WATFORD, England – A group of children gathered around.
Mike Brown gathered his Jaguars wide receiver mates, Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson, and called the children into the circle, saying, "All right now … Jags on three …"
Brown counted out, "One, two, three …"
"JAGS," the players and children shouted.
This was the scene Tuesday on a cool, bright, clear morning at Watford Grammar School just outside London, a day many Jaguars spent in and around the London area at various community events.
The Jaguars will play the Dallas Cowboys at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday, and preparations for that game will begin on Wednesday. But on Tuesday morning, as many of their teammates attended other events around London, Brown, Hurns and Robinson were at the Play 60 event along with teammates, Jaxson deVille and members of the Roar.
"To see how far the NFL has spread and these kids respond, it's awesome," defensive tackle Roy Miller said. "I look forward to these opportunities and look forward to teaching these kids something I know. Hopefully, they catch on and like the game."
Other players attending the event included wide receiver Cecil Shorts III, tight end Mickey Shuler, safety Craig Loston, and several members of the offensive line including center Luke Bowanko and offensive tackles Austin Pasztor, Sam Young, Josh Wells and Cody Booth.
Players and members of the Roar ran drills stations around the field at Watford Grammar, with children gathering around Jaxson, posing for a team picture and experiencing a touch of American football. Also helping run the drills were members of the British American Football Association.
"We run the Play 60 challenge in schools throughout Wembley," NFL UK Marketing and Events Manager Steve McEwen said. "There are upwards of 30 schools participating. The schools that really participate well get invited to the community events we put on.
"We've had more classes participate every year, and more people trying to get involved," McEwen said. "It's growing through all levels, through university and high school."
Hurns, a rookie wide receiver, like many Jaguars rookies is making his first trip to London. He spent part of the event Monday taking photos and videos with his phone, documenting the trip. Participating in events such as Tuesday's, he said, is a significant part of the experience.
"It's a blessing to see the kids out here having fun," he said. "They just enjoy being around you. They don't know much about you, but they enjoy being around you."
This article is presented by VisitFlorida.com.