The city of Jacksonville embraces him, as he bungee jumped before every game, beat down a Tim Tebow stunt double, beat Jim Furyk in a golf competition at a halftime show, crawled toward unsuspecting pigeons, and did so much more, leaving a legacy of excellence and infamy in the National Football League forever.
In multiple seasons of troubling times with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jaxson de Ville went through stunts, talking to the fans and the stands, and shenanigans that made him one of the ambassadors and most memorable figures of the Jaguars franchise over recent years. He made the NFL change the rules onto how mascots should behave on gameday, beat down a Kordell Stewart ragdoll, and carried a controversial "Towels Carry Ebola" sign during a match-up against the Pittsburgh Steelers last season.
The man behind the suit, Curtis Dvorak, left a message on his website, curtisdvorak.com, intended for all Jaguars fans to read stating,
"Dear Family,
It's impossible to put into words what the last 19 years with our team has meant to me and done for me professionally, and without a doubt, personally. I have had the privilege and honor to bring life to and raise Jaxson for almost two decades. This has been an incredibly fun, challenging and extremely rewarding journey. I've been asked often over the years, "When do you think you'll retire?" My answer was usually either tomorrow or some other time. Well, the time has come. I met with Mark Lamping a few weeks back and shared that I have decided to move on to my next career. But no worries, I'm not leaving Duval. I'll be coming soon to a TV, radio or internet thing near you.
I feel lucky to be walking away, literally, because I'm pretty sure I've gone through more than the standard 9 lives cats have. I take with me so many great memories from performing at over 200 games, 7,000+ appearances and some unreal, pinch-yourself moments that never once made this feel like work. I will forever be grateful to the hundreds of staff, coaches, players and cheerleaders I've had the privilege to work with. Your love, support and yes, at times, tolerance are appreciated more than you know.
To the Weavers, I love you and simply can't thank you enough for giving me a chance, and for then giving me second chances :)
To Mr. Khan and Mark Lamping, it's been a pleasure having a front row seat for the past 3 years to some truly great moments and achievements in our team’s history. It's been my passion to entertain the Jaguars fan base and help it grow. I’m proud of what has been accomplished and am confident that, in the words of Delores Weaver, the best is yet to come!
Finally to the fans, what can I say? YOU made Jaxson who he is. Your laughter, applause, cheers and support are things I am certain a doctor would classify as an addiction for me. I would not have lasted 19 seasons without you. YOU are what made this decision the toughest, but knowing that I'll get to CIRCLE UP at the Slab, sit in the stands and get rowdy on game days makes this a "sweetsweet" moment in my life!
It was an honor being your mascot.
Forever [Duval 'til We Die],
Curtis Dvorak"
Whether he was doing community work around the Jacksonville area or golfing at TPC Sawgrass for fun, the feline mascot will forever stay in the hearts of every fan of the organization, especially to the author of this article, forever. Thank you, Curtis Dvorak.
