Jacksonville Jaguars starting rookie left guard Emmanuel Pregnon will play his second NFL game in his hometown Sunday when Jacksonville faces the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. The game is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. in Denver, Colo. Pregnon discussed the matchup, his preparation and his family-first approach with Jaguars senior writer John Oehser on the 2026 Week 2 O-Zone Podcast.
Pregnon prepares for a meaningful hometown game
Pregnon said his family has not had many opportunities to watch him play in person because of obligations outside football. Having them in Denver will give the game added significance for the Jacksonville Jaguars rookie, who said he wants to help both his family and his team. “It will be huge to me. I can’t really express it, but I know when they’re there, I’m going to do everything I can do in my power to make sure they’re happy and the Jaguars are happy,” Pregnon said.
Pregnon entered the NFL as a third-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft and became the lone rookie starting for the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1 of the 2026 season. He said his approach is built around consistent work and earning responsibility. “I just put my head down to work, and try to earn every day,” Pregnon said.
His mother’s work ethic shaped his approach
Pregnon said his mother raised him, three older siblings and two older cousins. He described her work ethic as “soldier-like” and said she worked long hours to make ends meet while continuing to support the family. “That’s the realest thing ever,” Pregnon said.
Those experiences helped establish Pregnon’s expectations for preparation and daily work. “That really set my foundation as far as my work ethic and how I’m supposed to come to work every day,” he said. Pregnon added that he tries to improve by one or two percent each day and remain present even when he is tired or feeling down.
Pregnon also remembered the time his mother made for the family after long workdays. “My mom was always there. Even after all those long hours, she would make those meals, talk to me, watch TV or do anything to be a family. So, shout out, Mom,” he said.
From one scholarship offer to the Jaguars
Pregnon’s path to Jacksonville began as an unranked collegiate recruit with one scholarship offer. He went on to play for the University of Wyoming and the University of Oregon, where he earned first-team All-America status in 2026.
That progression has informed Pregnon’s approach as he takes on a starting role with the Jacksonville Jaguars. “I try to earn my job, earn my role. I know what I came here to do and I know what I’m capable of, and I just wanted to help my team the best way I knew I could,” Pregnon said.
FSB Take
Pregnon’s return to Denver gives the Jacksonville Jaguars’ rookie left guard a meaningful setting for his second NFL game. His comments on his mother’s work ethic provide the clearest context for the preparation he brings to the starting lineup. Jacksonville will face the Denver Broncos Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High.
Source: Original report