Charge Led by Former Stars of the Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ legacy isn’t just defined by current players chasing Super Bowls—it’s shaped by former stars who’ve continued to lead meaningful charges long after their final snap in teal and gold. Charge Led by Former Stars of the Jacksonville Jaguars spotlights how alumni like Fred Taylor, Maurice Jones-Drew, Tony Boselli, and Yannick Ngakoue are using their platform to lift up the Jacksonville community, mentor young athletes, and advocate for the franchise. These former players aren’t just “Jags greats”—they’re pillars of the city, turning their on-field success into off-field impact that extends far beyond TIAA Bank Field. For Jaguars Nation, their continued involvement is a reminder of the team’s roots and a bridge between its past and future.

Charge Led by Former Stars of the Jacksonville Jaguars begins with Fred Taylor, the Jaguars’ all-time leading rusher (11,271 yards) and a 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, who has spearheaded a youth football development program called “Taylor Made Skills Camp.” Launched in 2022, the free annual camp brings 500 local kids (ages 8-14) to Jacksonville University’s football facilities for a day of drills, position-specific coaching, and life lessons. Taylor, who grew up in a low-income neighborhood in Pahokee, Florida, designed the camp to provide opportunities he never had: “I want these kids to know that football can open doors, but so can hard work in school and respect for others.” He’s joined at the camp by other former Jaguars, including wide receiver Jimmy Smith and offensive lineman Brad Meester, who volunteer as coaches. This year’s camp, held in June, also included a college and career fair, with local universities and businesses hosting booths to connect kids with future opportunities. The impact is tangible: 85% of camp attendees reported feeling more confident about their academic and athletic goals after the day, according to a post-camp survey.

Charge Led by Former Stars of the Jacksonville Jaguars shifts to Maurice Jones-Drew, the Jaguars’ third-all-time rusher (8,071 yards) and current NFL Network analyst, who has taken on a leadership role in advocating for Jacksonville’s Black community through his “MJ-Drew Community Foundation.” The foundation, established in 2019, focuses on three key areas: reducing food insecurity, supporting single-parent households, and funding scholarships for Black students in Jacksonville. During the 2024 holiday season, Jones-Drew led a “Feed the City” initiative that distributed 10,000 meal kits to families in need across Duval County—partnering with local grocery stores and the Jaguars Foundation to source food. He also hosted a “Single Parent Appreciation Night” at a Jaguars home game in November, inviting 200 single parents and their kids to attend for free and meet with current and former players. Jones-Drew, who was raised by a single mother, said the foundation is personal: “My mom worked three jobs to support us, and I want to let other single parents know they’re not alone. The Jaguars community is here for them.”

Charge Led by Former Stars of the Jacksonville Jaguars features Tony Boselli, the Jaguars’ Hall of Fame offensive tackle and the franchise’s first-ever draft pick (1995), who has become the team’s unofficial “ambassador” and a vocal advocate for keeping the Jaguars in Jacksonville. In 2023, when rumors swirled about potential franchise relocation (a fear rooted in the team’s 2017 near-move to London), Boselli stepped up to calm concerns: he hosted a series of town halls with fans, met with local officials to discuss stadium upgrades, and even wrote an op-ed in the Florida Times-Union titled “Jacksonville Is the Jaguars’ Home—And It Always Will Be.” His efforts helped rally community support, and in 2024, the city approved a $2 billion renovation plan for TIAA Bank Field, ensuring the Jaguars stay in Jacksonville for at least 30 more years. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, Boselli’s advocacy is invaluable—his status as a franchise legend gives him credibility with fans, officials, and team ownership alike. “Tony is the heart and soul of this franchise,” Jaguars owner Shad Khan said. “When he speaks, people listen. He’s not just fighting for the Jaguars—he’s fighting for Jacksonville.”

Charge Led by Former Stars of the Jacksonville Jaguars includes Yannick Ngakoue, a former Jaguars edge rusher (2016-2020) who returned to the team in 2024 as a free agent and has quickly reconnected with the community through his “Sack for Kids” program. The initiative pledges \(1,000 to Jacksonville’s Wolfson Children’s Hospital for every sack Ngakoue records during the season—this year, he’s donated over \)15,000 after 15 sacks. But Ngakoue’s involvement goes beyond checks: he visits the hospital monthly, spending time with young patients, playing video games, and signing autographs. He also started a “Football for Fun” program at the hospital, donating gaming consoles loaded with football games and organizing virtual “meet-and-greets” between patients and current Jaguars players. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ngakoue’s return and community work have strengthened the team’s relationship with local families—especially those affected by childhood illness. “Yannick gets what it means to be a Jaguar,” head coach Doug Pederson said. “He’s not just here to play football—he’s here to make a difference. That’s the kind of player and person we want representing our team.”

Charge Led by Former Stars of the Jacksonville Jaguars concludes with a collective effort from multiple alumni: the “Jaguars Legends Weekend,” held annually during a home game in October. This year’s event brought together over 40 former players—including Taylor, Jones-Drew, Boselli, Ngakoue, and even early-era stars like Mark Brunell and Keenan McCardell—for a weekend of fan interactions, charity events, and on-field recognition. The weekend kicked off with a “Legends Golf Tournament” that raised $200,000 for the Jaguars Foundation, followed by a “Legends Dinner” where players shared stories from their careers. During the game, the legends were honored on the field at halftime, with Boselli presenting a “Legacy Award” to Taylor for his contributions to the franchise and community. For Jaguars Nation, the weekend is a chance to celebrate the team’s history while cheering for its future. “Seeing all these legends together reminds us how far this franchise has come,” said long-time fan Mike Johnson, who attended the dinner. “They built this team, and now they’re helping build this community. That’s what being a Jaguar is all about.”

Charge Led by Former Stars of the Jacksonville Jaguars ultimately shows that the Jaguars’ impact isn’t limited to the players on the current roster. From Taylor’s youth camps to Jones-Drew’s food drives, Boselli’s advocacy to Ngakoue’s hospital visits, these former stars are leading charges that make Jacksonville a better place. They’ve turned their love for the game into love for the city, creating a legacy that goes beyond touchdowns, sacks, and wins. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this alumni leadership is a secret weapon—it’s a reminder that the team is more than a sports franchise; it’s a part of the city’s identity. As current players chase a Super Bowl, they’re standing on the shoulders of legends who’ve already built something lasting: a Jaguars Nation united by pride, purpose, and the belief that football can change lives.