July 9, 2019
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Former Jaguars DE Joel Smeenge has been named No. 24 on the Jaguars All-25, the club announced today. Jaguars All-25 is a collection of the top 25 non-active players in franchise history, as voted on by members of the local media. The Jaguars’ silver celebration kicked off in mid-March with the start of the new league year and the unveiling of the team’s 25th season commemorative logo designed to embody the spirit of DUUUVAL.
“I wanted to reach out to the community and just say thanks for selecting me for the All-25 team,” said Smeenge. “It was an honor to have played in Jacksonville, and I really enjoyed my time there. Going into this 2019 season, I wish the team all the best. It’s time…let’s go hunt and eat, Jags!”
Smeenge, 6-6, 262, was originally selected by the New Orleans Saints with the 71st overall pick of the 1990 NFL Draft. He joined the Jaguars as an unrestricted free agent in 1995 and led the team in sacks (4.0) and forced fumbles (four) during the franchise’s inaugural season. He quickly became a fan favorite with the crowd often chanting “SMEEEEN-GEEE” after each sack or key tackle. Smeenge remains second in career sacks in franchise annals, totaling 34.0 sacks during his six seasons with the Jaguars. Originally from Holland, Mich., Smeenge attended Western Michigan University where he became the first player in Mid-American Conference history to be named an All-Conference selection for three straight years.
“He’s a guy that you want on your team because you know you are going to get his best week after week,” said Gene Frenette, columnist for the Florida Times-Union and member of the All-25 voting panel. “More often than not, he’s going to make a play for you.”
For more information on Jaguars All-25, including stories, interviews and statistics, please visit https://www.jaguars.com/all25.
JAGUARS ALL-25:
24. DE Joel Smeenge (1995-2000)
25. L Chris Naeole (2002-07)
# # #
