'I'll never forget this experience': Fans finally see loyalty pay off with Jaguars' success

It hasn't been easy for Jaguars fans over the past decade-plus. While the team reached the playoffs in 2017, that feels like a blip on the radar compared to the losses that have piled up more than trash at a landfill site.

After the team's 20-16 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 18 to send them into the playoffs and as AFC South champs, Jaguars owner Shad Khan was initially asked how it feels to win his "first" AFC South title.

After the correction that it was the team's second title under his tenure, he had an apt reply of: "that speaks volumes."

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His reply likely wasn't in response to the reporter mis-remembering the information, but because of the team's failures that sandwiched the one season of success.

Prior to this season and outside of 2017, the Jaguars have lost 113 games, winning only 32 with Khan as owner.

On Saturday, Jan. 7, Jaguars fans finally got to see true success. Their quarterback has looked like a franchise player, while the head coach, Doug Pederson, somehow, someway took the team to greener pastures in just one year of extensive work.

The enthusiasm for the Jaguars from the City of Jacksonville has never been higher and Jaguars fans got an opportunity to experience one of the most electric events in Jaguars history.

This year, it appears Khan got it right. This year is different.

The official tickets-distributed number given for the night was 70,050 — a sold-out crowd with standing-room-only spaces filled to capacity. Unlike most typical NFL attendance reporting data, this was legitimate.

Now, the team is set to host the Los Angeles Chargers in a home playoff game. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. on Saturday. The atmosphere is sure to be electric.

Typically, we reserve Friday for fans to get their questions in and answered, but this week we will provide a sounding board, giving fans an outlet to express their enthusiasm for the team and the city.

This week, the Times-Union accepted Twitter responses from Jaguars fans as submissions. Many provided pictures and or video to showcase their pride.

Here are some of the responses:

"So much fun," Jaguars fan Matt Cummings said when posed the question. "My 9-year-old was eating it up. He was part of the mayhem. He won't forget this day for a long time. Had to get tickets for Saturday because it's so much fun to see him have so much fun."

Enjoy the game, Matt.

"I'm 40 years old. First game ever with my father and my 33-year-old brother! First time all of us [were] together at a game," said Scott English, another fan. "[It] was electric. It was packed and cramped at times and that just made it all the better! coming back this weekend to get this playoff victory as well!"

Some fans embraced the opportunity to connect with their fellow die-hards.

"Got to meet Tony, tailgate with so many people from Jags Twitter, AND watch us sweep the Titans on the way to a winning record and hosting a playoff game. I'll never forget this experience," said Jaguars fan, Javal.

Another out-of-city fan got to connect with the following.

"Got to meet a ton of people I've talked to for years on [Twitter] and experienced the Slab [a popular Jaguars tailgate site near the stadium] for the first time and was welcomed like I had been there every home game for decades! Also met [Jaguars Hall of Fame left tackle] [Tony] Boselli! 140 characters aren't enough to explain how great last weekend was!"

An out-of-state fan, who goes by the username @Jnoog89 on Twitter, didn't have the opportunity to make it to the game last Saturday but wanted to share his story after being a lifelong Jaguars fan.

"Living in Minnesota everyone is like 'why do you get excited for this team when they let you down over and over again?'" He explained.

"Saturday, I got over 50 texts, FaceTime and calls of people attempting to say DUUUVAL from all over the twin cities. My nieces have fallen in love with Trevor [Lawrence] and his hair and had a blast watching with me (even if they passed out before the wild fourth quarter) ... See y'all this weekend!"

It appears he will be on his way to Jacksonville this week, not willing to miss a potential playoff win.

The Jaguars mean more than simply a football team for a lot of die-hard followers. It's their life, passion and joy.

Jaguars fan, Erin, sent a heartfelt message that many can relate to.

"It's been a hard year for me after losing one of my best friends to ovarian cancer in Nov. 2021. She always laughed at me for my loyalty for the Jags," they penned. "I know she has something to do with this and it's been one of the most fun years I've had as a Jags fan. Wish she could see this."

While the slogan the Jaguars are going with is "It was always the Jags," for the City of Jacksonville and Duval County, it was always the fans.

Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on Twitter at @Demetrius82.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars fans express their joy, showcase loyalty as playoffs approach