JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – For nearly 40 athletes from Special Olympics Florida, Thursday was more than just another day in the offseason, it was a chance to live out their football dreams.
The Jaguars hosted their sixth annual Special Olympics Florida Fantasy Camp, giving participants an unforgettable opportunity to become honorary Jaguars for the day. Held for the first time at the team’s state-of-the-art Miller Electric Center, the camp combined football, friendship and plenty of “DUUVAL” spirit.
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From the moment the athletes stepped inside the facility, they were treated like pros. Each one signed a one-day team contract, received custom Jaguars jerseys and gear, and prepared to take the field with members of the Jaguars rookie class. The day also included tours of team spaces, locker room access, and plenty of encouragement from Jaguars mascot Jaxson de Ville and cheerleaders from the Roar.
“Today’s Special Olympics Fantasy Camp is all about inclusion,” said Michael Carnahan, senior manager of community impact for the Jaguars Foundation. “It’s their first glimpse into the community side of the NFL, and we hope this inspires them and our rookies alike. It’s about providing equal opportunity, building connection, and showing these athletes just how much they’re valued.”
Carnahan helped launch the event years ago, and said it’s grown with the help of community partners like Ticketmaster.
“It’s really special to see how far it’s come,” he said. “Being able to host it in the Miller Electric Center for the first time adds to that magic.”
The day’s activities were structured around a series of football skill stations based on NFL Flag and Play 60 drills. With rookies guiding them through each challenge — from agility runs to receiving drills and even kicking field goals — the Special Olympians showed off their competitive side and had fun while doing it.
“Our athletes look forward to this all year,” said Zoe LoSasso, development director for Special Olympics Florida’s Northeast Region. “It just gets bigger and better every time. And it’s not just about football. It’s about them being recognized, seen, and celebrated like the athletes they are.”
LoSasso said the program has expanded significantly since it began.
“We used to have only Duval County athletes participate,” she said. “Now we’ve grown to include athletes from 10 different counties. And the best part? As soon as the event ends, they’re already asking when we’ll do it again.”
For many of the rookies, the experience was just as impactful.
“Honestly, it kind of feels like my welcome to the NFL moment,” said rookie defensive back Caleb Ransaw. “Letting them be in our shoes for a day, supporting them through drills, just bonding and having fun — it’s what this game is really about.”
And for athletes like Bonnie Luck, the day was filled with moments she’ll never forget.
“It’s amazing. I feel like I’m Trevor Lawrence or Evan Engram!” she said with a huge smile.
Bonnie, a longtime Jags fan, shared stories about being featured on the Jumbotron during games and even meeting former players as a young Girl Scout. On this day, though, she was one of the many Special Olympians that got to be members of the team.
The camp wrapped up with a group photo and a stadium-wide “1-2-3… DUUUVALLL!” chant, a sound that echoed through the indoor field and captured the heart of a day built on joy, inclusion, and unity.