If the Jacksonville Jaguars were looking for someone to proclaim this team their own, the organization can look towards the defensive side of the football. Just so everyone understands, this is Josh Allen’s world and Jaguars fans are about to get a glimpse of how thankful he is to be living his dream right here on the banks of the St. Johns River.
After listening to the second-year defensive end pledge his allegiance to the Black and Teal of this community, there is no doubt the pass rusher will be the focal point of this organization when it is not centered around Gardner Minshew’s development this coming season.
“I’m going to put everything I can into this organization to give higher standards,” Allen said Thursday. “I want this city to know they have a guy who’s passionate about this team, who’s passionate about this city, who’s passionate about all these teammates – coaches and everybody included.
“I’m all in. I feel like my teammates know that. I hope Duval knows that. Hopefully, I can be here for a very long time and to help change the franchise now, next year, three years, ten years … who knows how long? I just want to leave a big impact on this city and that’s who I want to be remembered as.”
It was just what needed to be said after an offseason of trades and roster moves that have left this organization in need of name tags and permission slips to get names right on the depth chart. It also shows that for a 23-year-old who is just breaking the NFL surface, he is wise beyond his years.
And he could be the best draft pick the Jaguars have brought in over the past decade. In a season of doubters, there is no doubt where the concentration will be for the coaching staff and players. Trying to dispel a growing myth that the 2017 season was nothing more than a façade, Allen and his 10.5 sacks from last season are a calling card the Jaguars need to build around and improve upon.
The Jaguars got extremely lucky last season when Allen fell to them with the seventh pick in the NFL Draft, where both the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants bypassed Allen to take other players. Everything fell into place. Had Allen been off the board when Tom Coughlin made the pick, tight end T.J. Hockenson would have worn black and teal.
Allen’s demeanor and intensity in his first season was a perfect introduction to the organization and the fans here in town. Now, at a ripe and tender age, he is leading by example on the field and in the locker room at a time when players are doing everything they can to get out of dodge.
Allen’s proclamation that he wants to be a part of the foundation of this football team is the most refreshing thing to hear at a time like this.
“The Jaguars took a chance on me,” he added. “I want to bring the standard back high. That’s just something I pride myself on. … Not a lot of people in this world get to have the opportunity like we have. To have the opportunity to have this team come pick you up is a blessing.”
