JACKSONVILLE- Former Ute and current Jaguar Devin Lloyd continues to make a positive impact in his new home in Jacksonville. This time, Lloyd made a young Jaguars fan’s 20th birthday a hit, even from a hospital bed. Lloyd made Arik’s day according to a tweet from Baptist Health in Jacksonville by not only sending him a video shoutout, but a signed jersey, some shirts, and a towel among other Jaguars swag.

A huge thank you to the @Jaguars & @DevinLloyd_ for their generous birthday gift to our awesome patient Arik! You absolutely made his 20th birthday! 🐆🏈🎁 pic.twitter.com/YPwbprroMl

— Baptist Health (@BaptistHealthJx) July 22, 2022

Devin Lloyd And The Jaguars

Lloyd hasn’t even played a snap for the Jaguars and is quickly becoming a hit in Jacksonville because of his big heart and generosity. As a Ute, Lloyd always showed maturity beyond his years and an understanding of the “assignment” that a lot of athletes struggle to understand, especially in their first years as a pro. Not only did Lloyd make Arik’s day, but he also according to Jaguars team reporter Ashlyn Sullivan, has done more than any rookie to this date in the NFL having already hosted his first football camp just a few days ago. 

No rookie has done more community events before the season started than @DevinLloyd_ , telling us “I’m on this earth to make a difference.”

Lloyd hosting his first football camp at @NASJax_ , both his parents were in the military growing up. pic.twitter.com/jaakl66Y1o

— Ashlyn Sullivan (@ashlynrsullivan) July 20, 2022

Lloyd’s actions have to be a refreshing change for Jaguars fans who just lived through a tumultuous experience with former, short-lived head coach Urban Meyer in 2021. (Also connected to the Utes as their first BCS busting coach in 2004.) Lloyd has been exactly what the franchise has needed to regroup and move forward in 2022.

A Look Ahead

The Jaguars will kickoff their preseason on August 4th against the Raiders in Las Vegas. The regular season will begin on September 11th against the newly renamed Washington Commanders in D.C. Lloyd is expected to be an early difference maker for the team who has struggled for a long time to get anything going. Lloyd will be joined by other talented players including 2021 first overall pick, quarterback Trevor Lawrence, and 2022 first overall pick, defensive end Travon Walker in trying to turn the franchise around.

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