The Jacksonville Jaguars have announced the team's captains for the 2026-27 season, including six returning with a 'C' on their jerseys and two who are donning them for the first time with the franchise.
Among the group who maintained their captain status are: quarterback Trevor Lawrence, linebacker Foye Oluokun, defensive end Josh Hines-Allen, punter Logan Cooke, cornerback Jourdan Lewis
and offensive lineman Robert Hainsey.Added to the mix this year are wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and long snapper Ross Matiscik. Meyers was acquired via trade halfway through last season, while Matiscik has been the team's long snapper since signing with the club following the 2020 NFL Draft.
one big question: Stopping the pass
"The additions of Jacoby Meyers and Ross [Matiscik] really gave us two new guys that weren't on the crew last year and [it is] pretty obvious as to what their impact and influence have been on this team, especially Ross. I think he is ascending as a leader on this team," Coen said ahead of the team's season opener against the Cleveland Browns.
"I mean, look, three-time Pro Bowler, that speaks for itself, but I think his maturity, presence, accountability in there as well, I think will really help Logan [Cooke] and Cam [Little] and those guys as they lead that special teams unit."
Coen added that Meyers' impact since joining the team has been like a captain, lumping him in with Lawrence, Hainsey, Hines-Allen, Oluokun and Lewis.
"Those guys have continued to ascend in the leadership category," Coen said.
Trevor Lawrence earned unanimous support to be captain
It is common practice for a quarterback to be listed as one of a team's captains every year. The QB handles the entire offense, and wins and losses are largely determined by their play.
Lawrence isn't simply a placeholder, though, Coen explained. He's earned the status.
"I think if you're a teammate of Trevor and you see what he's gone through to get to where he is at, it hasn't just been this smooth straight line. He's dealt with some highs, some lows, some adversity in his career, injuries, whatever it is, and come out on the other side of things," said Coen, adding that Lawrence will need to continue his ascension this year.
"I've just seen the ownership obviously of the offense, and the entire offense sees that. He got every single vote on the offensive side of the ball. When you get every single vote on the offense, it's kind of telling that the guys look to him and he has a way of doing it."
Coen explained that Lawrence has taken more guys off to the side this year than last, meaning he's using moments during practice and workouts to teach or correct. Lawrence's leadership has shone through this year.
"He doesn't have to be a rah-rah guy out in front. It's the way that he prepares throughout the week, the way that he holds his teammates to a standard of preparation throughout the week. I think that's kind of where you've seen a little bit of his evolution as a leader on this team," Coen explained.
Lawrence hopes to continue ascending on Sunday at EverBank Stadium, where the Jaguars will take on the Browns at 1 p.m.
Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @Demetrius82 or on BlueskyatDemetrius.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Jaguars name 8 team captains, including Trevor Lawrence
