{"id":69279,"date":"2019-07-30T00:18:15","date_gmt":"2019-07-30T04:18:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=69279"},"modified":"2019-09-12T23:20:11","modified_gmt":"2019-09-13T03:20:11","slug":"let-cornerback-jalen-ramsey-be-himself-in-jacksonville","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2019\/07\/30\/let-cornerback-jalen-ramsey-be-himself-in-jacksonville\/","title":{"rendered":"Let Cornerback Jalen Ramsey Be Himself in Jacksonville"},"content":{"rendered":"

It is not often that an athlete comes along and makes an immediate effect on a team. The kind of impact that almost revolutionizes the way the cornerback position is played in the NFL. Jacksonville Jaguars<\/a>\u2019 fourth-year cornerback Jalen Ramsey<\/a><\/strong> is that type of athlete. A generational player that only comes around every so often in the league, who\u00a0radiates greatness at a position.<\/p>\n

The Jaguars front office knew they selected a talented player when they made Ramsey the fifth-overall pick in 2016. However, the front office could not have imagined the transcending influence Ramsey would bring the struggling franchise both on and off the field. One can appreciate Ramsey\u2019s instinctive play and ball-hawking skills on the field. Nevertheless, it is his actions off the field that put a spotlight on this once-forgotten football city. Let Jalen be Jalen. A spotlight is just what Jacksonville, Florida needs in order to\u00a0emerge from the depths of obscurity. Take the spotlight and never look back.<\/p>\n

Let Cornerback Jalen Ramsey Be Himself in Jacksonville<\/h2>\n

Ramsey Brings Brash to Bold City<\/strong><\/p>\n

During the magical 2017 season for the Jaguars, Ramsey began to develop a reputation around the league. His ability to trash talk on the field became a media conversation piece that he embraced. His performances against All-Pro receivers like Cincinnati<\/a>\u2019s A.J. Green<\/a><\/strong> and Pittsburgh<\/a>\u2019s Antonio Brown<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0became recognized by national media. His showboating during the Jaguars\u2019 victory over the Bills in round one of the playoffs was publicized. His on-the-field abilities made the Jacksonville Jaguars newsworthy for the first time in almost a decade. But he did not stop there.<\/p>\n

Following the divisional round victory against the Steelers, Ramsey began chirping every time a microphone was around. It did not matter the platform. At pep rallies, locker rooms, GQ articles, and the sidelines, Ramsey was unfiltered and brash. He held nothing back. Over the top at times? Maybe to some. However, it is his actions–like it or not–that has put Jacksonville back on the NFL map. Jalen Ramsey and the Jaguars are a topic now nationally, and the franchise and fans need to be okay with that.<\/p>\n

Entertaining the Masses<\/strong><\/p>\n

Last week, Ramsey made a grand entrance into training camp with a subtle message to the front office. His arrival in an armored truck accompanied by a hype man, comedian HaHa Davis,<\/strong> created a buzz both locally and nationally.<\/p>\n

As cameras were rolling, the hype man shouted with a megaphone, \u201c(Ramsey) covers so good, he better have his own cell phone service!\u201d He continued, \u201cThe man is so good they\u2019re going to give him his own jail, called Jalen County because these receivers are on 24-hour lockdown! If you check his pockets, he has Master Locks in his pockets \u2013 they\u2019re on lockdown all season! The man, the myth \u2013 Jalen Ramsey<\/em>!\u201d \u201cIt\u2019s time to get this money,\u201d as Ramsey exited the vehicle.<\/p>\n

Clearly an attempt by Ramsey to grab the attention of the front office, despite being locked up for the next two years. The theatrics might have fallen on deaf ears at the front office, but it was entertaining nonetheless.<\/p>\n

His entrance caused a stir nationally. Some applauding the effort while others criticize. However, Ramsey is not holding out like others around the league that still have contractual agreements. Keep that in mind. He is here to play football for the Jaguars this season.<\/p>\n

Last Word: All on Eyes on 20<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ramsey seeks the attention and everything that comes with being in the spotlight. Earlier this week, Ramsey was quoted in Florida Times-Union via John Reid, \u201cI\u2019m serious about my craft. I\u2019m serious about football, of course, but at the same time, I\u2019m going to have fun.\u201d He continues, \u201cI\u2019m going to be an entertainer as well as a football player.”<\/p>\n

It\u2019s this type of swagger this team needs to embrace. Maybe Ramsey\u2019s confidence can be contagious among the rest of the roster. A little swag never hurts anyone. Be comfortable with a target on your back and go out and do what you do. It\u2019s good for the team and good for the city of Jacksonville to be relevant.<\/p>\n

Main Photo:
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>