JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Jaguars first-round draft pick Brian Thomas Jr. made quite the debut in his first-ever NFL game, scoring a touchdown and notching 47 yards on four catches. His performance also included drawing a crucial pass interference call that led to an immediate Jaguars touchdown, fueling excitement about the young wide receiver.
After the pass interference on the first drive, Thomas Jr. and Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey exchanged words, a rare sight for the typically reserved rookie.
“I think I was the one to say something first,” Thomas Jr. said.
Trash talk is common in the NFL, but Thomas Jr.'s quiet demeanor made this exchange significant. His outburst on the field didn’t go unnoticed by his teammates, including Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
“I saw him talking to Jalen after that play in the end zone, and it was pretty cool. That got us all juiced and amped up just to see that competitive fire come out,” Lawrence said. “I think that’s awesome to see out of anybody, but especially a young guy like that with the confidence he has.”
Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk also praised Thomas Jr. for his emotional display on the field, something rare for the rookie.
"A lot of people, including us, loved seeing him get emotional during the game. That was good. It set the tone," Kirk said.
Thomas Jr.'s gameplay spoke volumes, and Lawrence acknowledged the rookie’s readiness to compete at the highest level.
“The cool thing about him is no moment’s too big for him. He’s a gamer and just shows up ready to play every time he goes out there. That’s exciting to see as a quarterback, just some of the plays he made. Doesn’t seem like a rookie at all—he has that quiet confidence about him,” Lawrence added.
Kirk believes that Thomas Jr. is just scratching the surface of his potential.
"Just with his explosive ability, stretching the field, but also being able to separate at the top of his route, and doing all the things he's asked to do, I think as the season goes on, he'll be asked to do more," Kirk said.
Thomas Jr. will make his regular-season home debut at EverBank Stadium this Sunday at 1 p.m. against the Cleveland Browns.