JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Dante Fowler Jr. walked into his news conference Saturday on crutches with a big smile.
"It's unfortunate," Fowler said a day after tearing the ACL in his left knee Friday in his first practice at the Jaguars' rookie mini-camp.
Fowler, a defensive end from the University of Florida, went down holding his left knee during a team drill midway through the practice. He was rushing the passer in a team drill. Trainers attended to Fowler before he was taken off the field on a cart.
Fowler was upbeat despite the setback.
"I love this game so much. I know what comes with it. I'll bounce back."
Jaguars Coach Gus Bradley plans on keeping Fowler around the team and even plans on Fowler making the trip to London. Bradley was also positive about Fowler's injury.
"Because of his age (20) he will bounce back quicker. He may even come back stronger."
The Jaguars revealed after the news conference that Fowler will receive his normal rookie contract.