The Jacksonville Jaguars ended their minicamp over the weekend with a show of togetherness and a promise of more work to come.
The team got its first look at the rookies and, overall, Coach Jack Del Rio was pleased.
“We got a lot accomplished,” he said, “but we have a long way to go. We’ve just begun the process.”
The team held two practices Friday and Saturday before concluding with a morning workout Sunday.
• • •
The final practice included a barbecue hosted, in part, by defensive player Tony Brackens.
He bought two hogs at the Clay County Fair and asked Del Rio if he could have them prepared for the team.
“Tony got the meat and we did the rest,” said Del Rio. Owner Wayne Weaver was among those in line.
Brackens: “It’s a chance to do something together other than play football. A good team needs fellowship, on and off the field.”
• • •
Another indication of the “new era” for the team” coaches can wear sunglasses. They were outlawed by deposed coach Tom Coughlin.
• • •
Coughlin’s charity golf tournament was Monday at Marsh Landing. Among the players: quarterback Mark Brunell.
• • •
The next camp comes quickly, a “passing camp” starting Monday.
The regular preseason starts in July and the first game is an exhibition at Minnesota Aug. 9. The regular seasons starts Sept. 7 at Carolina.
• • •
Visitor at Sunday’s practice: Del Rio’s son, 8-year-old Luke.
• • •
Only a half-dozen fans gathered outside the gates of the closed practices but were well rewarded for patience: coaches and players stopped to chat and sign autographs.
• • •
Rookie kicker Damon Duval says he knows plenty about Jacksonville: “For one, when I’m introduced to someone, I get asked the same question: Are you related to David Duval?”
Answer: no, and he’s never met the PGA Tour star.
“The county, too,” said Duval, who signed as a free agent. “Guess I was destined to come here.”
— by Fred Seely