PALM COAST – Defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks always enjoys these.
Running back Denard Robinson and offensive tackle Cameron Bradfield do, too, because to attend a Jaguars Caravan event is to attend a chance for players to get an up-close experience with fans – and vice versa.
They're even more enjoyable this year, as an estimated 400 fans found out at the 2014 Palm Coast Jaguars Caravan stop on Thursday.
"You can definitely feel the heightened sense of football," Bradfield said Thursday night at the caravan stop at the Publix Super Market at Belle Terre Crossing in Palm Coast. "There are definitely people starting to get excited about the 2014 season.
Jaguars Caravan makes its 1st stop today (Palm Coast)! More:http://t.co/fKoD1NvInH Use #JagsCaravan in social posts pic.twitter.com/dBveDN4efm — Jacksonville Jaguars (@jaguars) June 19, 2014
"You can feel the excitement going into the year."
Robinson, Bradfield and Marks attended Thursday's caravan stop several hours after the team's final minicamp at the Florida Blue Health and Wellness Practice Fields, with members of the ROAR of the Jaguars and Jaxson de Ville also attending.
"It's always cool to meet people who kind of look up to you and cheer for you on Sunday," Robinson said. "It's good to see them pulling for you all the time, so this is something where we can give back to them.
"I enjoy it. It's a chance to see fans off the field, shake their hand and meet them, then interact with them. It's a chance to see their energy. They need to know we're regular people and put our pants on like they do. This gives them a chance to get to know us and for us to get to know them."
The @ROARoftheJags signing autographs! #JagsCaravan pic.twitter.com/KTi4q7bbWe — Jacksonville Jaguars (@jaguars) June 19, 2014
Pride of the Jaguars member Tony Boselli, one of the great left tackles in NFL history, emceed the event, which lasted about an hour and a half. The event featured music and games, as well as player, ROAR and player autographs.
"It's a chance to come out and interact with the fans," Marks said. "You hear them and see them all time during games, but you never get a chance to interact. This is a chance to give them a chance to shake your hand, talk with you, ask you questions. I think that's cool."
Caravan attendees also can take part in autograph signings, photo opportunities, giveaways and prizes. The Caravan will stop at the Miller Ale House in Oviedo from 6-7:30 p.m. Friday with rookie quarterback Blake Bortles and rookie running back Storm Johnson attending, as well as wide receiver Cecil Shorts III.
Other stops include: the Pavilion at 5501 South Williamson Blvd., in Port Orange Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Glynn Place Mall at 219 Mall Blvd., in Brunswick, Ga., on Thursday, June 26 from 6-7:30 p.m. and the Miller Ale House at 722 Apalachee Parkway in Tallahassee Friday, June 27 from 6-7:30 p.m.
Attendees also will be able to buy special three-game ticket packs at each caravan stop. Fans will be able to build their own three-game pack by selecting either the New York Giants or Pittsburgh Steelers game, then choosing any two games out of preseason and the remaining regular season home games.
To learn more about the Jaguars Caravan, visit Jaguars.com/Caravan.
