FAITH, CULTURE AND COMEBACK

Jan. 14’s thrilling 27-point comeback by the Jaguars over the Chargers surpassed the Patriots-Falcons “28-3” Super Bowl game to become third-biggest comeback in postseason history.

I was at both. I liked this one’s ending better.

I’ve been to many sporting events, this game at the Bank was the most electrifying.

Although the Jaguars didn’t win the Super Bowl this past season, I’m so happy for this team and for this city. Coach Doug Pederson has quickly built an incredible culture within the Jacksonville organization. More success is coming.

On the way home from the stadium that night, I loved hearing Coach Pederson on the radio postgame show discuss his faith in God, so I pulled up the audio the next day and transcribed it:

“My faith, honestly, my relationship with Christ has really given me a platform to be humble, to be calm, to speak truth, but at the same time, never show panic, and I believe in that and I trust in that.”

By Brian Lunsford

“I think that our team resonates in the fact that if I’m calm and if I show that demeanor, they’re just going to go out and do it one play at a time. And so, for me, that’s where I get it from. That’s where I get my strength from to do that.”

“I’ve got to thank God for giving me that, kind of blessing me with that sort of demeanor, and our team to go out and play the way they did.” -Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson on staying calm and leaning on his faith in God.

So many life lessons there in his comments.

I took our kids to that playoff game last month (Kristin watched from home by the fireplace), and we had so much fun. Like Trevor Lawrence, it was also Jake and Abby’s first time attending a playoff game. And it was my first time going to a Jaguars postseason game.

It was an awesome example for our kids to have witnessed what it means to really never give up, no matter how bad things look, seem and feel. With a strong culture that is grounded in faith, this team will go a long way for years to come. Go, Jags!

Largest postseason comebacks in NFL history:

1. 1992 Bills, 32-point comeback win vs. Oilers

2. 2013 Colts, 28-point comeback win vs. Chiefs

3. 2023 Jaguars, 27-point comeback win vs. Chargers

4. 2017 Patriots, 25-point comeback win vs. Falcons (Super Bowl)