WATFORD, United Kingdom – He's a special player with a special story.
Ameer Abdullah, who turned in one of the most special moments in Jaguars history this past Sunday, said he knew immediately he was entering a special – and unique – situation when he joined the Jaguars as a free agent this past offseason.
Liam Coen made it feel that way, and Coen wasn't alone.
"I'm thankful I signed with Jacksonville because I mesh very well with the squad," he said as the AFC South-leading Jaguars (4-1) prepared to play the Houston Texans (1-4) at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday.
Abdullah, a 12th-year NFL veteran whose final-second kick return seconds set up the game-winning field goal in the Jaguars' victory over the Philadelphia Eagles at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London this past Sunday, joined senior writer John Oehser for this Week 6 2026 O-Zone Podcast. Among the topics:
The 53-yard return that set up kicker Cam Little's 57-field goal game-winning field goal against the Eagles.
"For us to lean on our special teams the last few plays to get it done … unbelievable," he said. "It's a testament to all the guys on the team who were just ready to do their job."
Abdullah, originally a second-round selection in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, has played with seven teams in 12 NFL seasons and said he knew quickly after joining the Jaguars he was with the right organization at the right time. Coen, he said, was one reason.
"He was straight up with me," Abdullah said. "He told me I could come in and have an opportunity to make an impact. In Year 12, not a lot of coaches are that personable with you. They call your agent. You come in, sign a contract and that's that.
"Liam texted me directly. That, to me, was a sign that I was wanted. I was appreciated. And my value was going to be considered. That has continued to fill itself out as the season has gone on."
The Jaguars, after winning the AFC South in 2025 – Coen's first season as head coach – have started 2026 4-1 and lead the AFC South by two games. Abdullah said while such success may start with the head coach, it goes beyond leadership and into all levels of the organization.
"Everyone understands that they're a 'glue guy,' "Abdullah said. "You hear this term all the time, 'He's a glue guy, he's a glue guy, he keeps the team together.' Everyone kind of walks around the building with that perspective, that they're the ones holding it together.
"Everyone is very detailed with their job. No matter if it's the janitor, or a member of the athletic training staff, or a player on the team … everyone takes the mentality that 'I'm the glue guy. I'm the guy who has to keep my job as precise as possible to keep the whole structure together.'
"That type of selflessness allows everyone to go out and make plays when they're called upon.
To listen to the entire O-Zone Podcast with Abdullah, click HERE.
