Trevor Lawrence: ‘I don’t think people realize how die-hard our fans are’

With Super Bowl LVII just days away and a matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles on deck, Trevor Lawrence says he isn’t satisfied with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ run to the Divisional Round.

In a letter published Wednesday by The Players’ Tribune, Lawrence thanked Jaguars fans for their support during the 2022 season, but also promised that bigger things are on the horizon.

I know a lot of people probably thought we were just happy to be there against K.C., but if you think that, then you don’t know this group. We had a real chance to win that game, and we didn’t, and I’m still angry about it. We all are. And I like that. I like how — for all the talk about how we’re this young team with a bright future (and I believe we are) — the main thing guys were focused on after that game was we were right there. We were that team. So we’re going to let ourselves be mad. And we’re going to use it as fuel to get better for next year.

Lawrence, 23, has two seasons left on his rookie contract with the Jaguars as well as a fifth-year option on the deal after that. But judging by the way the second-year quarterback talked about Jacksonville, he isn’t eying an exit any time soon.

After thanking Jaguars fans for keeping faith even as the team fell behind 27-0 against the Los Angeles Chargers in the playoffs, Lawrence talked about the excitement around the city ahead of a Week 18 matchup for the AFC South title against the Tennessee Titans.

And that’s when I really felt the city come to life. There was this energy in the air. The beach had a buzz. Downtown was alive. Even Publix felt a part of it. I don’t think people realize how die-hard our fans are — how much Jags fans love this team, and how hungry they are for a winner. They just want us to be great. They want to get there. I felt that.

After Josh ran back his TD, and the final whistle blew, and we were AFC South champion. I looked around our stadium and I knew I was right where I was meant to be.

The Jaguars’ 9-8 record in the 2022 season was only the team’s second winning record in the last 15 seasons. After the breakout year for the team and a season for Lawrence that eventually earned him Pro Bowl honors, expectations will be much higher in 2023 and beyond. Lawrence sounds ready for it.