NFL

Jerome Bettis, Tony Gonzalez, Ray Lewis & Charles Woodson named 2017 Pro Bowl Legends Captains

Published

10 years ago

October 25, 2016

(FNN SPORTS) – Pro Football Hall of Fame running back JEROME BETTIS, All-Pro tight end TONY GONZALEZ, two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl XXXV MVP RAY LEWIS, and former NFL Defensive Player of the Year and All-Pro defensive back CHARLES WOODSON will serve as 2017 Pro Bowl Legends Captains, it was announced today during ESPN’s Monday Night Football broadcast.

The 2017 Pro Bowl will feature a return to the traditional AFC vs. NFC format following three years using a revised, “unconferenced” structure. Each conference will be led by two Legends Captains – one offensive and one defensive. Bettis (offense) and Lewis (defense) will lead the AFC, while Gonzalez (offense) and Woodson (defense) will lead the NFC. During Pro Bowl Week, the four Legends Captains will serve as mentors for the Pro Bowl players, coach practices, and be present on the sidelines on gameday.

The game will be played on Sunday, January 29, 2017 and simulcast live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes from Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

Fans may vote to select players for the 2017 Pro Bowl online and on web-enabled mobile phones at www.NFL.com/probowlvote<http://www.NFL.com/probowlvote>. Pro Bowl rosters will be announced on Tuesday, December 20 live on NFL Network.

Tickets to the 2017 Pro Bowl go on sale to the general public beginning Tuesday, October 25. Fans may visit NFL.com/ProBowlOnSale<file://nyuser01/users$/Catherine.Boyle/Pro%20Bowl%202016/Legends%20Captains/ProBowl.com> to purchase tickets.

JEROME BETTIS
A member of the 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, Bettis was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion (XL) during his 13-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles and St. Louis Rams. Bettis the 2001 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, finished his career with 13,662 rushing yards and ranks sixth among the NFL’s all-time rushing leaders.

“Playing in the Pro Bowl was always exciting for me,” said Bettis. “It meant a lot to be recognized as one of the best in the game, and I’m looking forward to returning as a captain and sharing in the experience with the current and next generation of football’s best.”

TONY GONZALEZ
Gonzalez, who starred for the Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs during his 17 NFL seasons, stands as the NFL’s all-time leader in receiving yards (15,127), receptions (1,325), and touchdowns (111) by a tight end. The All-Pro tight end’s 14 Pro Bowl appearances are tied for the most all time. He ranks as the Pro Bowl all-time leader in receptions (42) and touchdowns (6).

“Some of my favorite NFL memories were from my Pro Bowl trips,” says Gonzalez. “One thing that made my Pro Bowl experiences so special was getting to share them with my family. Pro Bowl Week in Orlando brings that to a whole new level, and I’m excited to be a part of this event that brings together the entire football community – players, coaches, families and fans – to celebrate the game’s best.”

RAY LEWIS
A 13-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time Super Bowl champion (XXXV and XLVII), linebacker Lewis played his entire 17-year NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens. Lewis, a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2000, 2003) and Super Bowl XXXV MVP, is the only player in NFL history with at least 40 career sacks and 30 career interceptions. He led the Ravens in tackles in 14 of his 17 seasons, and his 50 total takeaways are the second-most by a linebacker in NFL history.

“It was always a great honor to be selected to the Pro Bowl and play among an elite group of players,” says Lewis. “The return to the traditional AFC-NFC format will add another level of excitement to the game this year. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to come back as a captain to lead the AFC and help inspire young athletes who hope to one day be on the Pro Bowl stage.”

CHARLES WOODSON
A nine-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion (XLV), Woodson returns to the Pro Bowl stage as a captain having played in the game in 2016. Woodson, the 2015 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award winner, was a standout defensive back for the Green Bay Packers and Oakland Raiders during his 18 NFL seasons. The former NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2009) ranks sixth on the NFL’s all-time interceptions list (65) and is tied for the most career defensive touchdowns (13).

“Playing in the Pro Bowl last year and now coming back as a captain is really special. I’m excited to return and take part in the week-long celebration of football’s best,” said Woodson. “I learned a lot from the veterans I played alongside during my career, and now I have the opportunity during Pro Bowl Week to give back and impact current players and young athletes.”

This year, the Pro Bowl is more than just a matchup of the NFL’s biggest stars. It’s a week-long celebration that that will unite and inspire the entire football community. In addition to their roles on the sidelines, the 2017 Pro Bowl Legends Captains will take part in the unprecedented number of youth activities and community events during Pro Bowl Week. Highlights of Pro Bowl Week festivities at Walt Disney World Resort and throughout Orlando include:

* 2017 Pro Bowl players and Legends Captains will be able to invite their former high school coach to be a part of the week’s celebrations. Players on the winning Pro Bowl team will receive a grant from the NFL Foundation to support their youth or high school football program.

* NFL FLAG Championships and Punt, Pass, and Kick National Championships will take place at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. The 13-14 Boys Championship Game will be aired on ESPN as part of the network’s broadcast of the Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium.

* The first-ever NFL Women’s Career in Football Forum will be held in conjunction with USA Football’s Women’s World Football Games at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. The forum will prepare women for careers in football operations, including coaching, officiating and scouting.

* The annual USA Football National Conference will take place at the Orange County Convention Center during the weekend of Pro Bowl. The conference, which drew more than 650 participants from all 50 states last year in Indianapolis, is the largest annual gathering of high school and youth football administrators and high school coaches in the U.S. This year, USA Football and the NFL have collaborated to add NFL coaches to National Conference programming to provide youth and high school officials the opportunity to learn from and network with those at the professional level. Super Bowl-winning (XXXV) Coach BRIAN BILLICK and former NFL Coach MIKE MARTZ are among the many coaches and former NFL players who will address this year’s participants on a range of topics, including coach education, player safety, and key trends.

* The Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award winner will be announced during the Pro Bowl as part of a year-long recognition of high school coaches on ESPN. The award honors high school football coaches that display the integrity, achievement, and leadership exemplified by Pro Football Hall of Famer DON SHULA, the winningest coach in NFL history.

* Pro Bowl festivities for youth and their families will take place throughout the week across Orlando, including a Pro Bowl-themed 5K run at Epcot and a parade of Pro Bowl players and captains in the Magic Kingdom.

Jacksonville

Jaguars Lose to the Bills 27-24 in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs

Published

4 months ago

January 11, 2026

Mike Brodsky

Jaguars vs. Bills in the AFC Wild Card Round of the NFL Playoffs (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (13-5) lost to the Buffalo Bills (13-5) 27-24 at EverBank Stadium today in the AFC Wild Card Round of the NFL Playoffs. The Jaguars finished with nine more victories than last season, but fans are still disappointed that the miracle season has come to an end.

On Jacksonville’s second drive of the game, QB Trevor Lawrence threw a pass intended for WR Parker Washington that was intercepted by Bills LB Shaq Thompson. A couple of plays later, Bills QB Josh Allen was tacked by Jaguars DE Josh Hines-Allen, and Allen went to the Bills’ blue tent to be evaluated for a concussion, but was cleared to return. On the fourth down, K Matt Prater kicked a 50 yard field goal to put the Bills on the board 3-0, which was the score at the end of the first quarter.

Early in the second quarter, Trevor Lawrence completed a 3 yard touchdown pass to WR Brian Thomas Jr. and K Cam Little added the extra point, putting the Jaguars ahead 7-3. On the kickoff, the Jaguars benefited from a fumble by Bills RB Ray Davis that LB Devin Lloyd recovered. The Jaguars were on Buffalo’s 9 yard line when Trevor Lawrence tried to dive for a first down on 4th and 2, but came up a little short on the officials’ review. The Bills took possession and ended up scoring on Josh Allen’s two yard touchdown run, followed by Prater’s XP. The Jaguars managed to get into field goal position just before the half, but Cam Little missed a 54 yard field goal that hit the left upright, ending his streak of 20 consecutive field goals made, including a 67 yarder just last week which set the NFL outdoor record. The Bills were up 10-7 at halftime.

Matt Prater kicked a 47 yard field goal on the Bills’ first drive of the third quarter, extending their lead to 13-7. Cam Little redeemed himself with a 43 yard field goal on the Jaguars’ next drive, to narrow the Jags’ deficit to 13-10, which remained the score at the end of the third quarter.

Early in the fourth, Trevor Lawrence found Parker Washington in the end zone for a 6 yard touchdown pass, and after Cam Little’s XP, the Jags were ahead 17-13. But Josh Allen’s 15 yard touchdown pass to TE Dalton Kincaid, followed by Matt Prater’s XP, put the Bills up 20-17. The Jags responded with a 14 yard Lawrence touchdown pass to RB Travis Etienne Jr., and a Little XP, to put the Jaguars ahead 24-20. Josh Allen ran into the end zone for another Bills touchdown, followed by Prater’s XP with just over a minute left in the game, putting the Bills up 27-24. Trevor Lawrence threw a pass that was intercepted by Bills S Cole Bishop, effectively ending the season for the Jaguars.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 207 passing yards and 3 TDs. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 67 yards. Parker Washington was the leading receiver with 107 yards and 1 TD. Today’s attendance was 70,250.

Today marked the Jaguars’ 17th playoff game in history. With today’s loss, they are now 5-3 in the Wild Card round, and 4-2 at home in the playoffs. Jacksonville beat the Bills in the 1996 AFC Wild Card round to win their first playoff game in franchise history.

The AFC Divisional Playoff schedule will be announced after the completion of this weekend’s playoff games. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

Jacksonville

Jaguars Topple the Titans 41-7

Published

4 months ago

January 4, 2026

Mike Brodsky

Jaguars Topple the Titans (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4) beat the Tennessee Titans (3-14) 41-7 at EverBank Stadium today. With today’s victory, Jacksonville won a 13th game for only the second time in franchise history. Head Coach Liam Coen also became the seventh first-year coach in NFL history to win at least 13 games.

The Titans were the first to score, as rookie QB Cam Ward ran 7 yards for a touchdown, followed by the extra point from K Joey Slye. Ward injured his right shoulder on that play and was ruled out for the remainder of the game, and was replaced by QB Brandon Allen. The Jaguars responded on their next drive, with a 23 yard touchdown pass from QB Trevor Lawrence to WR Parker Washington, followed by the XP from K Cam Little, to tie the game at 7-7, which remained the score at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, WR Brian Thomas Jr. left the game after a defensive pass interference, and was evaluated for a concussion. Fortunately, Thomas cleared concussion protocol and returned later in the game. On the next play, Lawrence completed a 7 yard touchdown pass to TE Brenton Strange, with Little providing the XP. The Titans next drive ended as S Antonio Johnson intercepted a Brandon Allen pass intended for WR Elic Ayomanor, returning it 59 yards for a touchdown, followed by Little’s XP, extending the Jaguars lead to 21-7. Lawrence added another TD pass for 5 yards to TE Quinton Morris, followed by Little’s XP. Little also added a 67 yard field goal as the clock expired heading into halftime, to put the Jaguars ahead 31-7. With those three points, Cam Little also broke the franchise record for most points in a season, which had previously been held by K Mike Hollis with 134 points in 1997.

Late in the third quarter, Cam Little added another field goal, this one for 52 yards, extending the Jaguars lead to 34-7, the only points scored in the quarter.

Early in the 4th quarter, Trevor Lawrence reached more than 4,000 passing yards for the season with a 23 yard pass to Parker Washington. The Jaguars replaced Lawrence with QB Nick Mullens for the remainder of the game, to ensure Trevor would be healthy for the playoffs. Midway through the quarter, Travis Etienne Jr. also surpassed 1400 scrimmage yards for the third season in his career. RB Bhayshul Tuten later added a 5 yard touchdown run, and Little kicked the XP, to put the Jaguars ahead 41-7. After the two minute warning, the Titans attempted, but missed, a 52 yard field goal by Joey Slye. The Jags then ran down the clock to secure their victory.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 255 passing yards and 3 TDs. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 32 yards. Parker Washington was the leading receiver with 87 yards and 1 TD. Today’s attendance was 66,015.

Trevor Lawrence breaks the franchise record for total touchdowns in a single season. (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

Trevor Lawrence also set the Jaguars franchise record for the most single season touchdowns with 38, breaking the previous record of 37 set by Blake Bortles in 2015. Since the beginning of the Jaguars win streak in week 11, Lawrence has led the league with 24 total touchdowns. Lawrence also moved into second place in passing yards in franchise history, exceeding Blake Bortles’ mark of 17,646 yards. First place is held by Mark Brunell with 25,698 yards.

The Jaguars will advance to the AFC Playoffs, which begin next weekend. The schedule will be announced after the completion of week 18 games. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.comfor more.

Jacksonville

Jaguars Down the Jets 48-20 in Jacksonville

Published

5 months ago

December 14, 2025

Mike Brodsky

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4) beat the New York Jets (3-11) 48-20 at EverBank Stadium today. Jets QB Brady Cook made the first start of his career. Cook was the first undrafted rookie QB to start for the Jets in 50 years.

On the first drive of the game, QB Trevor Lawrence found WR Brian Thomas Jr. in the end zone for a 4 yard touchdown pass, followed by the extra point from Cam Little, giving the Jaguars an early 7-0 lead. The Jaguars second drive ended with a 15 yard touchdown run by Lawrence, followed by another Little XP, to put the Jags up 14-0. But Brady Cook completed his first career TD pass to WR Adonai Mitchell for 9 yards, followed by the XP by K Nick Folk, to put the Jets on the board. At the end of the first quarter, the Jaguars were ahead 14-7.

Early in the second quarter, Trevor Lawrence completed a 16 yard touchdown pass to RB Bhayshul Tuten, and Little added the XP to put the Jags up 21-7. Several minutes later, Jets WR Isaiah Williams appeared to score a touchdown returning Logan Cooke’s punt, but an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty nullified that TD. Several plays later, the Jets settled for a 41 yard Nick Folk field goal, to narrow the Jets deficit to 21-10. Cam Little added a 33 yard field goal for the Jags shortly before the half, extending their lead to 24-10. Just two downs later, CB Montaric Brown intercepted a Brady Cook pass intended for Adonai Mitchell, and the Jags moved the ball down the field, with Lawrence ultimately hitting RB Travis Etienne Jr. in the end zone for a 20 yard touchdown pass, followed by Little’s XP. This completion put Trevor Lawrence ahead of David Garrard for third place on the Jaguars all-time franchise record for passing TDs with 90. The Jaguars went into halftime up 31-10.

Nick Folk kicked a 51 yard field goal on the Jets’ first drive of the third quarter. The Jaguars responded with another touchdown pass by Lawrence to Etienne, this one for 8 yards. After Little’s XP, the Jaguars led 38-13. This was Travis Etienne Jr.’s 30th touchdown of his career. Late in the third, Cam Little added a 22 yard field goal, which was the 50th of his career, making him the youngest player in NFL history to kick 50 field goals. The Jaguars were up 41-13 at the end of the third quarter.

The Jets scored early in the fourth on a 24 yard touchdown run by RB Isaiah Davis, followed by Folk’s XP, to make the score 41-20. Two plays later, the Jaguars added another Lawrence to Etienne touchdown pass, this time for 45 yards, followed by Little’s XP, extending their lead to 48-20. The Jaguars brought QB Nick Mullen in to relieve Lawrence soon after as a precautionary move. Midway through the fourth, the Jets were threatening to score, but Jags LB Ventrell Miller intercepted a Brady Cook pass intended for WR Allen Lazard in the end zone. Late in the fourth, Brady Cook was once again picked off, this time by S Antonio Johnson. The final score remained 48-20.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 330 passing yards and 5 TDs. Trevor Lawrence also led the Jaguars’ rushing with 51 yards and 1 TD. Travis Etienne Jr. was the leading receiver with 73 yards and 3 TDs. Today’s attendance was 60,815.

Trevor Lawrence reached 3,000 passing yards for the fourth time in his five year career. In Jaguars franchise history, only Mark Brunell has had more such seasons, with five.

The Jaguars have two games on the road against the Denver Broncos on Dec. 21 and the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 28, before returning home for the final game of the season against the Tennessee Titans. That game will be held either Jan. 3 or 4, but the date and time have not yet been confirmed. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.