JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jaguars' wide receiver Parker Washington was ready when called upon during his rookie season and took full advantage of his opportunities in 2023.
Last season, the Jaguars struggled with injuries. On offense, Zay Jones went down, followed by Christian Kirk. Players had to step up. One of the players who did was Parker Washington.
"How can I be the best Parker Washington each and every day? I just attack the offseason that way, and I wasn't looking too far ahead. Just staying in that present moment, looking to improve," Washington said.
Washington had an experienced veteran class to look up to in 2023. Even though the team looks different now, he believes there's still an opportunity to grow.
"Just from last year alone, I had Calvin Ridley, Zay, Christian Kirk, Agnew. I leaned on all of those guys. Even though some of those guys are not here anymore. Gabe Davis now, Christian Kirk. Those are the guys I lean on to give feedback. Maybe a route I just ran or why they ran it a certain way," Washington said.
One thing he learned from last season was to gain from every repetition and not look too far ahead.
"Did I do the release I said I wanted to do? Did I see the defense? The little things and just attack it that way instead of saying, 'I gotta just catch the ball.' You're not going to catch the ball every single time. I feel like just having that mindset keeps you mentally sharp and ready to go," Washington said.
He knows all eyes are on the offense.
"The pressure is within us, and we want to perform. We need to perform," Washington said.
Washington added that one of the main things he's focusing on early is staying as healthy as possible.