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Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Marrone made it clear on Friday that the team is there to support linebacker Telvin Smith in any way they can. When Marrone stepped up to the podium on Friday to discuss rookie minicamp the first thing he talked about wasn't about the rookies, rather the teams star linebacker.
“I think that, for me, I kind of put football to the side,” Marrone said via NFL.com. “To me, that's an afterthought right now in concern with Telvin.
“I really believe in my heart that Telvin knows that we're here to support him in any which way. Not just myself, the coaches, the organization, his teammates. I'm sure he's aware of that and all we can do is make sure we pray and he knows that is he needs some support, we're here for him.”
Smith announced on social media on Thursday that he was taking time away from football and sitting out the upcoming season to focus on himself, his family and his health. It's unclear if something happened that has prompted the change but Marrone said that he didn't notice anything different with Smith last year.
The Jaguars haven't had much communication with Smith since he decided to skip voluntary offseason workouts but the Jaguars have tried to get into contact with him. Marrone made it clear that it's not about football at this time, and all the worries are with Smith's wellbeing.
“It's not about football,” he said. “It's making sure he's OK as a person and being a good human being. That's the part that we want to be able to help him with. Obviously, we respect his decision.”
