Apr 26, 2013; New York, NY, USA; NFL former player Mark Brunell announces the thirty-third overall pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

$3.99. That’s what I paid for it. As a Jaguars fan, I check from time to time for Jaguars jerseys and memorabilia on eBay. I came across it and thought why not. I put in my bid, forgot about it, and two days later received a notification that I’d won the bid for a Mark Brunell jersey for the unbelievable price of $3.99. Excited? Yep! But also a little disappointed. Why, you ask? Because I felt disrespected as a fan of my favorite team and player that something like this could mean so little to someone else.

Mark Brunell is arguably the best player in Jaguar’s Football history. He brought the franchise to contending status at an inconceivable rate. Reaching the playoffs in three of its first four seasons. He set all kinds of records and reached the Pro Bowl many times. He was to put it bluntly, “The Man”, and created life long fans outside of Jacksonville, including myself at over 4,000 miles away. Life after Jacksonville wasn’t half bad either. He spent some time with the Redskins.  Then earned a Super Bowl ring while being on the Saints roster. Also mentored Mark Sanchez for a couple of years in New York before leaving the game (the departure of Brunell coincided with the decline of Sanchez. Coincidence? Maybe). He’s taken risks on the real estate playing field that haven’t all panned out. On the flip side he’s established many successful Whataburger franchises. He’s now “Coach Brunell” at Episcopal School in Jacksonville.

Curiosity finally got to me. I had to contact the buyer and find out why. It turns out she was moving on to a new chapter in her life and was getting rid of some old items. I felt better. Even better knowing I was getting another jersey of one of my all time favorite player, for only $3.99.

(h/t) mtiller wildanimalphotos.co.uk

The Jacksonville Jaguars have released DT Jeris Pendleton

 Pendleton was selected by Jacksonville in the seventh round of the 2012 NFL Draft. The Jaguars made the decision to cut him so they would have room on the roster to bring in wide receiver Jeremy Ebert.

Jaguars defensive ends Jeremy Mincey and Andre Branch look for impact seasons

“I don’t see rebuilding. I see progression. We’ve got a lot of speed. I love the defensive backs, very, very young and talented. The linebackers, you’ve got the same people, but Geno [Hayes], a true athlete was added to the defense. It’s completely different. I’m excited about it,” Mincey said.

John Oehser’s “What we Learned”

1. The Jaguars are faster. Yes, we’ve gone over the speed thing before – several times since the 2013 NFL Draft, in fact – but this What We Learned is serving as a Week 1-2 wrap for 2013 OTAs, and of all the notable notes about this franchise in late May, that’s it. The Jaguars drafted with speed in mind. Through two weeks of OTAs, it’s apparent they got it.

May 13, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; A general view of the jaguar statue outside EverBank Field after organized team activities nearby at The Florida Blue Health

Tim Tebow mania has continued to affect everything the Jacksonville Jaguars do, despite the team’s front office openly saying they would not pick up Tebow.  As great of a guy as he is and as much as he wins (whether due to his defense or running game or a magic throw at the end of the game), the Jaguars simply do not have a place for him on their team.

Apparently neither do 31 other franchises.

Unfortunately, it is the Jaguars and not the other 31 that are brought to the forefront when Tebow is mentioned.  Tebow played high school ball nearby.  He played for the University of Florida.  But he is not a Jacksonville Jaguar, no matter what his supporters do to make it so.

The latest supporter to request the Jaguars pick up Tebow is Chuck Norris.  The famed martial artist, actor, and total gym salesman, Norris is the fittest 73 year old around.  Jokes about the super-human feats of Chuck Norris abound.  He beats Superman, Batman, and can even move the earth down with one simple push up.

But can he convince the Jaguars to sign Tebow?

On Tuesday Norris wrote a column for News Busters defending Tebow.  ”I’ve heard the critics say Tebow has poor technical skills, but the truth is that Tim is a natural leader, an amazingly gifted football player, an inspiration to his team and the possessor of intense determination and strategy to bring any team to victory — no matter what the odds. One can improve technique, but leadership is innate. That is why I believe that Tebow could be a superstar and legend in the NFL,” writes Norris.  While he may be right that he is a natural leader and a gifted football player, Tebow just does not have the requisite skills at quarterback – the position he insists he play.

Norris then goes on to say that he would pick the Jaguars for Tebow to join and “usher it to Super Bowl status.”  He notes that it would draw thousands, maybe even tens of thousands, of people to the stadium to watch him play.  They would become lifelong fans of the Jaguars simply because of Tebow.  While the fan base may increase with the loyal following Tebow has, Everbank Field does a decent job filling the stadium and doesn’t have room for tens of thousands more fans to come to each game, even if Chuck Norris does make it so.

Mr. Norris ends his column asking owner Shahid Khan to consider the words of Martin Luther King Jr. saying, “So let me respectfully challenge Khan to consider these words from Dr. King: “There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe nor politic nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.”

Unfortunately for Norris, the Jaguars see Tebow as a football commodity not as an “unsafe” choice.  Picking up Tebow is not wise from a football perspective, no matter what leadership qualities he possesses.  Personally, I appreciate and like Tebow.  I just don’t want him playing quarterback on my football team.

- Luke N. Sims

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