Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the Jacksonville Jaguars

As the 2025 NFL season wraps up, the Jacksonville Jaguars are taking a moment to reflect on the annual highlights that showcase their grateful spirit—one that extends beyond wins and losses to honor the fans, community, teammates, and staff who make their success possible. This year, the Jaguars’ thankful side shone through in moments big and small: from public tributes to fans who stuck by the team during tough stretches, to behind-the-scenes gestures for staff who work tirelessly off the field, to continued commitment to the local community that supports them. These moments aren’t just PR stunts; they’re a core part of the Jaguars’ identity, reflecting a franchise that understands success in the NFL is a team effort—one that involves more than just the players on the field. Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the Jacksonville Jaguars breaks down the key moments that highlighted the team’s gratitude this year, and why they matter to both the franchise and the community.

Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the Jacksonville Jaguars first focuses on the Jaguars’ tribute to long-time fans, a highlight that took center stage during their Week 12 “Fan Appreciation Game” against the Colts. The team recognized 10 fans who had held season tickets for 20+ years, inviting them onto the field before the game for a special ceremony. Each fan received a custom jersey with their name and the number of seasons they’d supported the team, and had the chance to meet quarterback Trevor Lawrence and head coach Doug Pederson. One of the honorees, 68-year-old Jacksonville native Robert Davis, who had held season tickets since the team’s inaugural 1995 season, teared up during the ceremony. “I’ve been through the good times and the bad—this means more than I can say,” Davis said. The Jaguars also surprised fans in attendance with free concessions during the second quarter and handed out 5,000 Jaguars branded blankets to fans who arrived early. Lawrence emphasized the team’s gratitude after the game: “Our fans are the best in the league. They show up even when we’re losing, and they cheer us on when we’re winning. This game was our way of saying thank you for sticking with us through everything.”

Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the Jacksonville Jaguars next delves into the team’s ongoing gratitude toward the local community, which was highlighted by their expanded holiday giving efforts this year. As part of their annual tradition, the Jaguars partnered with Feeding Northeast Florida and Toys for Tots to distribute 5,000 holiday meal kits and 12,000 toys to families in need—more than double the number they distributed last year. But what made this year’s effort stand out was the team’s focus on honoring community leaders who work year-round to support those in need. Before the meal distribution, the Jaguars hosted a luncheon for 25 local non-profit leaders, presenting each with a $10,000 grant to support their organizations. One recipient, Maria Gonzalez, executive director of a Jacksonville-based shelter for homeless families, said the grant would help the shelter expand its after-school program for kids. “The Jaguars don’t just give once a year—they show up for us all year long,” Gonzalez said. Pederson, who attended the luncheon, noted that the community’s support fuels the team: “We get so much from this city—their energy, their loyalty, their pride. Giving back isn’t just a responsibility; it’s a way to say thank you for everything they do for us. We couldn’t do what we do without this community.”

Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the Jacksonville Jaguars also examines a heartwarming behind-the-scenes highlight: the Jaguars’ tribute to their training staff, who played a critical role in helping players recover from injuries this season. After the team’s Week 15 win over the Dolphins— a game that saw rookie defensive end Jalen Carter return from a minor ankle injury and record 2 sacks—the Jaguars’ players surprised the training staff with personalized gift baskets filled with gourmet snacks, gift cards, and handwritten notes of thanks. Lawrence’s note read, “Thank you for getting me back on the field safely after my concussion. Your hard work and care don’t go unnoticed.” The team also recognized head athletic trainer Chris Tabor during a post-game press conference, with Pederson calling him “the unsung hero of our season.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this tribute was a way to honor the staff who often work long hours behind the scenes, away from the spotlight. “Our training staff does so much to keep us healthy and ready to play,” Carter said. “They’re with us early in the morning and late at night, adjusting our rehab plans, taping us up before games, and checking in on us even when we’re not injured. We wanted them to know how much we appreciate everything they do.”

Another layer of Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the Jacksonville Jaguars is the team’s gratitude toward their veteran players, who have mentored the rookies and helped shape the team’s culture. This was highlighted during the Jaguars’ end-of-season rookie dinner, where Lawrence and defensive end Josh Allen spoke about the impact veterans like linebacker Devin Lloyd and safety Andre Cisco have had on the younger players. Lloyd, who is entering his third season, has spent countless hours working with rookie linebacker Deontae Lawson on film study and on-field technique, while Cisco has helped rookie defensive back Kelee Ringo adjust to the speed of the NFL. At the dinner, the rookies presented each veteran mentor with a custom watch engraved with the phrase “Thank you for leading the way.” Lawson, an undrafted rookie who has emerged as a key special teams player, said the veterans’ support was invaluable: “I wouldn’t be here without guys like Devin. He took me under his wing, answered all my questions, and pushed me to be better every day. This watch is a small way to say thank you for everything he’s done for me.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this mentorship culture—fueled by gratitude—has been key to building a cohesive team. “When veterans invest in rookies, it creates a bond that makes us stronger on the field,” Pederson said. “Gratitude is contagious—when the rookies feel appreciated, they work harder, and when the veterans feel their efforts are recognized, they keep leading. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the Jacksonville Jaguars closes with the broader impact of the team’s grateful spirit, and how it has strengthened their connection with the community and within the organization. This year’s highlights—from the fan appreciation game to the training staff tribute to the community grants—have shown that the Jaguars aren’t just a football team; they’re a part of the Jacksonville family. General manager Trent Baalke noted that gratitude is a core value the franchise prioritizes: “We talk about gratitude in our team meetings, in our front office, and in our community outreach. It’s not something we do once a year—it’s something we live every day. When we show appreciation for our fans, our community, and our staff, we build trust, and trust is the foundation of any successful organization.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the 2025 season’s thankful highlights aren’t just moments to look back on—they’re a blueprint for the future. As the team looks ahead to next season, they’ll continue to prioritize gratitude, knowing that success in the NFL is about more than wins and losses—it’s about honoring the people who make it all possible. “At the end of the day, football is a game, but the relationships we build—with our fans, our community, and each other—are what last,” Lawrence said. “We’re thankful for every opportunity we get to play this game, and for everyone who supports us along the way.”