This year, quarterback Trevor Lawrence and his wife Marissa served as the face of the drive, hosting a special collection event where they greeted families and thanked donors personally. The toy drive typically collects over 10,000 toys each year, which are distributed to kids through organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida and local hospitals. For many Jaguars players, the drive is more than a charity event—it’s a chance to see the impact of their work off the field. “Growing up, holidays were all about giving,” Lawrence said. “To be able to help make that happen for kids here means everything. This tradition is why I love being part of this team.” Tradition Continues in Holidays for the Jacksonville Jaguars frames the “Jags for Tots” drive as the heart of the team’s holiday identity, showing how it’s tied to the Jaguars’ mission of serving the community.

Another cherished holiday tradition is the Jaguars Alumni Holiday Luncheon, a gathering that brings together former players, coaches, and current team members to celebrate the season and reconnect. Held each year at TIAA Bank Field, the luncheon features speeches from team legends, a buffet of classic Southern holiday dishes, and opportunities for alumni to meet current players. This year, Hall of Famer Tony Boselli and former running back Maurice Jones-Drew were among the alumni in attendance, sharing stories of their own holiday seasons as Jaguars and offering advice to current players. The luncheon also includes a special moment where alumni present a check to a local charity—this year, donating $25,000 to the Jacksonville Food Bank to support holiday meal programs. For many alumni, the event is a chance to stay connected to the franchise that shaped their careers. “This luncheon is why the Jaguars are different,” Boselli said. “They don’t forget their past. Every year, we come back, see old friends, and feel like part of the family again.” The tradition not only honors the Jaguars’ history but also helps current players understand the franchise’s legacy—strengthening the bond between past and present. Tradition Continues in Holidays for the Jacksonville Jaguars highlights how this alumni gathering keeps the team’s history alive while fostering unity.

For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the holiday-themed practice and “Ugly Sweater Day” is a lighter tradition that brings joy to the locker room during the busy stretch of the NFL season. Each year, in the week leading up to Christmas, the team swaps its usual practice gear for ugly holiday sweaters—complete with festive patterns like reindeer, snowflakes, and even Jaguars-themed designs. Coaches get in on the fun too; head coach Doug Pederson was spotted this year in a bright green sweater covered in tiny football-shaped Santas. The practice itself includes playful elements, like a “snowball” toss (using soft foam balls) during warm-ups and a post-practice hot cocoa bar for players and staff. The tradition started in 2017 as a way to relieve stress during the crucial late-season push for the playoffs, and it’s since become a fan favorite—with the team sharing photos and videos of the ugly sweaters on social media. “This time of year is tough—long practices, big games, being away from family,” said tight end Evan Engram. “The ugly sweater practice is a chance to laugh, relax, and remember why we love playing this game together.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the tradition is a reminder that football is about more than wins and losses—it’s about enjoying the journey with teammates. Tradition Continues in Holidays for the Jacksonville Jaguars emphasizes how this lighthearted custom boosts team morale during a high-pressure time.

The Jacksonville Jaguars also continue the tradition of hosting holiday meals for military families—a way to honor the men and women who serve the country, many of whom are stationed at nearby Naval Air Station Jacksonville. Each year, the team partners with the USO to invite military families to TIAA Bank Field for a free holiday dinner, complete with turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and all the fixings. Players and cheerleaders serve the meals, take photos with families, and hand out small gifts to kids—like Jaguars hats and mini footballs. This year, over 300 military family members attended the event, which also included a visit from Santa Claus (played by a Jaguars staff member in a team-themed Santa suit). The tradition began in 2005, and it’s grown over the years to become one of the team’s most meaningful community events. “Military families make so many sacrifices, especially during the holidays when loved ones might be deployed,” said defensive end Josh Allen, who has volunteered at the event for the past four years. “To be able to sit down with them, share a meal, and make their holiday a little brighter is an honor.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the tradition is a way to give back to a group that plays a vital role in the Jacksonville community—strengthening the team’s connection to local service members. Tradition Continues in Holidays for the Jacksonville Jaguars explores how this event honors military families while deepening the team’s community ties.

Finally, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ holiday tradition of visiting local hospitals is a touching way to bring cheer to kids who are spending the season in medical care. Each year, a group of players and cheerleaders visits Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville, handing out Jaguars-themed gifts (like stuffed animals, jerseys, and coloring books) and spending time with kids in the pediatric wards. This year, players like Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne Jr., and Calvin Ridley read holiday stories to younger kids, played games with older patients, and even helped decorate small Christmas trees in patient rooms. The tradition is especially meaningful for players who have personal connections to childhood illness—Lawrence has spoken about a family friend who spent time in the hospital as a kid, and he says the visits remind him of the importance of giving back. “These kids are so brave, fighting through tough times, especially during the holidays,” Lawrence said. “If we can make them smile for even a few minutes, it’s worth it.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the hospital visits are a tradition that goes to the core of the team’s values—compassion, service, and putting the community first. Tradition Continues in Holidays for the Jacksonville Jaguars concludes that these holiday traditions aren’t just events—they’re a reflection of who the Jaguars are as a franchise. They connect the team to its community, honor its past, and bring joy to those who need it most—ensuring that the spirit of the holidays lives on in Jacksonville year after year.