JACKSONVILLE – Brian Thomas Jr. is low-key, humble – and really, really good.
Know this about Jaguars’ rookie wide receiver:
He’s also really confident and really motivated – and one of his primary motivations as the Jaguars’ 2024 season approaches an end is to set the franchise rookie receiving records, something he absolutely has a chance to do.
“I really want to set it,” he said Wednesday as the Jaguars (3-10) prepared to play the New York Jets (3-10) at EverBank Stadium Sunday.
“I really want to get it. That’s a big thing for me.”
Thomas, the No. 23 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, indeed enters Sunday nearing the Jaguars’ rookie records for receptions and yards in a season – and enters it with the respect of teammates who see him as a young player with a bright present and brighter future.
“Brian is a really good player,” Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones said. “He’s obviously young, but he wants the ball. I love that about him. He kind of demands it, which is awesome for a quarterback. I haven’t had much of that in my career where guys are like, ‘Hey, I really want this ball right here. Throw it up, I’ll make a play.’ I really appreciate that about him.
“For a rookie, he has a lot of confidence, and for me, just trying to keep him loose in the huddle and having fun out there. I feel like he plays really good when he’s having fun and just focusing on his job and running and making plays.”
Thomas, who played through a midseason chest injury and who has played in every game as a rookie, has 54 receptions for 851 yards and six touchdowns this season. Former Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon (2012) holds the franchise record for receptions and yards in a season with 64 and 865, respectively.
Thomas is tied with former Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns (2014) for most touchdown receptions (six) by a rookie in franchise history.
