JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jaguars entered the season with hopes of making the playoffs and perhaps delivering the city’s first Super Bowl title. But with 11 games behind them, those dreams are fading fast. According to NFL.com, their playoff chances now sit at less than 1%.
So, what keeps the Jaguars motivated in a difficult season? For tight end Evan Engram, it’s about leaving a lasting mark.
“At this point, we got to fight for our legacy,” Engram said. “What kind of legacy do we want to leave as individuals and as a team? We can throw the record out at this point.”
For many players, legacy isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about inspiring the next generation.
“When you have kids, when they grow up, you want them to see how you not only attacked adversity but how you carried yourself as a professional,” said center Mitch Morse. “So, that’s a huge motivator.”
Offensive lineman Anton Harrison finds inspiration in honoring the people who helped him reach this stage of his career.
“Just the name on the back of my uniform,” Harrison said. “Put on for my family. They’re the people who raised me, so overall it’s to make sure they’re good at the end of it. That just keeps me motivated and keeps me going every day.”
For others, it’s about maximizing the opportunity in front of them.
“To have no regrets,” safety Andrew Wingard said. “To put all my chips in and whatever happens, happens. So, I just love to ball and having that feeling of winning games, making plays, and flying around. That’s my motivation.”
For the rookies, the goal is clear: proving they belong in the NFL.
“To be the best I can be. Just want to be the best in general,” said wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. “That’s my motivation—always wanting to be the best at everything I do.”
Cornerback Jarrian Jones echoed that sentiment.
“I’m internally motivated because the drive in me is to really just be my best every day,” Jones said. “I don’t like to compare myself to nobody. Just do it for the love of me.”
For running back Travis Etienne Jr., the motivation is as simple as the will to win.
“My motivation is to win games,” Etienne said. “Losing week in and week out, you get depressed. No one wants to be there.”
The Jaguars will host the AFC South-leading Houston Texans following their Week 12 bye.