JACKSONVILLE – He's gaining confidence and experience.
Emmanuel Pregnon is also working tireless and intentionally as he does both – and if anything defines the Jaguars' starting rookie left guard, that may be it.
"I just put my head down to work, and try to earn every day," he said.
Pregnon, a third-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, joined senior writer John Oehser for this 2026 Week 2 O-Zone Podcast. Among the topics: Playing his second NFL game in his hometown of Denver, Colo., when the Jaguars play the Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High Sunday at 4:05 p.m.
"My family hasn't had the most opportunities to come see me play in person, just due to most obligations outside of my football," Pregnon said. "It will be huge to me. I can't really express it, but I know when they're there, I'm going to do everything I can do in my power to make sure they're happy and the Jaguars are happy."
Family is a priority for Pregnon, who has cited a mother who raised Pregnon and three older siblings – plus two older cousins –as a "driving force."
"That's the realest thing ever," Pregnon said. "Especially within my family growing up, that was really the standard that my mother set. I really got to see what goes into a day of work and how much work you put in that some people might not take into account.
"That was something my mother was doing for us just to make ends meet."
Pregnon, who quickly has developed a reputation around the Jaguars for work and preparation, calls his mother's work ethic "soldier-like."
"That really set my foundation as far as my work ethic and how I'm supposed to come to work every day," Pregnon said. "You're always striving for one or two percent better every day. What can you work on? How can you be present even if you're tired or feeling down?
"My mom was always there. Even after all those long hours, she would make those meals, talk to me, watch TV or do anything to be a family. So, shout out, Mom."
That approach only helped Pregnon go from an unranked collegiate recruit with one scholarship offer, to the University of Wyoming, to first-team All-America status in 2026 for the University of Oregon.
It also helped him earn being the lone rookie starting for the Jaguars in Week 1 this season.
"I try to earn my job, earn my role," Pregnon said. "I know what I came here to do and I know what I'm capable of, and I just wanted to help my team the best way I knew I could."
To hear the entire O-Zone Podcast interview with Pregnon, click HERE.
