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Why Jaguars RB Travis Etienne may be difference-maker in NFL playoffs
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- Why Jaguars RB Travis Etienne may be difference-maker in NFL playoffs
Travis Etienne sprung into the endzone with a somersault, capping a three-touchdown performance in a dominant win against the New York Jets . It was a the highlight in one of the best regular seasons of the Jacksonville Jaguars running back's career.
Etienne recorded 1,399 yards from scrimmage with 13 total touchdowns during the regular season, a bounce-back from his 812 yards and two touchdowns in 2024.
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"He's very prideful about what he can do," head coach Liam Coen said. "He's always kind of nudged, throwing little comments at me about throwing him the ball more and we've listened in some ways. He's able to make plays in space, win those one-on-one matchups."
PLAYOFF HISTORY: Jaguars have come close three times but never made it to a Super Bowl
Etienne has long been touted as a versatile back. This was the first season he was able to fully display that with six receiving touchdowns and seven rushing touchdowns for the Jaguars .
His elusiveness is highly touted, but his durability, appearing in all 17 games for the Jaguars, should be noted as well. And they'll need that durability to continue as Etienne is the only running back on Jacksonville's roster to play in multiple playoff games.
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"I feel as good as I could feel in this moment. I'm just grateful," Etienne said. "I feel like this is where running backs separate themselves. The great ones show up when it matters the most."
Travis Etienne 's leadership was on full display this season
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) scores a rushing touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
When the Jaguars traded running back Tank Bigsby , Etienne became the clearcut top back on the team. But even before that he was making sure to look out for the rookie running backs Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr.
Etienne took the rookies under his wing, becoming a guiding hand for the ins and outs of the NFL. From scheduling to learning the playbook and everything in between. Etienne was a big help to the development of both backs.
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"You always hear some bad things or some animosity kind of thing," Tuten said. "But I think coming in, he did a great job just being there to offer support."
BEEN THERE BEFORE: Jaguars have 31 on active roster with NFL playoffs experience
Etienne has let his personality shine this season more than any other. Adopting a TikTok dance as his celebration and often teasing his teammates in the locker room after practice.
But one thing that's been consistent from the fifth-year running back is how hard he has worked.
"Just his work ethic and how he was in camp and practices, and the voluntary OTAs, just seeing how he came out and worked," Tuten said "Never complained. He always put his head down and worked."
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That work has led to a return to form of sorts for Etienne. Even in a crowded running back room, he's still showed himself to be the lead back throughout the regular season.
Now, Etienne's skillset will be leaned upon as the Jaguars enter a postseason stretch.
Travis Etienne's versatility will come in handy during the postseason
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne (1) and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin (24) talk after the game of an NFL football matchup, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Seahawks defeated the Jaguars 20-12.
As the postseason arrives , Etienne's skillset could be even more valued. The Jaguars have drawn the Buffalo Bills in the first round, the team with the 28th worst run defense in the league.
The Jaguars finished just above the bottom of the league in rushing, coming in at 20th with 115.1 yards per game. This might be the perfect time for an Etienne breakout performance.
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"Coming in with the new coaching staff, that was something that they emphasized, [the] running game," offensive lineman Anton Harrison said. "We're going to establish our will. Be a running team, mid-zone wise, or whatever it is, and we're gonna go out there and try to do that every week."
And if the struggles continue on the ground, they're more than comfortable using Etienne's skillset to get him the ball in space. Because as he's displayed throughout the season, good things happen when he's in space.
"He's probably one of the hardest guys to tackle in the league," tight end Brenton Strange said. "He always makes somebody miss and that's a good thing for guys like me who have to block for him."
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: How Travis Etienne developed into Jaguars' leader and top rusher
