MARK LONG
FILE - San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) throws against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game in Glendale, Ariz., in this Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, file photo. The Jacksonville Jaguars signed former San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard on Wednesday, March 24, 2021, giving them an experienced backup if they trade Gardner Minshew. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
Jaguars sign QB Beathard, setting up potential Minshew trade

By Mark Long Mar. 24, 2021 03:12 PM EDT
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard

FILE - Then-Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer answers questions during a news conference in Columbus, Ohio, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018. Free agency feels a lot like recruiting to new Jaguars coach Urban Meyer. Watching film. Wooing players. Finding the right fits. Given Meyer’s penchant for landing five-star prospects at Florida and Ohio State, Jacksonville could be a popular landing spot for some of the NFL’s top free agents next week. It certainly should help that the Jaguars have more salary cap space (nearly $73 million) than any other team.(AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)
Jags' Meyer laments NFL limitations for wooing free agents

By Mark Long Mar. 19, 2021 12:44 PM EDT
Urban Meyer never got a chance to recruit any free agents to Jacksonville, and

FILE - In this Friday, May 31, 2019 file photo, Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Josh Oliver (89) reaches for a pass but is unable to make the catch during an NFL football practice in Jacksonville, Fla. A person familiar with negotiations says the Jacksonville Jaguars have traded oft-injured tight end Josh Oliver, a 2019 third-round draft pick who has been limited to four games, to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for a conditional pick in 2022. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
AP source: Jags trade oft-injured Oliver to Ravens for pick

By Mark Long Mar. 17, 2021 08:10 PM EDT
Josh Oliver never got much of a chance to show what he could do in Jacksonville

FILE - In this Sept. 27, 2020, file photo, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin (26) is greeted by his twin brother, outside linebacker Shaquem Griffin (49), after Shaquill Griffin intercepted a Dallas Cowboys pass during the first half of an NFL football game in Seattle. Shaquill Griffin is returning to the Sunshine State. He could be bringing his twin brother with him. A person familiar with negotiations says Griffin and the Jacksonville Jaguars agreed on a three-year contract worth up to $44.5 million that includes $29 million guaranteed. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)
Jaguars add 12 new guys, including 4 sure defensive starters

By Mark Long Mar. 17, 2021 06:34 PM EDT
The Jacksonville Jaguars officially welcomed a dozen new players Wednesday,

FILE - In this Sept. 27, 2020, file photo, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin (26) is greeted by his twin brother, outside linebacker Shaquem Griffin (49), after Shaquill Griffin intercepted a Dallas Cowboys pass during the first half of an NFL football game in Seattle. Shaquill Griffin is returning to the Sunshine State. He could be bringing his twin brother with him. A person familiar with negotiations says Griffin and the Jacksonville Jaguars agreed on a three-year contract worth up to $44.5 million that includes $29 million guaranteed. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)
AP source: CB Griffin to join Jaguars in defensive overhaul

By Mark Long Mar. 16, 2021 01:53 PM EDT
Former Pro Bowl cornerback Shaquill Griffin is returning to the Sunshine State,

FILE - In this Sept. 13, 2020, file photo, Chicago Bears defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris looks on during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit. A person familiar with the negotiations says the Jacksonville Jaguars and former Bears defensive lineman Robertson-Harris have agreed on a three-year, $24.4 million deal that includes $14 million guaranteed. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson, File)
Meyer, Jaguars fail to generate splash in NFL free agency

By Mark Long Mar. 15, 2021 04:39 PM EDT
Coach Urban Meyer's rebuilding project in Jacksonville started with a thud

FILE - Then-Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer answers questions during a news conference in Columbus, Ohio, Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018. Free agency feels a lot like recruiting to new Jaguars coach Urban Meyer. Watching film. Wooing players. Finding the right fits. Given Meyer’s penchant for landing five-star prospects at Florida and Ohio State, Jacksonville could be a popular landing spot for some of the NFL’s top free agents next week. It certainly should help that the Jaguars have more salary cap space (nearly $73 million) than any other team.(AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)
Jaguars poised to spend big, rebuild quickly in free agency

By Mark Long Mar. 14, 2021 02:13 PM EDT
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Free agency feels a lot like recruiting to new

FILE - Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Cam Robinson (74) sets up to block during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Jacksonville, Fla., in this Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, file photo. The Jaguars are planning to use the franchise tag on left tackle Cam Robinson, preventing him from hitting the free-agent market and making him the blindside protector for presumptive No. 1 draft pick Trevor Lawrence. Coach Urban Meyer said Tuesday, March 9, 2021, that “we are headed in that direction.” (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
Jags tag LT Robinson, charge him with protecting QB Lawrence

By Mark Long Mar. 09, 2021 01:39 PM EST
The Jacksonville Jaguars used their franchise tag on left tackle Cam Robinson,

The number 53 car driven by Garrett Smithley gets new tires during a pit stop during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, in Homestead, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Byron gives NASCAR another surprise winner at Homestead

By Mark Long Feb. 28, 2021 07:11 PM EST
HOMESTEAD, Fla. (AP) — William Byron gave NASCAR its third surprise winner in

FILE - Ohio State NCAA college football head coach Urban Meyer answers questions during a news conference announcing his retirement in Columbus, Ohio, in this Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, file photo. A person familiar with the search says Urban Meyer and the Jacksonville Jaguars are working toward finalizing a deal to make him the team's next head coach. The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, because a formal agreement was not yet in place. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)
Jags' Meyer defends hiring ex-Iowa coach accused of racism

By Mark Long Feb. 11, 2021 12:11 PM EST
Jacksonville Jaguars coach Urban Meyer defended the hiring of a former Iowa

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with head coach Bruce Arians following the NFL Super Bowl 55 football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021 in Tampa, Fla. Tampa Bay won 31-9. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Bucs' Arians scoffs at rumors, says he's returning 'for 2'

By Mark Long Feb. 07, 2021 11:42 PM EST
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Seconds after linebacker Devin White intercepted a pass in

Fans social distance as they watch a stage show before the NFL Super Bowl 55 football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Super Bowl in Tampa creates 'craziness' outside, inside

By Mark Long Feb. 07, 2021 06:39 PM EST
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Wearing N95 masks and plastic face shields, John Goodman,

Lennise Germany, left, poses for a photograph with her husband Omar Germany, right, outside of their Livy O's Catering business, Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021, in Brandon, Fla. Livy O's Catering was awarded a contract to provide food for a pregame tailgate for 7,500 vaccinated healthcare workers invited to attend the Super Bowl Sunday in Tampa. The deal was a result of NFL Business Connect, which helps developing companies owned by women, minorities, and veterans navigate the Super Bowl procurement process. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Pandemic pivot: NFL guides small businesses in tough times

By Mark Long Feb. 06, 2021 02:39 PM EST
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Lennise Germany’s personal and professional lives were

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Leonard Fournette (28) evades a tackle by Green Bay Packers' Adrian Amos to score on a 20-yard touchdown run during the first half of the NFC championship NFL football game in Green Bay, Wis., Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Super Bowl could be farewell for several pending free agents

By Mark Long Feb. 03, 2021 12:08 PM EST
It’s unlikely Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady will have their same receiving

FILE - In this Nov. 29, 2020 file photoKansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) pulls in a 44-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, Fla. Hill was unstoppable against Tampa Bay in late November. The speedy Kansas City star caught 13 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns in the Chiefs' 27-24 victory that afternoon. Tampa Bay gets another shot at Hill and the Chiefs in the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken, File)
Super rematch: Hill burned Bucs repeatedly in 1st meeting

By Mark Long Jan. 31, 2021 09:30 AM EST
Tyreek Hill sprinted past cornerback Carlton Davis again, caught the ball in

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians holds the championship trophy after winning the NFC championship NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, Wis., Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021. The Buccaneers defeated the Packers 31-26 to advance to the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Retirement age? Super Bowl coaches just getting started

By Mark Long Jan. 27, 2021 05:43 PM EST
There’s no retirement age in the NFL, and that’s a good thing for Super Bowl

FILE - This is a 2020 file photo showing Trent Baalke of the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL football team. The Jacksonville Jaguars formally named Baalke general manager on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021. (AP Photo)
Jags hire ex-49ers exec Baalke as GM, removing interim tag

By Mark Long Jan. 21, 2021 09:18 AM EST
Urban Meyer and Trent Baalke first met 16 years ago, before the San Francisco

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass during an NFL football practice Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. The Buccaneers play the Washington Football Team in a playoff game Saturday night. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Super Host: Bucs become 1st to play Super Bowl at home

By Mark Long Jan. 20, 2021 03:27 AM EST
Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will feel right at home in the Super

FILE - Florida NCAA college football head coach Urban Meyer talks to reporters after practice in Scottsdale, Ariz., ahead of the BCS Championship game against Ohio State, in this Jan. 8, 2007, file photo. A person familiar with the search says Urban Meyer and the Jacksonville Jaguars are working toward finalizing a deal to make him the team's next head coach. The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, because a formal agreement was not yet in place. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
Meyer believes Jacksonville 'is the place' he can win in NFL

By Mark Long Jan. 15, 2021 03:16 PM EST
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Urban Meyer first started thinking about the NFL

FILE - Ohio State NCAA college football head coach Urban Meyer answers questions during a news conference announcing his retirement in Columbus, Ohio, in this Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018, file photo. A person familiar with the search says Urban Meyer and the Jacksonville Jaguars are working toward finalizing a deal to make him the team's next head coach. The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, because a formal agreement was not yet in place. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)
Urban Hire: Meyer returns to sidelines with NFL's Jaguars

By Mark Long Jan. 14, 2021 10:24 AM EST
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Urban Meyer has won everywhere he’s coached. Small