The Jacksonville Jaguars signed Ameer Abdullah as a free agent in May, and the 12-year veteran had a difficult path to making the active roster.
The Jaguars had three running backs who were roster locks — Bhayshul Tuten, Chris Rodriguez, and LeQuint Allen — and yet, Abdullah was able to convince Jacksonville head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone to roster a fourth running back.
That decision quickly paid off in Week 5, with Abdullah delivering a 53-yard kickoff return to the 39-yard line with just 0:08 left in the game. That return set up Cam Little's game-winning field goal, making Abdullah one of the unlikely stars of the game.
In his latest press conference, quarterback Trevor Lawrence praised Abdullah's maturity and leadership.
"Really football savvy and smart, good leader who does things the right way."
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) October 14, 2026
Trevor Lawrence on Ameer Abdullah's leadership ability. pic.twitter.com/Ye3YfWWsSR
"A guy like Ameer, who's that vet presence, who's very calm, really football savvy and smart, good leader, just does things the right way. I think you need a few guys like that on your team," Lawrence said, continuing,
"I think Ameer's in, what, his 12th or 13th year? He's been playing a long time. Maybe not everyone has to be that much of a vet, but I think just that presence is important. And it's just a lot of maturity from him. And I think guys feed off that."
Abdullah signed with Jacksonville after spending the 2025 season with the Indianapolis Colts. His role with the Jaguars has largely been complementary, but his experience has given the Jaguars a steady presence behind younger players like Tuten, Rodriguez, and Allen.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars' QB Trevor Lawrence praises Ameer Abdullah’s veteran presence
