Jerry Rice Welcomes Jaguars' Tank Bigsby to NFL
A group of NFL rookies received inspiration from those they grew up idolizing last month, with Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby hearing from arguably the best wide receiver to ever play the game.
With other legends such as Tom Brady and Joe Montanna giving motivation to Anthony Richardson, Bryce Young, Will Levis, and a host of other rookies, Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby was able to get a personal message from Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice.
Bigsby, who the Jaguars selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the No. 88 pick, was the Jaguars' representative at this year's NFLPA Rookie Premiere. As a result, he was able to take in a message that few others will ever year.
"NFLPA Rookie Premiere offers partners unparalleled access to more than 40 of the NFL's newest stars at their first major business and marketing event following the NFL Draft," the NFLPA's site reads. "The Premiere is one of the most valuable opportunities available to NFLPA partners as it's the first point of contact to connect directly with professional football's most promising and marketable young players – at a single unique event – to build content and relationships for the season and beyond.
A four-star recruit who was the No. 4 running back in the 2020 recruiting class behind just Bijan Robinson, Zach Evans and Demarckus Bowman, Bigsby was named the SEC Freshman of the year in 2020 after he appeared in 10 games and carried the ball 138 times for 834 yards and five touchdowns, averaging six yards per carry.
Bigsby started 13 games in 2021, averaging 4.9 yards per carry on 223 carries, recording 1,099 yards and 10 touchdowns, along with 21 catches for 184 yards.
Bigsby returned as a starter in 2022, starting 11 games and leading Auburn in rushing with 970 yards, 5.4 yards per carry and 10 touchdowns.
Bigsby now gives the Jaguars a crowded running back room, joining 2021 first-round pick and 1,000-yard rusher Travis Etienne, JaMycal Hasty, Snoop Conner, and D'Ernest Johnson.
