JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Richard from Jacksonville
Will Travis Hunter be ready for training camp?
Second-year wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter, the No. 2 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, is expected to be ready for the start of Jaguars 2026 Training Camp after missing the physical – on-field – part of the offseason program rehabilitating the knee injury that kept him out of the last 10 2025 regular-season games. My understanding is veteran running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. – who signed as a restricted free agent from the Washington Commanders this offseason – is also expected to be ready for the start of training camp after missing the on-field part of the offseason program with a knee injury. It's plausible that those two could be monitored closely with the slightest nod given to ensuring they remain healthy early in camp – as is the norm early in training camps with players who are coming off injuries. But all signs are positive on these players and they should be considered "good to go."
Patrick from York, PA
Hello, John. With rookies and quarterbacks showing up on July 25, are other veterans allowed to show up and practice? With the positivity and excitement that seems to be around this team, I have to imagine that the veteran players want to get in on the action.
Jaguars 2026 Training Camp is scheduled to begin July 28, with rookies and quarterbacks reporting July 25. The first practice is scheduled to be the morning of July 29. Are veterans allowed to show up before July 28? Sure. But practice begins July 29. There's a schedule. This is professional football and real life. These are grown men, and this is a looong season. There's plenty of time to prepare as long as you show up when you're supposed to show up.
Easy Ed in the Hammock from Jax now in Flagler
Are you looking forward to Travis Hunter's rookie season as much as I am?
I'm looking forward to seeing how Hunter fares this season.
Mike from Daytona Beach, FL
For many years, my wife and I have rocked out to "Bad Moon Rising" by Creedence Clearwater Revival. But instead of the lyric "There's a bad moon on the rise," we always sing out "There's a bathroom on the right." On a football-related note, barring one or more significant injuries to key players, I fully expect the offense to be top three this year. Why? With one exception, all the key players are in their second season in the offensive scheme. Trevor Lawrence is fully healthy. The receiver room is one of the best in the NFL. Offensive line depth is impressive to the point where at least two starters will be pushed hard. The improved blocking and receiving ability of the tight ends coupled with improved offensive line blocking should allow the running game to be a consistent threat. Finally, the strong across-the-board talent at the skill positions will allow Head Coch Liam Coen to create schemes that will give defensive coordinators nightmares. What say you, KOAF? Am I tilting at windmills?
I expect the Jaguars' offense to be at least as good as last season, and it was very good at the end of last season. I am intrigued by at least six factors. One is how this experienced unit will fare in Coen's second season, when familiarity and chemistry should benefit all involved. Remember: This unit improved dramatically in the second half of last season and figures to improve more. Two is how Hunter might affect the offense; he is dynamic with the ball in his hands and we saw that dynamism only minimally last season. Three is how the run game could improve because many close to the team believe it can be very improved. Four is how Coen might use 12 and 13 – multiple tight-end –personnel sets to his advantage, something he did comparatively sparingly last season because of personnel. Five is how wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. might improve after a difficult season. Six is how Lawrence's awareness and confidence grows in a second season in this scheme. All those factors figure to work in this team's favor. I do not believe you are tilting at windmills.
Dave from Jax
O, One fer referring to the period between Saturday and Tuesday as the "mostly dead" or "somewhat alive" zone! *ducks*
If you say so.
Kenneth from Jacksonville
Who's the best player in Jaguars history to don No. 83?
Possibilities here include tight end Colin Cloherty (2011-2012), tight end Greg Estandia (2007-2009), wide receiver Jason Hill (2010-2011), tight end Ben Koyack (2016-2019) and tight end Pete Mitchell (1995-1999). One fer Mitchell, a good guy and a really good player.
Tim from Fort Wayne, IN
Do you know when the new rivalry jerseys will be revealed? Have you seen them yet?
In due time. No.
Gregg from Mercurey, France
Has Tom Brady officially "jumped the shark" with his WWE escapades? #bizarre
You're referencing former NFL legendary quarterback Tom Brady "feuding" with WWE superstar Logan Paul. I guess one was on the other's podcast and said something the other was purported not to like. I guess Brady might be getting involved with WWE. I guess there might be someone named Jake involved with this, too. I say "I guess" a lot when answering this question to make the point that I'm not following this very closely. That said, let me be clear here: If Brady wants to get involved with the WWE, good on him. If he wants to be an F-1 driver, good on him. If he wants to do shrooms at Joshua Tree or surf Big Shore, good on him. Brady is one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. That's how people will remember him. He's also 48. He has a lot of life to live and has earned the right to live that life essentially as he sees fit.
T-bone from each Haven
Did you know that the citizens of Norway eat 450 million hot dogs a year? That's about 100 dogs each year.
Hot dogs are cool. Norwegians like them. Ro!
Scott from Jacksonville
A wise man once said, "You learn something new every day." I wish I could remember who that was, but it's true! I did not realize Bruce Springsteen was the original author of "Blinded by the Light", and I don't think I've ever heard his take. I will have to look it up. Speaking of song, do you have an all-time favorite? I must say, there is one song, just one, that have played on repeat in the past for entire hour long workouts. That song? "What's Up" by the 4 Non Blondes.
Blinded by the Light is the first song on Springsteen's debut album, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. It's by any measure a classic album – perhaps not on the classic level as Born to Run and Darkness on the Edge of Town, but not far off. Greetings features epics such as Growin' Up, Does this Bus Stop at 82nd Street, Lost in the Flood, For You, Spirit in the Night and It's Hard to be a Saint in the City. Blinded by Light is a worthy first song. Is it as good as Manfred Mann's version? That's personal preference. But the passion and energy in Springsteen's production and performance are high end. I don't necessarily have an all-time favorite song any more than I have a favorite color, though I do go through phases where I listen to particularly artists and songs more than others. I went through a Springsteen phase when I was younger. I've gone through Warren Zevon, Elvis Costello, John Prine and Bob Dylan phases quite a lot. I go through Pogues phase quite a bit since meeting my good friend Spade McQuade, and I go through some Van Morrison and Steve Earle phases. I'm in a bit of a Paul Heaton/Beautiful South/Housemartins phase. I'm a lyrics guy.
David from The Island
Can you explain why a football team would hire an English major?
I confess I don't know of a recent English major hiring that prompted this question, but I know English majors often have a command of the written and spoken word. This sort of command can only enhance communication skills and communication skills are critical whatever the profession. My grandfather, the late editor/writer/poet/humorist Paul H. Oehser, advised me before I left for college that you could never go wrong majoring in English because if you major in English you can write. Writing, he said at the time, is a dying skill that always has value. He was right then. He is infinitely more right now. I didn't listen to him. I majored in business at the University of Florida. My mistake.
Al from Fruit Cove, FL
Oh, Johnny, Johnny, Johnny. It's obrigado, not gracias, when someone wishes you muitas felicidades from Brasil. Just ask the Culligan Girl from Ipanema.
Foi mal.
Richard from Jacksonville
What happens when the bear is in hibernation?
He still eats you sometimes and you still eat him sometimes. Hibernating or not, the bear is a very formidable foe.
