Coming off a 4–13 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars were in desperate need of veteran leadership, particularly in the secondary. Enter nine-year veteran Jourdan Lewis, who in just a short time has been voted a team captain for 2025.
Lewis' tenacious playstyle sets the tone on the field, while his vocal leadership resonates in the locker room. Following last week’s loss, Lewis spoke to the media about the upcoming matchup with division rival Houston:
"We have to play with heart. That's really what it comes down to, playing with heart, and not thinking about the competition-understanding that they have to come through us," Lewis said. "We are serious contenders ourselves, too. Don't think the game is too much or anything like that. Just go out there and do what we're taught to do and play with heart, and play hard. If we do that, it's going to be heard to beat us."
Jourdan Lewis' mindest is having a positive impact on the Jaguars defense
This mentality reflects the new era of Jaguars football. For too long, the team has been viewed as an underdog, but Lewis brings a confidence that is already resonating with his teammates. The Jaguars’ defense looks vastly improved, while the Texans’ offense has struggled in recent weeks — two teams trending in opposite directions. There’s every reason for Lewis and this defense to feel confident. At the moment, Jacksonville leads the league with an average of nearly three turnovers forced per game.
Forcing turnovers is one of the simplest and most effective keys to winning football. They accomplish two things: first, limiting the opponent’s chances to score; and second, creating extra possessions for the offense. More opportunities mean more points, and more points usually mean more wins.
Every great defense needs a vocal leader. The Ravens had Ray Lewis. The Seahawks had Richard Sherman. During the Sacksonville era, the Jaguars had Jalen Ramsey. Now, it’s Jourdan Lewis’s turn. He has embraced the role of tone-setter, rallying his teammates and driving the energy that can carry this defense to victory.
Lewis and the Jaguars will face a fierce division foe this week in the Houston Texans. Emotions always run high in rivalry games, but this matchup carries extra weight. The last time these teams met, quarterback Trevor Lawrence was taken off the field with a concussion after linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair collided with him on a slide.
As a captain, Lewis must keep the intensity high while ensuring the team channels that emotion into disciplined, controlled play.
Jourdan Lewis got me ready to fight 🔥🔥
— SleeperJaguars (@SleeperJaguars) September 14, 2025
📹: @Jaguars pic.twitter.com/g9JOL0yf1k
Jourdan Lewis and the Jaguars’ defense already look vastly improved from last season, fueled by a tenacious mentality. His influence is evident on younger players like cornerback Jarrian Jones and rookie Travis Hunter, who will be key to the team’s success. If the Jaguars are to contend, their young talent must rise to the occasion — and with Lewis’s leadership steering the way, Jacksonville could very well emerge as one of the AFC’s sleeper teams in 2025.