RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesTravis Etienne Jr. isn't hiding the extra motivation he will carry into the New Orleans Saints ' upcoming joint practices with the Jacksonville Jaguars . The 27-year-old veteran running back, who spent his first four seasons in Jacksonville, is eager to reunite with the organization that drafted him, but he also wants to remind his former team that they let a star walk in free agency.
Etienne had 1,399 yards from scrimmage and 13 total touchdowns in 17 games with the Jaguars last season. It was his third season in his first four of 1,000-plus rushing yards and his second of 10-plus touchdowns. Ultimately, the Saints swooped in to pry Etienne away from the Jaguars this offseason, signing the 2021 first-round pick to a four-year contract worth $48 million.
“I’m fired up,” Etienne said on Friday of the upcoming joint practices . “I’m just excited to go out there and put my skills on showcase—and just kind of see the training staff, the coaches and people who helped me get to this position.”
In his first four seasons, Etienne and the Jaguars reached the playoffs twice, but only moved past the Wild Card round in one of those appearances. His time with the franchise came to an end, but Etienne remains appreciative of the role that the organization played in his development. Etienne added: “I feel like my time in Jacksonville was very pivotal to my career. They helped me develop into the player that I am.”
Still, Jacksonville either didn't offer a lucrative enough contract or didn't offer one at all. That's something that'll stick with him as he enters the joint practices with a feeling that there's something to prove.
“I’m also excited just to go out there and show them what they’re missing out on,” Etienne said. “It’s kind of a two-way sword. I’m excited for that moment.”
Joint practices are known to carry more intensity than ordinary training camp practices, especially when there is history between the teams. Etienne's return should only add to that competitive spirit when the two teams meet on Aug. 13 in Metairie. It'll be an early test and an opportunity for Etienne to show what he can bring to New Orleans against the team that knows him better than almost anyone.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Travis Etienne Jr. eager to show Jaguars 'what they're missing out on'
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