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Gerald McCoy Named Tampa Bay Buccaneers Nominee For Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award

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TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced today Gerald McCoy as its nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, presented by Nationwide. Considered one of the league’s most prestigious honors, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide recognizes an NFL player for outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field. Each of the league’s 32 nominees were announced today.

This fall, McCoy launched Gerald McCoy’s Patricia Diane Foundation. The year-round program, in honor of his late mother, is focused on supporting single-parent households, a cause that has remained central to McCoy’s charitable efforts over the years. Through hosting youth football camps in Tampa and his hometown of Oklahoma City, OK., to spearheading the team’s annual “D-Line Delivers Christmas” event, to sponsoring a special gameday experience for thousands of local community members, McCoy has remained passionate about giving back to underprivileged families and children in need of support.

“I want to know that somebody’s life was changed because I was drafted to the Bucs,” said McCoy. “Not just because they were able to watch me play football, but because something positive happened in their life because I was in that locker room, because I was in the cafeteria or in the community. That, for me, is more important than any sack or ring I can get.”

McCoy – a six-time Pro Bowler and nine-year veteran – has been embedded in the Tampa Bay community since he arrived in 2010, and this past year has been no different. In September, McCoy helped launch the Buccaneers Social Justice Initiative, for which he serves on the four-person Social Justice Board. The player-led program aims to create real change in the Tampa Bay community by coordinating unique interactions and events surrounding societal issues. McCoy led the program’s inaugural event at the Tampa Police Citizens Training Academy, where he participated in simulations and discussions with law enforcement about challenges facing society today. McCoy also joined teammates on a visit to the Zephyrhills Correctional Institution to interact with inmates and share stories of perseverance.

“Gerald is not only a leader of this franchise, he is a fixture in our community,” said Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Owner / President, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation and Glazer Family Foundation. “His passion is to serve others, and his commitment to his family, his faith and the greater good is unwavering. Whether he’s initiating productive discussions about social justice, raising awareness for childhood cancer research, or coordinating life-changing surprises for single-parent families, he tackles each initiative the same way: with a gracious smile and a generous heart.”

Many of McCoy’s charitable efforts have become annual traditions. The only two-time winner of Pop Warner’s prestigious “Inspiration to Youth Award,” McCoy has led the Buccaneers’ “Cut for a Cure” fundraising efforts since the team’s involvement in 2013, personally donating tens of thousands of dollars to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. His support for local initiatives has included serving as a celebrity participant in the “Fashion Funds the Cure” event, being the spokesperson for the Glazer Family Foundation’s Vision Program and working with Special Olympics Florida at Buccaneers Training Camp, among many notable efforts. His philanthropy extends throughout his family, which coordinates the annual “McCoy Family Christmas” program to surprise dozens of single-parent families with gifts for the holidays.

As this year’s nominee for the award, McCoy will wear a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year helmet decal through the end of the season in recognition of his accomplishments on and off the field.

New this year, during the weekend leading up to Super Bowl LIII, all 32 team winners will be highlighted as finalists and recognized for their important work. The 2018 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year will be announced during NFL Honors, a two-hour primetime awards special to air nationally on February 2, the eve of Super Bowl LIII, on CBS. NFL Honors will be at Fox Theatre in Atlanta.

Five-hundred thousand dollars will be donated in the name of the 2018 winner. $250,000 will be donated in his name to expand Character Playbook, the NFL and United Way’s digital character education program. An additional donation of $250,000 will be donated to the charity of his choice. All other 31 nominees will receive a donation of $50,000 in their name to expand Character Playbook, and an additional donation of up to $50,000 to their charity of choice. All donations are courtesy of the NFL Foundation, Nationwide and United Way Worldwide.

Fans are encouraged to participate in Nationwide’s fourth annual Charity Challenge, a social media campaign designed to support and promote team nominees. Fans can vote by using #WPMOYChallenge on Twitter with their favorite nominee’s last name somewhere in the post between December 6 and January 13. The player whose unique hashtag is used the most will receive a $25,000 contribution to their charity of choice, courtesy of Nationwide. Hashtag information, official rules and more information on the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award can be found at nfl.com/manoftheyear.

Below is a list of Buccaneers Man of the Year nominees, dating back to 2000:

  • 2018 DT Gerald McCoy
  • 2017 DT Clinton McDonald
  • 2016 WR Vincent Jackson
  • 2015 WR Vincent Jackson
  • 2014 WR Vincent Jackson
  • 2013 WR Vincent Jackson
  • 2012 G Davin Joseph
  • 2011 G Davin Joseph
  • 2010 LB Adam Hayward
  • 2009 RB Clifton Smith
  • 2008 QB Jeff Garcia
  • 2007 K Matt Bryant
  • 2006 CB Ronde Barber
  • 2005 LB Ryan Nece
  • 2004 LB Shelton Quarles
  • 2003 S John Lynch
  • 2002 S John Lynch
  • 2001 S John Lynch
  • 2000 LB Derrick Brooks (NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award winner)

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Jacksonville

Jaguars Shutout Panthers Without QB Lawrence

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Photo credit: Mike Brodsky (Florida National News)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7) shutout the Carolina Panthers (2-14) 26-0 in their final home game at EverBank Stadium today. The Jaguars had lost four games in a row prior to today’s victory. But with today’s win, the Jaguars secured their second consecutive winning season for the first time since 2004-05. QB Trevor Lawrence missed his first NFL game after starting 51 in a row before today, because of a sprained throwing shoulder. Lawrence left early in three of his last four games with injuries. C.J Beathard made his first start at quarterback in three years.

QB C.J. Beathard. Photo credit: Mike Brodsky (Florida National News)

Beathard looked comfortable leading the Jaguars downfield on the first drive of the game, which ended in a 35 yard K Brandon McManus field goal to put the Jags up 3-0, which remained the score of the end of the first quarter.

Midway through the second quarter, McManus added a 26 yard field goal, extending the Jags lead to 6-0. Soon after, LB Josh Allen sacked Panthers QB Bryce Young to tie Calais Campbell for the Jaguars’ franchise single season record of 14.5 sacks. Late in the second quarter, McManus kicked a 24 yard field goal, to put the Jags ahead 9-0. Shortly afterwards, Allen added another sack of Bryce Young, to claim sole possession of the team record at 15.5 sacks. The Jaguars defense continued to hold the Panthers scoreless, limiting the team to 34 yards in total for the first two quarters, as the score remained 9-0 at halftime.

LB Josh Allen sets Jags’ single season sacks record. Photo credit: Mike Brodsky (Florida National News)

In the third quarter, RB Travis Etienne Jr. ran for a 62 yard touchdown, his tenth of the year. McManus added the extra point, as the Jags led 16-0. Beathard had an impressive 19 yard run midway through the third, but was taken out of the game by officials because he looked a little wobbly getting up, and went to the medical tent for evaluation. 33 year old QB Matt Barkley, who was signed earlier this week, warmed up for the Jaguars. Panthers LB Marquis Haynes Sr., who tackled Beathard, was badly injured on the play, and had to be taken off the field on a golf cart. Barkley led the Jaguars for one play, but Beathard was able to return to the field on the next down. That drive ended with a 34 yard McManus field goal, extending the lead to 19-0, which remained the score at the end of the third quarter.

Early in the fourth quarter, Allen added his third sack of the game, taking down Young, and extending his single season record to 16.5 sacks. Etienne added a one yard run for a touchdown on a play that was initially called a fumble, but was reversed on review and ruled a TD. With the XP from McManus, the Jaguars were up 26-0. Jaguars rookie S Antonio Johnson had an impressive interception of a Bryce Young pass late in the game. On the next drive, the Jaguars put in QB Matt Barkley to finish the game, and avoid any risk to C.J. Beathard’s health.

C.J. Beathard finished with 178 yards. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 102 yards and 2 touchdowns. Evan Engram was the leading receiver with 60 yards.

The Jaguars head to Tennessee to face the Titans on Sunday, 1/7, for their final game of the regular season. Kickoff time has not yet been scheduled. The Jaguars are trying to make the playoffs in consecutive years for the first time since 1998-99. A victory against the Titans will give the Jaguars the AFC South division title. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

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Jacksonville

Ravens Soar To Victory Over Jaguars 23-7

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Photo credit: Mike Brodsky (Florida National News)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Baltimore Ravens (11-3) beat the Jacksonville Jaguars (8-6) 23-7 to remain at the top of the AFC. With tonight’s loss, the Jags are now tied for first in the AFC South with the Colts and the Texans. This was the Jaguars’ first Sunday Night Football game in 15 years. The Jags’ last SNF game was 10/5/2008 when they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 26-21.

The Ravens were the first to score on a 43 yard K Justin Tucker field goal. The Jaguars had a chance to tie it up on the next drive, but K Brandon McManus hit the right upright on a 50 yard field goal attempt. The score remained 3-0 at the end of the first quarter.

McManus had an opportunity to redeem himself, but missed a 55 yard field goal wide left on the Jags’ first drive of the second quarter. Late in the second, Ravens’ QB Lamar Jackson completed a 16 yard touchdown pass to TE Isaiah Likely, followed by Tucker’s extra point, to put the Ravens ahead 10-0. The Jaguars came close to scoring, but ran out of time at the half.

Midway through the third quarter, the Jaguars put their first points on the board on a 65 yard QB Trevor Lawrence to WR Jamal Agnew touchdown pass, followed by MacManus’ extra point. The score remained 10-7 at the end of the third quarter.

The Ravens started the fourth quarter with a one yard RB Gus Edwards touchdown run, while Tucker added the XP. Tucker kicked a 26 yard field goal, and later a 34 yarder to put the Ravens ahead 23-7.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 264 yards and 1 touchdown. Lawrence also led the Jaguars’ rushing with 41 yards. Jamal Agnew was the leading receiver with 70 yards and 1 touchdown.

Tonight’s attendance was 68,021. The Jaguars head to Tampa Bay to face the Buccaneers on Sunday, 12/24. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. The Jaguars return to “The Bank” to face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, 12/31 at 1:00 p.m. for their final home game of the regular season. Be sure to follow www.FloridaSportsChannel.com and www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

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Jacksonville

Jaguars Mauled by Bengals 34-31 in OT

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Photo by Roman Garay / Florida National News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FNN) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4) lost to the Cincinnati Bengals (6-6) 34-31 in the Jags’ first Monday Night Football game in 12 years. The Jaguars created a “Light Up The Bank” light show during player introductions to hype up the crowd for this prime time game watched by a national audience, but several injuries proved to be too much for the team to overcome.

 

On the second play of the game, the Jaguars’ CB Tre Herndon left the game for concussion protocol. Just minutes later, the Jaguars’ WR Christian Kirk suffered a groin injury which kept him out of the rest of the game. Despite these injuries, the Jags were the first to score tonight, as RB Travis Etienne Jr. ran 4 yards for a touchdown, followed by the extra point from K Brandon McManus. The Bengals’ K Evan McPherson (University of Florida alum) attempted a 57 yard field goal, but hit the crossbar and missed. At the end of the first quarter, the Jaguars were ahead 7-0.

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence completed a 22 yard touchdown pass to TE Evan Engram, for his first TD of the season. Photo by Roman Garay / Florida National News

In the second quarter, the Jaguars’ FS Andre Cisco left the game with a shoulder injury. Two plays later, the Bengals’ HB Joe Mixon ran 6 yards for a touchdown, and McPherson added the extra point, tying the game 7-7. Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence later completed a 22 yard touchdown pass to TE Evan Engram, for his first TD of the season. McManus added the XP, to put the Jags ahead 14-7. Andre Cisco was able to return to the game, but Mixon scored a touchdown soon after for the Bengals, running 2 yards into the end zone, followed by McPherson’s extra point, tying the game 14-14 heading into halftime.

In the third quarter, Bengals QB Jake Browning completed a 76 yard touchdown pass to WR Ja’Marr Chase, and McPherson added the XP to put the Bengals up 21-14. The Jaguars responded with a 14 yard Lawrence to WR Parker Washington touchdown pass, and XP by McManus, tying the game 21-21. The Jaguars’ LB Josh Allen intercepted a Bengals’ WR Tyler Boyd pass intended for Joe Mixon. The Jaguars capitalized on that interception with a touchdown run by Trevor Lawrence to end that scoring drive, and with McManus’ extra point, the Jags were ahead 28-21 at the end of the third quarter.

The Bengals scored on a 1 yard Jake Browning touchdown run, and McPherson added the XP, to tie the game 28-28. Another injury followed for the Jaguars soon after, as Trevor Lawrence had to be helped off the field after what looked like a painful ankle injury that kept him out for the remainder of the game, as he was replaced with QB C.J. Beathard. McManus attempted a 48 yard field goal, which went wide to the right. Soon after, McPherson kicked a 54 yard field goal to put the Bengals ahead 31-28. The Jaguars’ next scoring drive ended with a 40 yard McManus field goal, tying the game 31-31, with just 26 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. The Bengals were unable to score before the clock ran out, and the game went into overtime.

The Jaguars won the coin toss and elected to receive. A holding call against the Jaguars reversed what could have been a 43 yard Beathard pass to WR Calvin Ridley. P Logan Cooke punted two plays later. The Bengals scoring drive ended with a 48 yard McPherson field goal, as the Bengals defeated the Jaguars 34-31.

The Jaguars’ last Monday night game was 12/5/2011 when they lost to the San Diego Chargers 38-14. The Jaguars now have an all-time record of 8-8 on Monday nights. Cincinnati is now 4-20 in road Monday Night Football games. Before tonight’s win, their last victory in a MNF road game was in 1990.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 258 yards and 2 touchdowns. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 45 yards and 1 touchdown. Evan Engram was the leading receiver with 82 yards and 1 touchdown.

Tonight’s attendance was 67,951. The Jaguars head to Cleveland to face the Browns on Sunday, 12/10. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. The Jaguars return to “The Bank” to face the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night, 12/17 at 8:15 p.m. Be sure to follow www.FloridaSportsChannel.com and www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

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