Just months after one of their most promising seasons in recent memory, the Jacksonville Jaguars have delivered a gut punch to their loyal supporters. The franchise confirmed Wednesday that their 2026 schedule will feature not one, but two consecutive games played across the Atlantic in London.
A Stunning Announcement After a Stellar Season
This news lands with particular force following a spectacular 2025 run. Under first-year head coach Liam Coen, the Jaguars roared to a 13-4 record, powered by franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence's career-best performance. Lawrence threw for over 4,000 yards and accounted for 38 total touchdowns, establishing himself as a true MVP candidate and filling Duval County with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations.
The season ended abruptly in the Wild Card round against the Buffalo Bills, leaving a bitter taste. Lawrence himself reflected on the pain of the early exit. "I wish we played cleaner in certain areas," he said post-game. "You've got to live with it. It's life. You don't get do-overs. It's a bummer. But I know that we left everything out there." That sentiment of unfinished business had fans eagerly counting down to 2026—until this week's revelation.
Fan Fury Erupts Online
The announcement that the Jags will play at both Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium in 2026—with specific dates still pending—ignited an immediate firestorm on social media. For a fanbase that has supported the team through thick and thin, the decision feels like a profound betrayal.
"This is getting ridiculous," one fan declared online, capturing the widespread sentiment. Another called it "a slap in the face" to the diehard local supporters who packed EverBank Stadium all season. The frustration is compounded by the team's recent history as the NFL's frequent flyer to the UK, having played games in London in each of the past five seasons, including a back-to-back stint in 2024.
"Just move them to London already," wrote a cynical supporter, while another lamented, "Fastest way to disappoint the real home fans after a 13-4 season." The core complaint is clear: rewarding a thriving, engaged fanbase with the loss of multiple home games feels like a punitive move, not a reward for their passionate support.
The Bigger Picture: A Franchise at a Crossroads
This controversy strikes at the heart of the Jaguars' identity. While the NFL continues its aggressive global expansion, the cost is being borne by specific local fanbases. Jacksonville's supporters are now questioning their team's commitment to its city, especially after proving their dedication with a sell-out season following a thrilling playoff-caliber run.
The team's rationale likely centers on growing its international brand and fulfilling league initiatives, but for the fans in the stands, it translates to fewer opportunities to see their ascending stars like Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne in person. It raises a critical question for the NFL: at what point does prioritizing global growth undermine the local foundations that make the league strong?
As the full 2026 schedule awaits its May release, one thing is already certain in Jacksonville: the excitement for the new season is now mixed with a potent dose of resentment. The Jaguars' front office has a public relations challenge on its hands, needing to mend fences with a community that feels its loyalty has been taken for granted. How they address this growing rift may define the fan experience for years to come.
