JACKSONVILLE – His focus is strong and true.
No, the Jaguars' 2024 season hasn't gone as expected. That's why their games these days are without playoff implications. But to Mac Jones, that doesn't make motivation an issue.
The fourth-year quarterback never wonders why he's playing.
"For me, it's to have fun and try to win," Jones said.
Jones, who has started four of the past five games for injured starter Trevor Lawrence, joined senior writer John Oehser for this Week 16 O-Zone Podcast. Jones discussed multiple topics, including embracing the rare NFL opportunity of playing for his hometown team.
"It's awesome," said Jones, who played locally at The Bolles School in Jacksonville before playing for the University of Alabama. "I always wanted to play in the NFL. To do it here is cool for this year. I'm going to keep fighting and battle to the end. We've shown it as a team. That's my personality. That's who I am.
"I know some of the wins haven't been there. You just have to focus on battling all the way through and eventually it will go your way."
Jones, too, spoke of the pride and professionalism – and love of the game – needed as the Jaguars (3-11) prepared to play the Las Vegas Raiders (2-12) at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, in a game without postseason implications.
"The reality is it's a business, for sure, and it's a tough business," Jones said. "At the same time, I've always played to have fun. I understand it's a business, but I don't think about it like that. I think about it as I'm privileged to be able to play this game with great people from all over the country.
"I love that part of the game, just being with my brothers. Being here has opened myself back up to that – the brotherhood and the team. The results haven't been there as much as we wanted, but that's eventually going to turn into something great."
Jones also discussed having played for three legendary head coaches in his career: the late Corky Rogers at Bolles, Nick Saban at Alabama and Bill Belichick with the Patriots. Rogers holds the record for most Florida high school state titles (10), Saban holds the record for college national championships (seven) and Belichick holds the record for Super Bowl titles (six).
"I always say, 'Playing for those guys … one year is like three years,''' Jones said with a laugh. "I definitely have a lot of good notes and things I've written down and things I've carried with me to this day. They've all won championships at their positions multiple times.
"You look at their body of work and you want to figure out how they did it, each person. The first thing is, 'Everyone loves football.' If you love the game and stick with it, things will go your way."
To listen to the entire O-Zone Podcast with Jones, click HERE.
