Urban Meyer on Opposing Fans in Jaguars' Stadium: 'That S--t's Gotta Stop'

AP Photo/John Raoux

Urban Meyer issued a plea to Jacksonville Jaguars fans on Saturday: Stop letting opposing fans invade TIAA Bank Field on football Sundays.

"We're going to own this thing. When I say 'we,' I mean everybody. That's our stadium. I'm done hearing about other fans coming in our stadium. That s--t's gotta stop," he told season-ticket holders. "No more of that. That's our stadium. This is our city. And this is our team. Own it."

It will be on Meyer to lead the revitalization of the Jaguars that the organization and fans are expecting. Much of that will fall to rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence as well, the top overall pick this year out of Clemson who immediately becomes the face of the franchise. 

The early returns have been positive.

"You're like, OK, this is what a No. 1 overall pick looks like," linebacker Myles Jack told the NFL Network's James Palmer of lining up opposite Lawrence in practice (h/t James Johnson of Jaguars Wire). "You know what I mean? So, in my experience I've played against a lot of great quarterbacks and to see a young guy come in and the touches that he puts on the ball, the passes he can make, throwing receivers open—he's got a very good understanding. Will he make mistakes as a young guy? Of course. But I think he'll be here for a long time and he'll be a staple for Jacksonville."

The Jaguars appeared to have built a winner for the future in 2017, when they went 10-6 and reached the AFC Championship Game. But after three losing seasons that included the exodus of the 2017 core, the Jags are yet again rebuilding around a new head coach and quarterback. 

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Young players like Lawrence, Jack, James Robinson, Travis Etienne, Josh Allen, DJ Chark and Laviska Shenault Jr., among others, have given the fans reason to be excited. The Jaguars will be expected to improve upon 2020's woeful 1-15 campaign. 

At the very least, the Jaguars should be an interesting team to follow in 2020 while Lawrence and the young talent find their way. Meyer and the Jags are hoping that translates to more of their own fans in the seats this season.