NFL55 min ago2 minute read

Jaguars Fans Take Over London Ahead of Wembley Matchup

Jacksonville supporters packed a London pub as the team prepares for another overseas clash this Sunday.

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London pub turns teal for the weekend

Jacksonville supporters took over Central London this week ahead of their game at Wembley Stadium. The Greenwood sports pub on Victoria Street even renamed itself Tealwood for three hours on Thursday night. Fans packed the two floor venue wearing jerseys for players like Trevor Lawrence, Travis Hunter, Brenton Strange, and Fred Taylor.

The event was one of three takeovers planned for the trip. Former coaching intern Phoebe Schecter emceed the night alongside Jason Bell and radio host Jay Lawrence. Inside, 17 screens showed highlights of the team, including the 19-17 win against Philadelphia from the previous week. That victory came on a 57 yard field goal from Cam Little as time ran out. Attendees also tested their knowledge in a trivia contest, recalling facts like Parker Washington scoring on a 97 yard punt return.

Grassroots work and dedicated overseas fans

The push to build an audience abroad started in 2013, and Sunday will mark the team's 15th game in London. Dedicated followers like Francis Sweeney showed up in force. Sweeney carried a team wrestling belt and shared that he has attended London games for five years. Fellow fan Jamie Phillips, who has followed the franchise for 15 years, was the team nominee for the 2024 International Fan of the Year.

Both men joined 200 ticketed fans at Friday practice at The Grove resort. Dozens of students also attended from JagTag, a flag football setup for youths between ages 8 and 18. Andy Scott, grassroots manager for JagTag, explained that the initiative began in 2016 with around 1,200 participants across six schools in West London. The link was simple, as team owner Shad Khan also owns Fulham Football Club. In 2024, the program reached 100,000 students across 360 schools. At practice, students ran drills with 16 practice squad members.

What it means for the next game

Jacksonville looks to close out its London trip with another positive result against a division opponent.

Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL, Sun, 18 Oct): Jacksonville Jaguars win 53%, Houston Texans win 47%; projected score Jacksonville Jaguars 22, Houston Texans 19. Our safest pick: Under 49.5 points.