The Jacksonville Jaguars have named fifth-year S Jarrod Wilson as the team’s nominee for the Athletes in Action Bart Starr Award, which honors the NFL player who best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community. Through Wilson’s activism in the community alongside his fiancé, Desaray, leadership in the locker room and resiliency in recovering from injury, he has proven to embody the ideals of Bart Starr’s legacy.
In 2016, Wilson launched the Jarrod Wilson Foundation with a focus on giving back to communities through career and college readiness, scholarship programs, community service and athletics. Since then, Wilson hosted the first annual Jarrod Wilson Football Camp in his hometown of Akron, Ohio in 2019, when he welcomed more than 100 kids to learn about not only the fundamentals of the game but also leadership and the importance of education and family. For this year’s NFL My Cause My Cleats initiative, Wilson is representing his foundation.
Wilson has also displayed a commitment to the Jacksonville community. He has made numerous visits to Wolfson Children’s Hospital to brighten kids’ day. He has hosted events at the Hubbard House, a local domestic violence shelter, and has participated in activities to support families impacted by cancer during the team’s Crucial Catch initiative.
On the field, Wilson has provided steady leadership and production at free safety, totaling more than 100 tackles and three INTs during his five-year career. In 2019, Wilson was one of five players in the NFL to play in every snap (1,186) for their team. Prior to the 2020 season, he was named team captain for the first time in his career. This season, the University of Michigan alumnus worked hard to bounce back from a Week 1 hamstring injury to return to the starting lineup in Week 5 and in seven starts, he has totaled 37 tackles, two passes defensed and one INT.
The Award is named after Bart Starr who, in addition to being in the NFL Hall of Fame, was selected as MVP in Super Bowls I and II. The award is voted on by players around the league and will be presented at the 2021 Athletes in Action Super Bowl Breakfast on Feb. 6, 2021.
