JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Ray from Newport News, VA
KOAF. Thank you for posting on J.P.'s upcoming departure. Only hoping whoever replaces him is just as cool and enjoyable. This reminds me of when our former senior writer (Vic) left us and you took his place. It took me a bit to get used to you. I like Vic and respected his insight. I have grown to respect you as our senior writer and respect your opinion and knowledge you provide. J.P. is someone I have always enjoyed listening to and he will be missed (okay, I am hoping this is like T. Law's haircut - not real). However, I am happy for J.P. and wish him success in his new role, but not going to root for the Cardinals, sorry I bleed teal.
Once more with feeling. J.P. Shadrick, longtime Jaguars media member, will leave the organization after 14 years to become the play-by-play voice of the Arizona Cardinals. Friday marks his last day with the organization – and considering we are on Day 3 of this as an O-Zone topic, we likely have reached the end of the O-Zone-Shadrick-No-More-Tears-Is-it-Bittersweet-or-just-Sweet Farewell Tour. Shadrick is a "unique personality" and it's therefore unlikely the Jaguars will "replace" his blend of talent and approachability. And that's OK. You learn in life that you don't replace old friends. You also learn that times change, and change – while difficult and sad – isn't always evil. I expect moving forward I always will think of the Shadrick era fondly – and this indeed is an end of an era. He and I worked together more than 14 years, and – along with Vice President of Production Patrick "PKav" Kavanagh – I like to think he and I helped shape the foundation of what I consider the best, most "transparent" and most entertaining NFL team media department. We started this department as a trio nearly a decade and a half ago and it has grown into what it is today. That's cool stuff that you only get to do so often in a career, if ever. Anyway, goodbyes and enough reverie. We at the Jaguars are happy for Shadrick, too. Will whoever replace him be as cool and enjoyable? I guess we can dare to dream.
Sam from Orlando, FL
Frenette, Shadrick. Are you gonna leave us, too?
'Tis indeed has been a tough couple of years for Jaguars fans – and perhaps specifically, for O-Zone readers. First, former longtime Florida Times-Union sports columnist and Northeast Florida cultural icon/thought leader Eugene P. "Gene" Frenette retired last offseason. Just when O-Zone readers found some normalcy in their worlds, news came this week that Shadrick – he of the golden tones, friendly handshake and nimble elbow – is leaving. That's quite the one-two gut punch for our little world. As for your humble senior writer … I have no plans to leave. At least not on my own volition. As long as the code works, so shall I. Whether Jaguars fans like it or not.
Cristiano from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
C'mon now, Johnny-O! Don't you feel sorry for us? How can you announce, within days of the Shadrick news, that the streak is coming to an end? How much heartbreak is too much?
I wrote in a recent O-Zone that the so-called O-Zone streak – which now stands somewhere over 5,000 days – may end next offseason. I also wrote that I might take another tact such as fewer questions when I'm tired. For those few who care, fear not. The streak is not over. It won't end for a while. Take a breath. Lay in a hammock. Breathe deep. Drink something. It will be OK.
JAY from THE BURG, FL
JP: Fourteen years … now that is a stretch. I asked an old man one time, "How do great managers make it look so easy?" He said they're good with their work and they're good with what they work with. SALUTE!
I asked an old man directions to a gas station once. I wound up at an out-of-date mall out by the interstate later than I wanted to be there.
Matt from Orlando, FL
How long until J.P. is admitted to the Pride of the Jaguars?
What?
Mason from Palm Bay
Any word on when J.P. will get inducted into the Pride of the Jaguars? It's long overdue.
What?
Kenneth from Jacksonville
Who's the best player in Jaguars history to don No. 95?
Possibilities here include defensive end B.J. Green (2025-2026), defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris (2021-2024), defensive tackle Abry Jones (2014-2020), defensive end Bryce Paup (1998-1999), defensive tackle D'Anthony Smith (2012) and defensive end Paul Spicer (2000-2008). One fer Spicer. Four more to go.
Steve from Sunroom Couch
Dear, John. What happened to the free comments section?
What's a "comments section?"
Dan from Madrid
Hi, John. I may have missed the announcement, but we can't express our opinion or view on any post on this website. When was it decided to take the fans' opinion (comment section) out for good? Thank you!
I started to write, "What's a comment's section?" Then I thought about writing, "Sometimes things happen for your own good." I settled on, "What's a 'comments section?' "
Raymond Sis from Windermere, FL
What happened to the comments section? It is gone.
What?
Nick from Virginia Beach, VA
When you build the J.P. statue, please be sure to include yourself drinking a Bullet Bob. One fer J.P., you on your 15-year streak and all the Jags team allow us to connect with this team every day. Duuuval.
Everybody gets a trophy!
Josh from Atlanta, GA
Two things: 1, If you think the tears are flowing for the Big Shad Nasty now, just wait until we hear you're either taking the owner's position with the Seattle Seahawks or retiring — whichever comes first; this group will be absolutely inconsolable. 2, The first day in more than 15 years that I go without an O-Zone will be a day I won't want to endure; however, you're absolutely right — 15 years is a long time to do anything, so I'll endure it with a smile and simply say, "Nice work, Johnny-O." Will you be at least somewhat surprised when the regular season ends and just about every Jaguars offensive record has been rewritten in a positive way?
I will not be surprised if this is the best offensive season in Jaguars history and I would not be surprised if that means a lot of broken records. This feels like it could be that sort of season and a lot of pieces are in place for that to happen. That's true. It's just as true that a lot of seasons that feel like that at the beginning feel different at the end. This is professional sports, not scripted television. Nothing is guaranteed.
Tym from Southside
O-Zone. My neighbor is a big Auburn fan. He's gearing up for this season, flying the AU flag outside and everything. Earlier Thursday, I saw one of those large U-Hauls with the desert scene on the side. You know, the one with the cacti and mesas. Anyways, it came to a stop in front of his house. I looked out my window because I heard the screech of the brake pads and the rumbling of the engine. Then I hear a thud against my neighbor's door and see a stately, balding man running to jump back in the U-Haul. It quickly takes off down the road. Then I notice an object on my neighbor's doorstep that looks like a huge newspaper. I thought it odd, so I ventured out later in the day to take a closer look. I kicked the thing to unfurl it. You'd never guess... A well-trodden 'Roll Tide' welcome mat! #shadricksighting
Yep.
Jeremy from Miles City, MT
With Harrison looking like he might play left tackle and play it well, I'm thinking we need to get that extension done ASAP. A good year on the more premiere side could cause a double-digit price jump to his eventual deal. What do you think.
I think the Jaguars have offensive tackle Anton Harrison under contract for two more seasons – through the 2027 season – and I think they would like for him to have a good enough season to make re-signing him very expensive. I don't expect they will re-sign him ASAP. I do expect they will try to figure a way to re-sign him as they move forward.
J. Hooks from Mandarin
Yo!!! Is Jalen McLeod still on the team? I remember being pretty excited about his potential, but we never got to see him in action. Is he still part of the rotation or did we get rid of him? If he's still here, how's he looking?
McLeod is still on the roster. He's a valued part of the linebacker rotation and a valued special teams player.
Fred from Naples, FL
I heard J.P. really took the job to get away from No. 71.
Good eye.
