HOUSTON, Texas – Allen Robinson did the "Radio Row thing" Friday. Again.
And although the Jaguars' wide receiver said he enjoyed his third time visiting the annual pre-Super Bowl carnival of hype, it's not his ideal way to spend the first Friday of February.
"I'm unfortunately used to it," Robinson told jaguars.com live Friday afternoon. "I'd much rather be playing than going through the media row aspects of it, but it is what it is."
Robinson, a Pro Bowl selection following the 2016 season, discussed a variety of topics with jaguars.com Friday – including the hiring of Doug Marrone as the Jaguars' permanent coach.
Marrone, the Jaguars' interim head coach for the last two games of the 2016 season, was named the permanent head coach on January 9. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett will return in that position, but Robinson said whatever the changes in the coaching staff "this year is business."
"We have to come in here ready to go," Robinson said. "There have been some changes made, which we knew was going to happen, but a lot of that stuff is out of our control. What we can control is coming back in early April ready to go."
Robinson said he expects a more "uncomfortable" environment under Marrone than was the case under former Jaguars Head Coach Gus Bradley.
"That's something that we need," Robinson said. "We have to come in here about business and about changing this thing. If we really want to change this thing, we have to have a serious approach about it. From talking to the guys, that's something everyone is serious about.
"That starts now. Every day we set foot in that facility – to work out, to get treatment, whatever – it's all about business."
Marrone during his introductory press conference on January 12 looked into the camera and told players they needed to be working hard already. Robinson said he liked the message.
"I think that's what Doug brings," Robinson said. "We've been back in the weight room, not doing a crazy amount, but getting back in the rhythm of things. That's what we're looking forward to. …
"We've been there talking about it, and it's time to show up and let our play speak for itself. We have to hone in on the details, and when I say details, I mean as far as being a cohesive unit. That's what it comes down to, everybody being on the same page."
NGAKOUE NOT SATISFIED
The recent coaching moves as expected are on the minds of all Jaguars players visiting the Super Bowl, with defensive end Yannick Ngakoue saying, "I'm excited for the whole team and I'm excited for the organization. Coaching changes happen every year and you have to understand that. I understand it completely, and I'm just ready and willing to give it my all, to learn the defense and to be able to put my best foot forward to help the team so we can ultimately get wins." Ngakoue, a third-round selection in the 2016 NFL Draft from the University of Maryland, set a Jaguars rookie record with eight sacks this past season. Friday was his first visit to Radio Row. "It's great," he said. "I'm meeting a lot of great people and making a lot of good connections and it's just great to be around the football atmosphere. … It definitely gives you motivation. You see all the media and all the spotlight that these two teams are getting. It's definitely what we want to bring to Jacksonville." Ngakoue was told he didn't seem like a "spotlight guy." "I love to win, though," he said.
