After much anticipation, the Jacksonville Jaguars became an official team in 1993. A pre-season game against the Carolina Panthers demonstrated that they were ready for the big league. Appearing in multiple conference championships, the Jaguars have been successful considering their short time on the charts. Beginning readers will understand the importance of hard work and dedication in this title!

Have you ever played fantasy football? If you do, you should get tips from Maurice Jones-Drew who played for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Not only does he love the game, he now hosts a fantasy football radio show. “The Jacksonville Jaguars” by Mark Stewart offers young fans a look into one of the most hard-working teams in the NFL while including fun facts, team spotlights such as Mark Brunell and Maurice Jones-Drew, and pictures of Jaguars memorabilia. Have a young fan who likes to argue sports? Don’t miss the “Great Debates” section where readers get insight into some of the greatest debates surrounding the Jaguars and professional football!

"A fascinating account of how the city of Jacksonville met the major challenges of the last half of the 20th century, from those posed by race relations to downtown development to the environment. Crooks has provided a well-written, clear, and thoughtful analysis of the need for and movement to establish a consolidated government, and the early years of that government. His understanding of Jacksonville and of the times is impressive."--Joan S. Carver, Jacksonville University In the 1950s and '60s Jacksonville faced daunting problems. Critics described city government as boss-ridden, expensive, and corrupt. African Americans challenged racial segregation, and public high schools were disaccredited. The St. Johns River and its tributaries were heavily polluted. Downtown development had succumbed to suburban sprawl. Consolidation, endorsed by an almost two-to-one majority in 1967, became the catalyst for change. The city's decision to consolidate with surrounding Duval County began the transformation of this conservative, Deep South, backwater city into a prosperous, mainstream metropolis. James B. Crooks introduces readers to preconsolidation Jacksonville and then focuses on three major issues that confronted the expanded city: racial relations, environmental pollution, and the revitalization of downtown. He shows the successes and setbacks of four mayors--Hans G. Tanzler, Jake Godbold, Tommy Hazouri, and Ed Austin--in responding to these issues. He also compares Jacksonville's experience with that of another Florida metropolis, Tampa, which in 1967 decided against consolidation with surrounding Hillsborough County. Consolidation has not been a panacea for all the city's ills, Crooks concludes. Yet the city emerges in the 21st century with increased support for art and education, new economic initiatives, substantial achievements in downtown renewal, and laudable efforts to improve race relations and address environmental problems. Readers familiar with Jacksonville over the last 40 years will recognize events like the St. Johns River cleanup, the building of the Jacksonville Landing, the ending of odor pollution, and the arrival of the Jaguars NFL franchise. During the administration of Mayor Hazouri from 1987 to 1991, Crooks was Jacksonville historian-in-residence at City Hall. Combining observations from this period with extensive interviews and documents (including a cache of files from the mezzanine of the old City Hall parking garage that contained 44 cabinets of letters, memos, and reports), he has written an urban history that will fascinate scholars of politics and governmental reform as well as residents of the First Coast city. James B. Crooks is emeritus professor of history at the University of North Florida

Feel like you are on the field with today's NFL teams with these exciting and informative books. Learn about the history, best moments, and top players of teams like the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings. With easy text and heart-racing photos, these hi-lo books will have any young reader going for the extra point! Aligned to Common Core standards & correlated to state standards. Fly! is an imprint of Abdo Zoom, a division of ABDO.

How does an underdog become a champion? One of the most innovative, gutsy, and dynamic head coaches in the NFL reveals the strategies behind building the Eagles team that shocked the world by winning the Super Bowl. Doug Pederson is the very definition of an underdog. He was an undrafted rookie free agent who would go on to play fourteen years in the NFL as a backup quarterback. He was cut five times, yet kept getting back up and into the fray. He would win one Super Bowl, with the Green Bay Packers. When he retired, he decided to coach, but not at the pro level. Instead, he was head coach of Calvary Baptist Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana. After a successful four-year stint there, he returned to the NFL as an assistant coach under Andy Reid with the Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, where he was instrumental in the development of quarterback Alex Smith and his string of 3,000-plus-yard seasons of passing. When he was offered the job as head coach of the Eagles, he jumped at it, though few thought he would succeed. In the first season, a year of rebuilding, they finished 7-9. Some doubted his abilities, and before the 2017 season, one "expert" called Pederson the least qualified coach in thirty years. Plagued by the sidelining of seasoned players and devastated by quarterback Carson Wentz's season-ending knee injury, the Eagles managed a 13-3 record and home-field advantage in the playoffs. Yet they were still the underdogs in every single game, including the Super Bowl, against the New England Patriots, one of the greatest dynasties in the history of the NFL. It wasn't until they stunned the Patriots that people finally believed in Pederson and his team. In Fearless, Pederson reveals the principles that guided him through the ups and downs and tough times of his career, and what it took to become a champion. Through it all, Pederson sustained himself with his faith and the support of his family. He shares the defining stories of his life and career, growing up with his disciplinarian Air Force dad and his tender-hearted mom, developing friendships with Dan Marino and Brett Favre, and learning from mentors, such as Don Shula, Mike Holmgren, and Andy Reid, who helped mold him into the man and coach he is today. Fearless captures Pederson's coaching and leadership philosophies and reveals the brilliant mind and indomitable spirit of a man who has entered the pantheon of great coaches.

Students will love learning about the Jacksonville Jaguars in this high-interest title! Text covers the team's history, memorable wins, star players, and important coaches. Readers are left with an introductory background of the NFL and the Jaguars. Features include table of contents, fun facts, team stats, timeline, quiz, glossary, and index. Aligned to Common Core standards and correlated to state standards.Big Buddy Books is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

Since the team’s start in 1995, the Jacksonville Jaguars have delighted fans with big plays and even bigger wins! In this hi-lo title, reluctant readers are introduced to the team’s history, players, and traditions through leveled text and action-packed images. Special features highlight the team’s championships and notable players, and fun facts call out additional information. The book ends with a two-page spread full of important stats, records, a timeline, and more.

This book offers an exciting look at the Jacksonville Jaguars, from the legends of the past to the superstars of today. Short paragraphs provide easy-to-read text, while vivid photographs make the book engaging and accessible.

In his first ever book, The IF in Life: How to Get Off Life’s Sidelines and Become Your Best Self, NFL running back and Dancing with the Stars champion Rashad Jennings shares his inspiring story and experiences, imparts practical advice, and encourages readers to follow their dreams. As a kid, Rashad Jennings dreamed of one day playing in the NFL, but the odds were stacked against him—he was an overweight kid with glasses, asthma, and a 0.6 GPA. Today, Rashad is a record-setting running back who has played with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Oakland Raiders, and the New York Giants. In The IF in Life, Rashad writes about the decisions that shaped his life. From overcoming injuries and setbacks to reaching goals and everything in between, Rashad’s transparency about his journey will encourage readers to hold on to faith in the midst of uncertainty and win big in life. Perfect for football fans of all ages, this book also features photos from Rashad’s childhood, college years, and professional career.

Do you watch professional sports with one eye on the game, and the other on the beautiful, glamorous and energetic cheerleaders? If you picked up this book, then you dream of cheering on the sidelines at an NFL®, NBA®, or other professional-level sporting event. This book will break down the pro dance team audition process to give you the courage and confidence to show up on the day of auditions, as well as critical success tips to help you get selected.