JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — I once joked that I hoped to meet the love of my life at a Jaguars game — because at least then, I'd know they're loyal. But after talking to several Jaguars fans, it's clear that loyalty runs deep.
Despite a tough start to the season, many fans say they're surprisingly optimistic.
The Jacksonville Jaguars opened the season in a funk, but supporters believe the team can turn things around.
"Man, we just gotta find our stride," said Brandon Temple, a lifelong fan from Houston. "I don't want to be on that 'fire this guy, fire that guy' trend. Hopefully, we come together as a unit, get a few wins, and get back on that wave, you know?"
Fans also say they want to see more consistency from the team.
"Consistency," said Jamie Courson, a Jaguars fan. "Beating teams, you should beat and playing like we know we can."
Even with the team's struggles, fans stick around.
"I've been a Jags fan since I was 6 years old," said one fan. Another noted they've supported the team for "15 to 20 years."
Temple, a Jaguars fan for 30 years, traveled from Houston to attend the team's Week 5 throwback game against the Indianapolis Colts. The trip also gave him a chance to buy new merchandise.
"Flew all the way here, and they don't have any Jaguars merchandise in Houston," Temple said. "We've been here since Thursday, and I finally picked some up yesterday."
Despite the rough start, fans remain optimistic about the future.
"We'll finally get a Super Bowl victory and prove everybody wrong," said Jordan McPherson, another Jaguars fan. "We just need a little more heart in this stadium."
The Jaguars, now 2-5 have little room for error moving forward with their next game on Sunday at home, against the Green Bay Packers.