Maurice Jones-Drew
The elusive back who led the Jaguars to their second division title and set franchise rushing records.
Maurice Jones-Drew rushed for more than any player in Jacksonville Jaguars history, driving an offensive turnaround after years of early struggles. Selected in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of the University of Tennessee, he became a perennial Pro Bowl selection and ultimately the franchise's all-time leading rusher.
- Role
- Running Back
- Affiliation
- Jacksonville Jaguars (2006–2014)
- First Appears
- 2006 NFL Season
- Status
- Franchise Legend / Retired
- Major Honours
- 3x Pro Bowl, 1x First-Team All-Pro
- Legacy Record
- Jaguars' All-Time Leading Rusher
Lore & Background
Beyond the statistics, Jones-Drew was known for his durability and clutch performances in critical moments. He became a symbol of hope during a turbulent period for the franchise, often carrying the offense on his shoulders when the passing game faltered. His departure marked the end of an era, leaving behind a rushing record that stood as a testament to his dominance and consistency over nearly a decade with the team.
In Their Own Story
The lights at EverBank Field hummed with energy as the fourth quarter wound down. Maurice Jones-Drew took the handoff, his eyes scanning the defensive line for a crack in the armor. With a sudden burst of acceleration, he slipped past a linebacker's grasp, weaving through traffic like water flowing around rocks. The crowd roared as he crossed the goal line, another touchdown etched into the annals of Jaguars history.
Reader's Guide
Maurice Jones-Drew entered the NFL in 2006, drafted by the Jaguars to revitalize their backfield after years of inconsistency. His rookie season showed flashes of brilliance, but it was his second year that he truly established himself as a workhorse, averaging over five yards per carry. The defining era of his career arrived between 2010 and 2011. In 2010, Jones-Drew led the league in rushing touchdowns and helped Jacksonville secure their first division title since 1997. His performance that season earned him a First-Team All-Pro selection, cementing his status as one of the elite backs in the NFL. Following the 2011 season, injuries began to take a toll, but he remained a key contributor until his trade to the Oakland Raiders in 2014. His departure left a void that the franchise struggled to fill for years, marking the end of the most successful running back tenure in team history.
Did You Know?
- Jones-Drew is the only player in Jaguars history to rush for over 7,000 yards.
- He was selected to three Pro Bowls during his time with Jacksonville.
- In 2010, he led the NFL in rushing touchdowns despite not being a primary pass catcher.