Jags fans kick off season excitement at EverBank Field

Jaguars play Kansas City in season opener

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Less than 72 hours from the kickoff of the Jaguars' 2013 season and diehard fans got a chance to meet the team Thursday night at the EverBank Field's season kick-off rally.

Fans packed the south end zone to break in the teal seats for another season. The Jaguars diehards will return to the field Sunday hoping to have a different season than they had last year.

Fans are hopeful the Jags are going to win a few more games this season.

"I'm gonna say at least 10 (wins)," said Rick Leslie. "Everybody thinks we're gonna be lousy, so I think we're gonna catch everybody by surprise."

The Jaguars pep rally was highlighted by players and rookie Coach Gus Bradley, who's trying to guarantee fans they'll get a better team on field this year.

"These fans are awesome. You go around the community. I know there's been a tough couple years, they are so deserving," said Bradley.

"I just love the energy they feed off, I just share everything with them," said Jax Pack's Angie Ortiz. "When you're on the field, it's a different experience."

The hope is that the energy remains until Sunday afternoon when the Jaguars take the field. For now, the hope is Thursday night's energy remains Sunday afternoon.

"It's a whole new team, gonna come out, they showed some team sportsmanship, gonna be the best," said fan LaShona Middleton.

The newest member of the Jaguars family got its name Thursday night. After a public vote, the Jacksonville Zoo's baby Jaguar was named, "Khan," after Jaguars owner Shad Khan.

Sunday's kickoff against the Kansas City Chiefs is at 1 p.m.


About the Author:

Scott is a multi-Emmy Award Winning Anchor and Reporter, who also hosts the “Going Ringside With The Local Station” Podcast. Scott has been a journalist for 25 years, covering stories including six presidential elections, multiple space shuttle launches and dozens of high-profile murder trials.