While the Jacksonville Jaguars soared toward an optimistic new frontier in 2025, one key member — receiver Brian Thomas Jr. — spent much of the joyous, transformative season in the shadows.
A breakout star as a rookie, Thomas endured a number of challenges in his second season. He struggled to perform consistently, developed a tendency to drop passes, battled an ankle injury and finished with nearly 600 fewer receiving yards than his memorable debut campaign, one that saw him catch 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. Thomas made just three visits to the end zone in 2025 (two receiving, one rushing) and finished as a secondary character in Jacksonville’s exciting story.
“It was just adversity, [which] gives you a lot to grow from,” Thomas said, via ESPN. “I wouldn’t call it frustrating. I mean, it just gives you something to build off. You know what you’ve got to do and you know what you got to do to sustain [success].”
It happens. Plenty of players find it difficult to replicate premier success on a per-year basis. But if the Jaguars are going to fully realize their potential, they know Thomas must play an important part.