Jaguars receiver Christian Kirk: You might not hear him, but his presence will be known

On another warm Duval morning, Jacksonville Jaguars players were still arriving to Episcopal School for Day 5 of training camp. The second wave of players had just arrived on the daily charter busses the team takes from TIAA Bank Field to their training camp grounds.

As players got off the busses and dispersed through the gates, a pair of players were engaged in a deep conversation. It was quarterback Trevor Lawrence and wide receiver Christian Kirk who slowly made their way to their respective position groups.

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As the two walked, they continued their conversation, even as Lawrence met with the other quarterbacks and began to get ready. Eventually they stopped talking, but according to Kirk, it’s a normal thing for him and the second year QB at this point.

Over the last several months since Kirk signed to Jacksonville in free agency, the pair have built a relationship where they spend time together on and off the field.

They were a part of a group of Jaguars’ offensive players that took a trip to the Bahamas before training camp began. They’re also the pairing that kicks off most of the quarterback and pass catcher drills, ensuring a wealth of reps together during camp.

“We have a very similar demeanor, laid back, and our serious approach to our game and our work,” Kirk said of Lawrence during his post-practice press conference on Thursday. “Especially when we’re out here. It’s all about business, all about getting better and being the best that we can be. Off the field, we’re always sitting next to each other, always hanging out, talking about life and whatnot. It’s been super easy to get along with him and build that relationship, and I’m excited to continue that.”

Lawrence echoed those thoughts when asked about Kirk earlier in the week, saying: “His approach to everything; practice, training, the way he takes care of his body, he’s just a pro. It’s been fun to be around him just to see how he prepares. He’s a really mature guy. I think we’re on the same level with personality and temperament. He’s a really even keel, smart guy.”

Playing pressure free

In March, Kirk signed a deal worth up to $84 million over four years. It was a deal that raised the eyebrows of many and brought the ire of others. Kirk had never played as a top-target in his NFL career and the contract he signed was top-target money.

After the pass-catching struggles of Jacksonville in 2021, many fans called for the Jaguars to use draft capital on a top-rated college receiver. The team didn’t draft any receivers and elected to ride with Zay Jones, Marvin Jones and Kirk as the primary wide receiver targets for Lawrence this season.

With the big payday and the weight of becoming a top target, there’s a bit of pressure Kirk is expected to feel. But he doesn’t feel it.

“I can truly say I’m playing the most free-minded, pressure-free, relaxed football that I’ve felt in a while,” Kirk said. “I truly feel that having this new opportunity in a new organization, new team, new teammates, I can truly just be myself and focus on being the best that I can be for these guys and be a leader, and just going out there and put it all on the line for them because I truly believe that we have such a great group.

"It’s been a lot of fun every day taking the field. Every second here has been great, so no pressure at all.”

In Arizona, Kirk played with three potential Hall of Fame receivers: DeAndre Hopkins, Larry Fitzgerald and AJ Green. It gave him an opportunity to see how the most elite level wide receivers approach the game.

But there was also a level of production expected from him competing in that wide receiver room. When receivers missed games because of injuries he had to step up and carry the torch for the Cardinals’ offense.

He was the only receiver to appear in all 17 games for Arizona last season, starting 11. Kirk led the team with 77 receptions and 982 yards with five touchdowns.

It’s there he learned to carry the load and why he’s able to come into this season without pressure on him, despite the noise and expectations.

“I believe I’m one of the luckiest guys to be able to play with three guys like that,” he said. “I have nothing but love and respect for those guys because they’re my big brothers and they helped me get to this point.”

The silent leader

When you watch Kirk during camp, one thing jumps out — he’s not very vocal.

There are players that will shout and scream. There are guys who are very expressive in their motions before, during and after reps.

But not Kirk. He lines up, does his rep, throws the ball to a staff member or coach and goes on to the next drill or play. It’s his leadership style and the team has embraced that.

“He’s a silent leader,” head coach Doug Pederson said when asked about Kirk. “Gosh, I don’t think he missed a day in the offseason. His attention to detail is unbelievable. His work ethic.

"How he and Trevor communicate is something that for a young quarterback and a veteran receiver, you would think these guys have been together for a couple of years. He leads that room. It’s a young, impressionable room, and he’s one of the leaders in there and he’s done some really good things.”

Kirk’s versatility can create issues for opposing defenses. He’s able to line up in the slot but also out wide. He’s effective underneath but has also displayed the ability to take the top off the defense. He runs very clean routes with quick feet and sure hands to secure catches when the ball comes to him.

When you add in all those variables, his leadership and success could have a direct impact on the type of season the Jaguars have.

Juston Lewis is a sports reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on Twitter at @JustonLewis_.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars receiver Christian Kirk feels 'pressure-free,' ready to elevate team