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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Marrone has still not spoken to linebacker Telvin Smith, but he wants Smith to know that he and the rest of the organization are there to support him if he wishes to reach out.
This was his immediate reaction when Smith announced Thursday on Instagram that he would not be playing in 2019 as he had to take time for his family and his health.
"I've somehow put football aside," Marrone said Friday after the first day of the rookie minicamp Jaguars. "I think that [football], for me, is an afterthought now. I really believe in my heart that Telvin knows we're here to support him in any way – not just myself, the coaches, the organization, his teammates, and I'm sure he's is aware of it.
"All we can do is just make sure to pray, and he knows that if he needs support, we are obviously there for him."
Marrone did not speculate why Smith would not be willing to talk to the team and said that he had no idea of the date of his last conversation with Smith after the end of the 2018 season.
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"We just want to make sure everyone knows we're here to support them and if they reach out – and hope that every player will do it, not just Telvin – only to know that they should not do anything alone, "Marrone said. "We are here for them."
Smith said in his statement on Instagram Thursday afternoon that he would not play in 2019, but Marrone said the door would certainly be open to him if he were to change his mind.
"I hope we'll have a communication before that and if we do, yes, that would be great," said Marrone.
Smith, 28, was earning $ 9.75 million this season and would have accounted for $ 12.56 million against the salary cap. If Smith does not play, only the prorated portion of his signing bonus ($ 2.81 million) will be reflected in the salary cap in 2019.
The Jaguars drafted Smith in the fifth round of the 2014 draft. A positive marijuana test at the NFL contributed to his downfall and was also placed in the league's rules. However, he missed only four games – all because of injuries – in five seasons.
According to ESPN statistics and information, Smith has had more solo tackles (445) than any player since entering the NFL and his total of 586 tackles ranks fourth over this period. Smith also has nine interceptions (including three returning for touchdowns) during his career.
Smith, who had 134 tackles last season, was a Pro Bowler and a second All-Pro team in 2017 and played a key role in defending the Jaguars who finished second in the NFL in bags and turnovers. pass the defense. The Jaguars have scored seven touchdowns this season. Smith had two, as well as another series.
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