JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jaguars headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2022, and the excitement spread across the city after the team clinched their postseason spot following the San Francisco 49ers’ victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night.
“I am so excited. You know, finally, we have our team that is in the playoffs,” said Wanda Laurie, co-director of Skyline Wings and Things. “The energy. It’s just an exciting time.”
For longtime fans like Steven and Lorraine Davis, who have held season tickets since the 1990s, this playoff appearance felt different.
RELATED | Jag-mania in full effect following team’s 6th straight win | How the Jaguars used a ‘small market’ comment as a catalyst to end the Broncos’ 11-game win streak
“This time, I believe we can go all the way,” Steven Davis said, standing in his backyard — a shrine to Jaguars fandom complete with a custom pool featuring the team’s logo, a signed Josh Allen helmet, and Jaguars-themed memorabilia.
The playoff excitement energized local businesses, particularly those catering to game-day crowds. Skyline Wings and Things, known for its packed house during regular-season games, was already preparing for the postseason rush.
“During game day, the energy is unmatched inside. We’re standing room only,” Laurie said. The restaurant planned additional food specials and promotions to celebrate the playoff run.
regular-season‘Proving something’: Confidence, win total continues growing for surging Jaguars
Davis credited the team’s resilience for their success this season, particularly their response to adversity.
“Jaguar fans have been through a lot, and for the way the team has come together, we could have gave up after that Houston game,” Davis said. “But you know what? That really empowered us to be better, and the coach really instilled that in the players, and it was evident the way they started playing.”
The Jaguars had an opportunity to add to their accomplishments that Sunday when they faced the Colts with a chance to secure the AFC South title.