The Greatest Jacksonville Jaguars of All Time
The Jacksonville Jaguars have had a storied history since their inception in 1995, with many talented players donning the teal and black over the years. As one of the NFL's youngest franchises, the Jaguars have produced a number of all-time greats who have left an indelible mark on the team and the city of Jacksonville. In this comprehensive look at the greatest Jaguars of all time, we'll explore the offensive stars, defensive standouts, special teams heroes, and the coaches and leaders who have shaped the team's legacy.
Offensive Greats
Fred Taylor
When it comes to the greatest running backs in Jaguars history, Fred Taylor stands tall above the rest. Drafted 9th overall in 1998, Taylor quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic and productive players in franchise history. Over his 11-year career in Jacksonville, he amassed 11,695 rushing yards and 66 touchdowns, both franchise records. Taylor's combination of power, speed, and vision made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and he was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1998 and 2007. His legacy as one of the all-time great Jaguars is cemented.
Jimmy Smith
If Fred Taylor was the engine that drove the Jaguars' offense, then Jimmy Smith was the high-octane fuel that powered it. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 1995, Smith quickly emerged as one of the most dominant wide receivers in the league, earning five Pro Bowl selections and four First-Team All-Pro nods during his 11 seasons in Jacksonville. Smith holds franchise records for receptions (862), receiving yards (12,287), and receiving touchdowns (67), and his ability to make contested catches and stretch the field vertically made him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
Maurice Jones-Drew
While Fred Taylor may have been the Jaguars' all-time leading rusher, Maurice Jones-Drew was the engine that drove the team's offense for the better part of a decade. Drafted in the 2nd round in 2006, Jones-Drew quickly established himself as one of the most versatile and productive running backs in the NFL, earning three Pro Bowl selections and the 2011 NFL rushing title. His combination of power, speed, and elusiveness made him a nightmare to tackle, and he finished his Jaguars career with 8,071 rushing yards and 68 total touchdowns.
Mark Brunell
The Jaguars' success in the late 1990s and early 2000s was largely built on the strong right arm of quarterback Mark Brunell. Acquired in a trade with the Green Bay Packers in 1995, Brunell quickly emerged as the face of the franchise, leading the team to two AFC Championship game appearances in 1996 and 1999. A three-time Pro Bowler, Brunell holds numerous franchise records, including passing yards (25,698), passing touchdowns (144), and completion percentage (61.3%). His ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs made him a constant threat, and he remains one of the most beloved players in Jaguars history.
Defensive Standouts
Tony Boselli
When it comes to the greatest offensive linemen in Jaguars history, there is no debate - Tony Boselli stands alone at the top. Drafted 2nd overall in 1995, Boselli quickly established himself as one of the most dominant left tackles in the NFL, earning five Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro nods during his seven seasons in Jacksonville. His combination of size, strength, and technique made him a brick wall for opposing pass rushers, and he was a key cog in the Jaguars' success in the late 1990s. Boselli's career was cut short by injuries, but his impact on the franchise is undeniable.
John Henderson
Alongside Tony Boselli on the Jaguars' all-time great defense was defensive tackle John Henderson. Drafted 9th overall in 2002, Henderson quickly emerged as one of the most disruptive interior linemen in the league, earning two Pro Bowl selections and helping anchor a defense that was consistently among the best in the NFL. Standing at 6'7" and weighing over 330 pounds, Henderson was a physical freak who used his size and strength to dominate opposing offensive linemen and make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks and running backs.
Marcus Stroud
Forming a formidable defensive tackle duo with John Henderson was Marcus Stroud, who was drafted 13th overall in 2001. Stroud was a dominant force in the middle of the Jaguars' defense, earning three Pro Bowl selections and two First-Team All-Pro nods during his eight seasons in Jacksonville. His combination of size, strength, and quickness made him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen, and he was a key part of the Jaguars' defensive success in the early 2000s.
Rashean Mathis
While the Jaguars' defensive line was stacked with talent, the secondary was anchored by the play of cornerback Rashean Mathis. Drafted in the 2nd round in 2003, Mathis quickly emerged as one of the best cover corners in the NFL, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2006 and leading the league in interceptions that same year. Mathis' combination of size, speed, and ball skills made him a nightmare for opposing wide receivers, and he finished his Jaguars career with 30 interceptions, the most in franchise history.
Special Teams Heroes
Josh Scobee
When it comes to the Jaguars' all-time great special teams players, kicker Josh Scobee stands alone at the top. Drafted in the 5th round in 2004, Scobee spent 11 seasons in Jacksonville, where he established himself as one of the most accurate and clutch kickers in the NFL. Scobee holds franchise records for field goals made (235), field goal percentage (80.9%), and points scored (1,022), and his ability to consistently make big kicks in high-pressure situations made him a fan favorite and a key part of the Jaguars' success over the years.
Mike Hollis
While Josh Scobee was the Jaguars' kicker for the majority of the 2000s, Mike Hollis was the team's original placekicker, serving in that role from 1995 to 2001. Hollis was a consistent and reliable kicker who helped the Jaguars establish themselves as a contender in the late 1990s, making the Pro Bowl in 1997 and 1998. He holds the franchise record for field goals made in a season (34 in 1998) and was a key part of the Jaguars' success during their early years.
Coaches and Leadership
Tom Coughlin
When it comes to the Jaguars' all-time great coaches, Tom Coughlin stands head and shoulders above the rest. Hired as the team's first head coach in 1995, Coughlin quickly established a culture of discipline and accountability that helped the Jaguars become one of the most successful expansion teams in NFL history. Under Coughlin's leadership, the Jaguars made the playoffs four times in their first five seasons, including two appearances in the AFC Championship game. Coughlin's no-nonsense approach and attention to detail helped transform the Jaguars into a perennial contender, and his impact on the franchise is still felt to this day.
Jack Del Rio
While Tom Coughlin was the Jaguars' first head coach, Jack Del Rio took over the reins in 2003 and helped the team navigate a difficult transition period. Del Rio's tenure as head coach was marked by a mix of success and disappointment, as the Jaguars made the playoffs in 2005 and 2007 but struggled to find consistent success in the years that followed. However, Del Rio's impact on the franchise cannot be overstated, as he helped develop several of the Jaguars' all-time great players and laid the foundation for the team's future success.
Statistical Leaders
All-Time Passing Leaders
- Mark Brunell - 25,698 yards
- Blake Bortles - 17,646 yards
- David Garrard - 16,003 yards
All-Time Rushing Leaders
- Fred Taylor - 11,695 yards
- Maurice Jones-Drew - 8,071 yards
- James Stewart - 3,681 yards
All-Time Receiving Leaders
- Jimmy Smith - 12,287 yards
- Keenan McCardell - 7,607 yards
- Allen Hurns - 4,854 yards
All-Time Sack Leaders
- Tony Brackens - 55.0 sacks
- John Henderson - 29.0 sacks
- Kevin Hardy - 24.0 sacks
Pro Bowl and All-Pro Selections
Over the years, the Jaguars have had numerous players selected to the Pro Bowl and named to the All-Pro team, further cementing their legacy as some of the greatest to ever wear the teal and black. Some of the most notable selections include:
Pro Bowl Selections:
- Fred Taylor (2 selections)
- Jimmy Smith (5 selections)
- Mark Brunell (3 selections)
- Tony Boselli (5 selections)
- John Henderson (2 selections)
- Marcus Stroud (3 selections)
- Rashean Mathis (1 selection)
- Josh Scobee (1 selection)
- Mike Hollis (2 selections)
All-Pro Selections:
- Tony Boselli (3 First-Team selections)
- Marcus Stroud (2 First-Team selections)
- John Henderson (1 First-Team selection)
- Rashean Mathis (1 First-Team selection)
Hall of Fame Inductees and Candidates
While the Jaguars are a relatively young franchise, they have already produced several players who have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame or are considered strong candidates for induction in the future.
Hall of Fame Inductees:
- Tony Boselli (Class of 2022)
Hall of Fame Candidates:
- Fred Taylor
- Jimmy Smith
- Mark Brunell
- John Henderson
- Marcus Stroud
Fan Favorites and Community Impact
In addition to their on-field accomplishments, many of the Jaguars' all-time greats have also made a significant impact off the field, endearing themselves to the passionate fan base in Jacksonville and making a lasting impression on the community.
Players like Fred Taylor, Jimmy Smith, and Mark Brunell were not only stars on the field, but also active in the community, participating in charitable initiatives and serving as role models for young fans. Their commitment to the city and its residents has helped solidify their legacies as some of the most beloved Jaguars of all time.
Similarly, players like Tony Boselli, Rashean Mathis, and Josh Scobee have all been recognized for their community service and philanthropic efforts, further cementing their status as fan favorites and true ambassadors for the Jaguars franchise.
Legacy and Future of the Jaguars
The Jaguars' all-time greats have not only left an indelible mark on the franchise, but have also played a crucial role in shaping the identity and culture of the city of Jacksonville. From the team's early success in the late 1990s to the recent resurgence under the leadership of players like Calais Campbell and Jalen Ramsey, the Jaguars' history is inextricably linked to the city and its residents.
As the Jaguars continue to build towards future success, the legacy of these all-time great players will serve as a guiding light, inspiring the next generation of Jaguars to strive for greatness both on and off the field. By honoring the contributions of these legendary players, the Jaguars organization and its fans can ensure that the team's rich history remains a source of pride and inspiration for years to come.
Conclusion
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been blessed with a wealth of talented players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise and the city of Jacksonville. From the offensive firepower of Fred Taylor, Jimmy Smith, and Maurice Jones-Drew, to the defensive dominance of Tony Boselli, John Henderson, and Rashean Mathis, the Jaguars' all-time greats have set the standard for excellence and paved the way for future success.
As the Jaguars continue to build towards their first Super Bowl championship, the legacy of these legendary players will serve as a constant reminder of the team's rich history and the unwavering dedication of its fans. By honoring the contributions of these all-time greats, the Jaguars organization can ensure that the team's story continues to be written, with the ultimate goal of bringing a championship to the city of Jacksonville.