After suffering a season-ending core muscle injury, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk is motivated to provide a reminder of just who he is.
"I feel like the offseason has been forever for me. Injuries are more mentally challenging than anything," Kirk said this week at OTAs, via Jacksonville.com. "It tests your mental, but it can kind of callus your mind. Putting yourself in uncomfortable situations and pushing through. Like I said, adversity, but I'm just excited. Got a chip on my shoulder, ready to wake some people back up and remind them the type of player that I am."
Kirk's first season with the Jaguars in 2022 was the best of his career, as he had 84 catches for 1,108 receiving yards and eight touchdowns -- all career highs. His 2023 campaign was cut five games short, though.
Now his aim is to return healthy and to his 2022 form.
In 2022, Kirk was the Jaguars' No. 1 WR and he'll have that opportunity again with Calvin Ridley leaving in free agency to sign with the Tennessee Titans. The Jaguars also saw veteran Zay Jones head to Arizona. To make up for the losses of Ridley and Jones this offseason, Jacksonville signed Gabe Davis and Devin Duvernay.
Jacksonville's WR room currently stands with Elijah Cooks, Davis, Duvernay, Tim Jones, Kirk, Parker Washington, Seth Williams and 2024 first-round pick Brian Thomas Jr. Heading into the final days of OTAs, Kirk is the oldest wide receiver in the room at 27 years old.
After his 2023 season was shortened due to injury, Kirk's looking forward to Year 3 in Jacksonville.
"On a personal level, I feel like I'm getting back to where I should be and where I want to be," Kirk said. "Looking forward to bouncing back and having a good season."
