Former NFL star Malik Jackson talked about the culture of the Jacksonville Jaguars – and how it has changed under Doug Pederson.
The 34-year-old former defensive end spent three seasons in Jacksonville between 2016 and 2018.
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Jackson made his only Pro Bowl appearance during his time with the Jaguars.
He left to join Pederson on the Philadelphia Eagles and believes his former coach is the perfect man to end the Jags’ Super Bowl drought.
“Why is he the guy? He’s established, he knows what he’s doing,” Jackson told Kay Adams on her show Up & Adams.
“He’s been on teams a lot before. I think he builds talent well and I think he relates to us players.”
Jackson was part of a defensive revolution in Jacksonville, with the team giving him a six-year, $92 million contract in 2016.
The team reached the AFC Championship game a year later, but ended that success with two losing seasons.
“When I had some coaches in Jacksonville, it was more of a dictatorship,” Jackson continued.
“It rubbed a lot of players the wrong way, but I think when he comes in, it’s a benevolent leader type vibe.”
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Pederson led the Jags to consecutive 9-8 seasons.
Last year, the team reached the divisional round of the playoffs but fell short to eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City.
“When he comes in and everyone comes in and can make a decision and really take the team to where they want to be under his leadership,” Jackson added.
“He’s just a coach who allows his players to be themselves and speak their mind and make suggestions, and I think that’s why he’s a really good coach.”
During his time in Jacksonville, the Californian played with Doug Marrone.
He racked up 18 sacks, 105 total tackles and four forced fumbles in three seasons.
During their dominant year in 2017, the Jags’ fearsome defense acquired the nickname Sacksonville.
Career rise of Kay Adams
Kay Adams is a fantasy football expert who rose to fame as the host of Good Morning Football in New York City for six years.
Having previously hosted fantasy-based shows, Adams took on the role of host of GMFB when it launched in 2016.
And, along with Nate Burleson, Kyle Brandt and Peter Schrager, she helped make that program one of the best in the sport.
Adams left GMFB to pursue new ventures in 2022.
She moved to Los Angeles and teamed up with FanDuel to start a self-titled show – Up and Adams.
His latest show airs weekdays at 11 a.m. ET, sometimes in special locations like the Super Bowl or Kentucky Derby.
“I miss this guy,” one Jags fan wrote on X.
“Great interview from the one and only @heykayadams,” said another.
“Lots of Jags coverage this week. Thanks Kay!” added a third.
Jacksonville players returned to the field earlier this week for a mandatory minicamp.
The Jaguars begin their season with a short trip to Miami to face the Dolphins on September 8th.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
