Jacksonville Jaguars travel tips: Embracing British charm in Duval County

A trip to see the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL has its own unique charm. Taking a dip at a american football game—no matter how Trevor Lawrence and the team fare on the field—is part of the gameday experience at EverBank Stadium, with its two pools right above the north end zone. For fans who prefer to stay dry, there's always the option of joining the NFL London Games trips, hosted by perhaps the most British of all 32 NFL teams.

Almost 4000 miles separate Duval County, Florida—home of the Jacksonville Jaguars—from the longtime NFL International Series venue in London. Whether Shahid Khan uses a red smartphone for his daily business talks from the USA, I can't say for certain. Nevertheless, the Pakistan-born sports tycoon has what's commonly referred to as a "direct line" between the American football league and the English Premier League. From EverBank Stadium to the revamped Craven Cottage (more about Premier League travels with Fulham FC)—"Chad" is calling!

Where Soccer Football: Direct line between Jacksonville and Fulham

As the "guardian of Fulham," Shahid Khan staged a touching takeover of the club in West London. Among his other holdings are various luxury yachts and, of course, the Jaguars. At the behest of the owner listed among the top 100 wealthiest Americans (with an estimated fortune of $7.8 billion), the team embarked on its first NFL International Series trip in 2013. Making their debut at Wembley, they splashed away from home with a 10-42 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, much to the dismay of some.

A smart and well-timed move for a so-called small-market team in American sports, some argue. Normally, I'm quick to dismiss comparisons between NFL and soccer. Yet, in this case and considering the owner's connection, it seems appropriate. In other words, FC Fulham and the Jacksonville Jaguars are walking similar paths, each surrounded by fortresses filled with dozens of stars and a much larger fan base.

NFL London Travel: Jaguars a Welcome Guest

Descending, like the "Cottagers" did three times between 2014 and 2022, isn't an option in the closed-shop system of the NFL. However, there are days in retirement-friendly Jacksonville where the mood might feel similarly bleak. Envious glances often turn toward South Beach in Miami.

Four years ago, when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers snagged star quarterback Tom Brady and later Super Bowl LV (31-9 against the Kansas City Chiefs), complete with viral clips from the boat parade on the Hillsborough River, it was better to keep your Jaguars jersey tucked away in the closet...

Nevertheless, the franchise from Duval County can boast the title of one of the "Most Wanted NFL Teams" on the island. A long-term deal for NFL International Games in London, briefly interrupted only during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, makes it possible. "When we started, we were the 31st out of 32 NFL teams in terms of recognition outside the USA. Today, we're definitely in the top 5," Shahid Khan proudly states.

"Union Jax" flooding Wembley - "London Jaguars" just a pipe dream

Representing this presence in pubs, at tailgating parties before kickoff, and within the stadium are the "Union Jax." Naming the English NFL fan club after the British flag (Union Jack) likely flattered many Brits. In numbers: 80,000 members by the end of 2018. Before that, the team acclimated with its first two road victories at Wembley. A 30-27 triumph over division rivals Indianapolis Colts (2016) was followed by a touchdown firework, marking the second-largest point differential in an NFL London Game to date.

With a 44-7 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, the Jaguars swept them out of the stadium. Marcedes Lewis (now with the Chicago Bears), who caught three touchdowns, was dubbed a "Big Dog on the loose" by the English newspapers, in reference to the tight end's nickname. Until today, "Union Jax" and their team have celebrated four more wins. Initially, it might sound mediocre, but in context, only six other NFL teams with at least four London appearances have a positive record there.

Whether this record holds after the upcoming double-header against the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots (all travel packages to the NFL London Games 2024)? That seems more likely from my perspective than the perennially rumored permanent relocation of the team to London. Yes, Shahid Khan nearly acquired Wembley Stadium once. His official, later withdrawn offer: 700 million euros. The logistical challenges for the other teams, requiring approval from the other 31 owners—mind you, with a two-thirds majority—ultimately rendered it all hot air... In that spirit: Have a good trip to the "London Jaguars" from Duval County!