Jacksonville Jaguars’ Support for Charities Shines in Week 13

As the Jacksonville Jaguars prepared to face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season, the team’s impact extended far beyond the football field—Week 13 was designated as the Jaguars’ annual “Community Impact Week,” a four-day stretch of charitable initiatives that highlighted the organization’s commitment to giving back to the Jacksonville community. Jacksonville Jaguars’ Support for Charities Shines in Week 13 is more than a PR campaign; it’s a reflection of the team’s core values, which prioritize lifting up local families, supporting youth development, and addressing critical community needs like food insecurity and affordable housing. From player-led volunteer events to game-day fundraisers, the week showcased how the Jaguars use their platform to create meaningful change, turning a regular season week into an opportunity to strengthen bonds with the fans who support them year-round.

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Support for Charities Shines in Week 13 kicked off on Monday with a “Food Drive & Distribution Day” in partnership with Gleaners Food Bank of Northeast Florida, one of the region’s largest hunger-relief organizations. Over 20 Jaguars players—including starting tight end Johnny Mundt, safety Andre Cisco, and edge rusher Travonn Walker—spent three hours packing and distributing food boxes to families in need at the team’s practice facility. Each box contained enough non-perishable items (canned vegetables, rice, pasta) and fresh produce to feed a family of four for a week, and the players took time to chat with recipients, sign autographs for kids, and listen to stories about how food insecurity had impacted their lives. By the end of the day, the team had distributed over 1,200 boxes, reaching more than 4,800 people. “This is what it means to be part of this community,” Mundt said. “We’re not just here to play football—we’re here to help. Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces when they get their food boxes? That’s better than any win on the field.” The event also included a donation drive, where fans who brought non-perishable items received a free Jaguars-themed reusable tote bag, encouraging community-wide participation.

A highlight of Jacksonville Jaguars’ Support for Charities Shines in Week 13 was Wednesday’s “Youth Football & Education Clinic,” hosted in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida. Held at the Boys & Girls Clubs’ main Jacksonville location, the clinic brought together 150 local kids ages 8-14 for a day of football drills, academic workshops, and mentorship from Jaguars players and coaches. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry led a session on teamwork and sportsmanship, while rookie defensive end Jared Verse and safety Rayuan Lane III taught kids basic football skills like passing, catching, and tackling (with a focus on safety). The academic portion of the day included workshops on homework help, college readiness, and financial literacy—led by Jaguars staff and local teachers. Each kid also received a free backpack filled with school supplies (notebooks, pencils, calculators) and a Jaguars jersey. For 12-year-old participant Marcus Johnson, who dreams of playing in the NFL, the clinic was life-changing: “Getting to meet Jared Verse and learn from him? It made me believe I can do anything if I work hard. Plus, the backpack has all the supplies I need for school—my mom can’t afford that right now. Thank you, Jaguars.” The clinic wasn’t just about football; it was about empowering kids to succeed both on and off the field.

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Support for Charities Shines in Week 13 continued on game day (Sunday) with a series of fundraisers tied to the Jaguars vs. Bengals matchup, all benefiting local nonprofit organizations. The Jacksonville Jaguars partnered with the Jacksonville Humane Society to host a “Paws & Pigskins” event, where fans could bring their dogs to a designated section of TIAA Bank Field (equipped with water bowls and dog beds) and make donations to the shelter. For every dog in attendance, the Jaguars donated \(10 to the Humane Society, raising over \)5,000 by the end of the game. The team also held a “50/50 Raffle,” where half of the proceeds went to the winner and the other half benefited the Jacksonville Housing Partnership (JHP), an organization that builds affordable housing for low-income families. The raffle raised \(23,000, with the JHP planning to use the funds to repair 10 homes in Jacksonville’s Westside neighborhood. Additionally, the Jaguars’ cheerleaders sold team-themed bracelets for \)5 each, with all proceeds going to the Jacksonville Children’s Hospital. “Game days are about more than football—they’re about bringing the community together to support good causes,” said Jaguars president Mark Lamping. “Seeing fans donate to the Humane Society, buy raffle tickets for JHP, and purchase bracelets for the Children’s Hospital? It shows how much this community cares. We’re proud to be part of it.”

Another key element of Jacksonville Jaguars’ Support for Charities Shines in Week 13 was the Jacksonville Jaguars’ “Player Matching Gift Program,” which encouraged players to donate to local charities and matched their contributions dollar-for-dollar. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence donated \(10,000 to the Jacksonville Education Fund (which provides scholarships to local high school seniors), and the Jaguars matched it, bringing the total donation to \)20,000. Running back Travis Etienne donated \(7,500 to the Jacksonville Food Policy Council (which works to end food insecurity), with the team matching that amount as well. By the end of the week, 32 Jaguars players had participated in the program, donating a combined \)185,000—with the team’s matching gifts bringing the total to $370,000. The funds were distributed to 12 local nonprofits, including Gleaners Food Bank, the Boys & Girls Clubs, the Jacksonville Humane Society, and the JHP. “The matching gift program is our way of amplifying our players’ generosity,” Lamping said. “When a player donates, we want to show that the entire organization stands behind them—and that we’re all invested in making Jacksonville a better place.” For Lawrence, the program was a way to give back to the community that had welcomed him and his family: “Jacksonville has been amazing to us. This is just a small way to say thank you. Every dollar we donate can help a kid go to college, feed a family, or keep a roof over someone’s head. That’s the kind of impact we want to have.”

Looking ahead, Jacksonville Jaguars’ Support for Charities Shines in Week 13 is more than a one-week event—it’s part of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ year-round commitment to community service. The team plans to build on the success of Week 13 by hosting similar events in 2026, including a “Community Impact Month” next fall that will expand on the initiatives from this year. For the Jaguars, supporting charities isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a privilege. “This community supports us every Sunday, whether we win or lose,” head coach Doug Pederson said. “Giving back is our way of honoring that support. Week 13 was a reminder of why we do this: to make a difference in the lives of the people who matter most—our fans, our neighbors, our friends.” For the Jacksonville community, the Jaguars’ charitable efforts are a source of pride. They show that the team isn’t just focused on winning football games—they’re focused on winning at being a good neighbor. Jacksonville Jaguars’ Support for Charities Shines in Week 13 isn’t just about a week of giving; it’s about a lifelong commitment to making Jacksonville a better place for everyone.