‘Fire Baalke for Duval’: Plane flies banner over EverBank Stadium asking for change

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A banner flying over EverBank Stadium several hours before kickoff on Sunday called for the Jaguars to fire general manager Trent Baalke as the team limps to the finish of another miserable season.

The embattled GM has been the ire of Jacksonville fans many times in his tenure, including the clown-inspired finale in 2022 where fans started a movement to mock owner Shad Khan for his decision to retain Baalke. The sponsor of that game sued the Jaguars for the “toxic environment” around the franchise. The Jaguars are 3-12 after spending the most money in franchise history during the offseason.

Earlier this month, a local fan named Shane, whose handle on X is Thug Heffernan (@thoug_heffernan), started a GoFundMe to raise enough money for a billboard. He is believed to have pivoted from a billboard and actually used the funds from the initial donation to pay for Sunday’s flyover.

Baalke has worn out his welcome in Jacksonville and has made numerous missteps during his tenure. This year’s free agent class may be his clowning, err, crowning achievement.

Receiver Gabe Davis struggled before going on injured reserve. Defensive lineman Arik Armstead has been a colossal disappointment. Return specialist Devin Duvernay was ineffective. Cornerback Ronald Darby and safety Darnell Savage have been underwhelming. Center Mitch Morse has been average to above average. Those players were guaranteed more than $80 million this offseason.