Part 4/7:
The Jaguars' entry into the NFL was atypical and filled with strategic maneuvers amid stiff competition from cities like Charlotte and St. Louis. Originally, Jacksonville was an underdog in the expansion bid but leveraged connections made in the late ’70s, starting with a visit from Baltimore Colts owner Robert Irsay, who used the city as a bargaining chip during stadium negotiations before moving the Colts to Indianapolis.
This groundwork eventually paid off. Jacksonville's persistence in maintaining relationships with NFL executives positioned the city as a legitimate contender in the league's expansion. Improved facilities and early success on the field helped solidify a fan base, but the mid-90s momentum has since faded.