Ameer Abdullah discussed his arrival in Jacksonville, his special-teams impact and the team culture surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars during the Week 6 O-Zone Podcast. The 12th-year NFL veteran joined senior writer John Oehser for the episode as the Jaguars prepared to play the Houston Texans at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday. Jacksonville entered the matchup 4-1 and leading the AFC South, while Houston entered at 1-4.
Abdullah joined the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent during the 2026 offseason after playing for seven teams across 12 NFL seasons. The Detroit Lions originally selected him in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He said he quickly felt comfortable with the Jaguars and the opportunity to contribute.
“I’m thankful I signed with Jacksonville because I mesh very well with the squad,” Abdullah said.
Abdullah’s return helped set up Eagles victory
Abdullah made a key contribution in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ victory over the Philadelphia Eagles at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. He returned a kickoff 53 yards, setting up Cam Little’s game-winning field goal. Abdullah credited the Jaguars’ special-teams unit and the players who were ready to execute when called upon.
“For us to lean on our special teams the last few plays to get it done … unbelievable,” Abdullah said. “It’s a testament to all the guys on the team who were just ready to do their job.”
Liam Coen made a direct connection
Abdullah said head coach Liam Coen helped make Jacksonville an attractive destination by contacting him directly. Coen told Abdullah he would have an opportunity to make an impact, a message Abdullah said stood out as he entered his 12th NFL season. The Jaguars won the AFC South in 2025, Coen’s first season as head coach.
“He was straight up with me,” Abdullah said. “He told me I could come in and have an opportunity to make an impact. In Year 12, not a lot of coaches are that personable with you. They call your agent. You come in, sign a contract and that’s that.”
Abdullah said Coen’s direct communication showed him that Jacksonville valued his contributions. He added that the feeling has continued during the season.
“Liam texted me directly. That, to me, was a sign that I was wanted. I was appreciated. And my value was going to be considered. That has continued to fill itself out as the season has gone on.”
Jacksonville emphasizes shared responsibility
Abdullah said the Jaguars’ success extends beyond the head coach and the most prominent players. He described an organization in which employees and players view themselves as responsible for keeping the entire operation together. That approach, he said, helps create the preparation needed to make plays in important situations.
“Everyone understands that they’re a ‘glue guy,'” Abdullah said. “You hear this term all the time, ‘He’s a glue guy, he’s a glue guy, he keeps the team together.’ Everyone kind of walks around the building with that perspective, that they’re the ones holding it together.”
He said the mindset applies throughout the organization, including the athletic training staff and players. Abdullah also said each person is expected to handle his or her responsibilities with precision.
“Everyone is very detailed with their job. No matter if it’s the janitor, or a member of the athletic training staff, or a player on the team … everyone takes the mentality that ‘I’m the glue guy. I’m the guy who has to keep my job as precise as possible to keep the whole structure together.'”
“That type of selflessness allows everyone to go out and make plays when they’re called upon.”
FSB Take
Abdullah’s interview outlined how the Jacksonville Jaguars view his contribution: an experienced player whose special-teams work can affect games and whose approach fits the team’s broader emphasis on shared responsibility. His 53-yard kickoff return against the Philadelphia Eagles set up a game-winning field goal, while his comments detailed Coen’s direct role in bringing him to Jacksonville. The Jaguars entered the Houston Texans matchup with a 4-1 record and the AFC South lead.
Source: Original report