Jaguars CB Jalen Ramsey will likely miss Broncos game for child’s birth

The Jacksonville Jaguars will likely be without cornerback Jalen Ramsey for their Week 4 matchup against the Denver Broncos, not because of injury but because Ramsey is traveling home to Nashville to be with his girlfriend while she gives birth to their second child.

Head coach Doug Marrone released the following statement.

“Months ago in the offseason, Jalen notified me that he was expecting the birth of his second child in late September. We spoke about this recently and again today after practice and decided that it was best for Jalen to fly to Nashville tonight after meetings to be with his family during the birth of their daughter. He will return to the team when he’s ready, and we will provide an update at that time.”

First — congratulations, Jalen!

Second, this has nothing to do with the trade saga.

Third, Ramsey was also absent for a brief time when his first child was born in 2018. This isn’t anything new.

Fourth, this isn’t all that weird. The New England Patriots have already had two players miss games who wanted to be there for their child’s birth. It’s something that more professional athletes should feel free to do without fans or sportswriters calling them out on it.

Go Jaguars.