:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66475201/usa_today_13614116.0.jpg)
While it is no secret the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans are fierce rivals on the field, the franchises support each other off of it. Of course, that is true during times of tragedy and devastation as well. The Jaguars, along with fellow AFC South foes, the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans have jointly donated $100,000 to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT), which is the foundation the Titans are directing donations toward following the destruction caused by the severe storms and powerful tornadoes that ravaged through the Nashville community.
We join the @HoustonTexans and @Colts in supporting the @Titans and the @CFMT with a $100,000 joint donation following the destructive tornadoes and severe storms that hit Tennessee.
— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) March 9, 2020
The money will help support the families and individuals affected by the storms that devastated middle Tennessee and, tragically, took at least 24 lives. The CMFT provides both immediate and long-term services and relief to those affected by the natural disaster.
Here is the full quote from Jaguars owner, Shad Khan:
“I know Nashville is a tightly knit community where everyone is a friend and neighbor to one another,” Khan said. ”I want Titans fans and everyone in Nashville to know they also have friends and neighbors throughout the AFC South, and that is particularly true in Jacksonville. We’re here now and as long as it takes to lend a hand and our hearts to Nashville.”
Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay and Texans chairman and CEO Cal McNair also made statements. While it is always entertaining to see the AFC South teams battle on the field, it is even more rewarding to see the other teams in the division come together to support the Titans and the community in a time of need. This is not the first time, either, as seemingly the entire NFL community rallied to help the Texans and city of Houston following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
Additionally, the Titans partnered with Hands on Nashville to encourage volunteer efforts. Titans players, staff and their families volunteered late last week, starting off near the team’s facility and traveling to other nearby communities hit by the storm.
If you are interested in donating to the emergency response fund, please visit cfmt.org, or call 888-540-5200.