At a noon press conference, Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver officially announced that the franchise was being sold to Shahid Khan, an Illinois businessman. Weaver also stressed that the Jaguars will remain in Jacksonville, and that he has full faith in Khan and believes he will be a successful new owner for the franchise.
In a press release, Weaver expanded upon his thoughts on Shahid Khan:
“Shahid Khan is a great American success story and he will be an outstanding owner for this franchise and for this community,” Weaver said in making the announcement. “I am excited for the team and for our great fans because Shahid will bring passion and commitment to the job. He is committed to restoring a winning tradition here in Jacksonville.”
Khan also had some words of his own to share in the press release. Rest easy, Jags fans – your franchise is safe in Jacksonville:
“I am honored to have recently signed an agreement with Wayne Weaver and his partners to purchase the Jacksonville Jaguars,” Khan said. “I have known Wayne for some time and have long admired his spirit, which nearly 20 years ago – against all odds – helped make the Jaguars and the National Football League a reality for Jacksonville and North Florida. Wayne’s legacy will be lasting, and I will always be grateful for Wayne’s trust and confidence in my commitment to the Jaguars, the NFL and the people of the Jacksonville community.”
“Owning a team in the National Football League has long been my personal and professional goal,” Khan said. “Becoming the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars would be a dream come true for me and my family but, above all, would be a privilege. To that end, I would like to thank Commissioner Roger Goodell and members of his team for their counsel and guidance throughout my efforts over the past several years.“I am now looking forward to the review process in accordance with league policy. If the proposed transaction is approved in the weeks ahead, I will responsibly and enthusiastically serve the NFL, the Jacksonville Jaguars and their great fans, and I will be fully committed to delivering Jacksonville its first Super Bowl championship. This is a franchise with tons of potential, playing in a community that is passionate about football and loves to win. I can’t think of a better place to be.”
It’s not much to go by, but so far Shahid Khan sounds like a stand up individual and an exciting new owner. And if his mustache is any indication, he certainly has a passion for excellence.
To join in the conversation about all these changes, drop by SB Nation’s blog on the Jaguars, Big Cat Country.