JACKSONVILLE – He's back with a new name and big goals. And make no mistake:
Jaguars veteran edge defender Josh Hines-Allen – entering his first season playing under the name "Hines-Allen" – has specific and lofty objectives for a new-look Jaguars defense.
"We have goals to be the No. 1 defense in the NFL," he said.
Hines-Allen, who last season set a franchise record with 17.5 sacks before signing a long-term contract extension in March, spoke to the media following Day 2 practice of Jaguars Training Camp at the Miller Electric Center Thursday. Among the topics:
His decision to officially change his name this offseason from Josh Allen to Josh Hines-Allen, a change he said he has considered for about two years.
"I've always resonated with Hines," he said. "Like I said, I grew up a Hines, so I was known as that. I never paid too much attention to it, but I knew my legacy – dating all the way back, living in Alabama, my first three years of high school and having to come back to finish high school because my whole family went there — being part of that legacy and then building that on and carrying on and creating my own for my family.
"I just thought it was right to really dig deep and find the right people to help me get it done, and we got it done."
Hines-Allen announced the name change earlier this month. His sister, Myisha Hines-Allen, plays for the WNBA's Washington Mystics. Sister Kyra Hines-Allen played basketball at Cheyney University, while sister LaTorri Hines-Allen played basketball at Virginia Tech and Towson.
Allen was asked how friends and family reacted to the change.
"About time, really," he said, "But they're very supportive and they're happy that I've made the decision with both sides of my family, and I carry on the legacy for them."
Legacy is important to Hines-Allen, and he discusses it often when discussing individual and team goals. The approach reflects a work ethic that makes him respected among teammates – and that has impressed first-year defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen.
"He's a competitor," Nielsen said. "He really wants it, putting in the time since he's been here. The last couple of days, you can really see the intensity – the consistency and things like that we're looking for. He says all the right things. He wants to be a great player. He wants to have a great defense and a great team.
"You feel those things as he talks to the guys. We're really excited about him."
Hines-Allen focused on nutrition this offseason, saying he has hired a full-time chef after noticing a difference in his energy level when he had a chef this offseason while training in Arizona. When asked what improvement will look like this season, he replied: "Just being confident in everything, trusting in the technique and keep recognizing that I'm really that dude."
He said, too, that Nielsen's presence could make a tangible difference in the defense overall.
"He's teaching us to play fast and play physical: Get your hands on somebody and strike them as hard as you can, as fast as you can, as many times as you can," Hines-Allen said. "The technique works, so if we can stay disciplined through the heat, from early in the game to late to the overtimes, to November, we would be unstoppable."
NOTABLE MOMENTS FROM JAGUARS TRAINING CAMP - DAY 2
Nielsen during his first '24 camp availability Thursday discussed edge defender Trevis Gipson, who signed with the Jaguars as an unrestricted free agent. A fifth-year veteran, Gipson played with the Tennessee Titans last season after spending his first three NFL seasons with the Chicago Bears. He had one sack last season after registering 10 in 2021-2022 with Chicago. Nielsen early Thursday praised Gipson's tenacity and toughness, adding that he had a "good day" on Day 1 Wednesday. "He has a little bit of a twitch," Nielsen said of Gipson. "It's really good. You have to have it at that position. He has good length. He has a good skill set, a little bit of bend and hoop. He can do that. He can rush with power. It's a good competition after [Hines-Allen and Travon Walker]. We really feel good about that at every position group. He's fighting. Some other guys are right there battling with him. We expect the best out of him in the next few weeks and we'll really see."
QUOTABLE MOMENTS FROM JAGUARS TRAINING CAMP - DAY 2
Nielsen: "Once we get to the season and we've got the guys going to the game, we should all feel confident that anybody who's dressed is able to go in and perform and help us win that game. That's the ultimate goal."
