Jacksonville, Fla. — A group of Special Olympics athletes got the chance of a lifetime Saturday when they hit the gridiron with members of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Members of the team welcomed 42 athletes and their families to TIAA Bank Field.
They got a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium, a customized jersey, and signed a one-day contract as the newest members of the Big Cats.
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Players in the 2023 Jaguars Rookie class led them in a skills camp.
Rookie Antonio Johnson said, “We just came out here to have a good time and give back to the community.”
Rookie Cooper Hodges graduated from Baker County High School. He said he enjoyed being able to have a positive impact on the area where he’s from. “It was awesome just being able to spend the day, spend a little bit of time with them, and just see them smile and see them happy. That makes me happy,” he said.
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The Jaguars kick off the 2023 preseason on August 12 in Dallas, Texas against the Cowboys.
The home opener is August 23 against the Miami Dolphins.
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