JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Four former Jaguars who are now youth sports coaches were surprised Thursday afternoon with a shopping spree to get new gear and equipment for their programs.
Kevin Hardy (Atlantic Coast High School), Jason Babin (Ponte Vedra High School), David Garrard (Girl Power NFL Flag League) and Ernest Wilford (Tocio Creek High School) each received a $1,000 Academy Sports + Outdoors gift card to support their teams.
The coaches are: Kevin Hardy, Jason Babin, David Garrard and Ernest Wilford.
The former NFL players are recognized for supporting and mentoring area youth athletes. Thursday’s event was held on National Coaches Day, which honors coaches at every level whose guidance and encouragement help instill lifelong lessons and development in their players.
“Coaches, like teachers, they are mentors to these students and athletes,” said Mike Reynolds with Academy. “They’re role models, they’re friends, they’re confidants. So to be able to thank them for all they do to help youth athletes out, it just means everything to us.”
The event also kicked off Jaguars Legends weekend, which is happening Friday through Sunday.