Christian Kirk plans to be back stronger than ever after ending the 2023 season on a whimper, with no thanks to the injury bug.
After playing the first 11 games, the Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver was declared out for the rest of the season when it was confirmed that he needed surgery after he sustained a core muscle injury during their 34-31 loss to the Bengals in December.
With Christian Kirk placed on the injured reserve list, the Jacksonville Jaguars went on to lose five of their last six regular-season games. They missed their chance to make their second consecutive NFL playoff appearance with a 9-8 record after an 8-3 start.
“We kind of got hit with the injury bug in other places as well, we just weren’t able to bounce back from it,” lamented Kirk. “Football is never about one person. It’s about all 11 on both sides of the ball coming together and being at their best. And we unfortunately were unable to do that.”
Christian Kirk’s time with the Jacksonville Jaguars so far
Christian Kirk’s stats through 12 games for the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2023 season were, in fact, better than any of his first three years with the Arizona Cardinals, as he tallied 57 catches for 787 yards and three touchdowns while being the top target of quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
His biggest highlight of 2023 came in their 31-24 victory against the New Orleans Saints, where he scored the game-winning touchdown by running past multiple defenders for a 44-yard touchdown.
Last season, the 27-year-old Texas A&M product had his most productive year in Jacksonville, having recorded 84 catches for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns.
Christian Kirk has high hopes for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024
Christian Kirk remains upbeat for the team as he recovers from his injury, and he has made it clear that he’s not content with just making it to the playoffs.
“As long as I’m here, I’m not settling for mediocrity and not making the playoffs,” said Kirk. “We came here to win championships, and we’re just not there yet.”
Those words should be music to the ears of Jacksonville Jaguars fans, especially since they have never been to the Super Bowl.