Saving Lives with the Jacksonville Jaguars
Sara Martinez
October 22, 2024
Sara Martinez
October 22, 2024
DUUUVAL saves lives! The Jacksonville Jaguars have been partnering with OneBlood for more than eight years to host annual blood drives at EverBank Stadium.
Every year, Jags fans show up to join the team in supporting the Jacksonville community through blood donations. Not only do they get to feel good knowing they are helping save lives, but blood donors also score One Free Jaguars Game Ticket and a OneBlood Gift as a thank you for donating. Plus, they also get a chance to meet Mascot Hall of Famer Jaxson de Ville and cheerleaders from the ROAR of the Jaguars!
The 7th Annual TEALgate Blood Drive hosted by the Jacksonville Jaguars is on Monday, November 11, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at EverBank Stadium. Ahead of the big day, we recently caught up with Jaguars Account Manager of Group Sales, Brian Rehagen, to learn more about the partnership and why it is so special to the Jags.
Brian Rehagen, Jaguars Account Manager of Group Sales
My name is Brian Rehagen and I am an Account Manager of Group Sales with the Jacksonville Jaguars. I am in my 4th year with the organization, since March 2021. I am originally from St. Louis, Missouri. Prior to the Jaguars, I worked for the St. Louis Cardinals in their Season Ticket department. My entire family still resides in St. Louis to this day.
My role with the Jaguars includes: selling season tickets, group sales, premium hospitality, Daily’s Place Amphitheater, and any extra events that come through EverBank Stadium (i.e. Florida-Georgia, Taxslayer Gator Bowl). I am also responsible for retention of our season tickets every year.
The Jaguars and OneBlood partnership began well before my arrival here. Since I took over the partnership in February 2022, it’s truly been a no-brainer that both organizations teamed up. The lifesaving efforts OneBlood provides for our community is the most rewarding aspect by far. For the Jags to add a game ticket on for donors to experience an NFL game is the cherry on top.
What excites me the most personally is the overall growth and popularity our drives have seen. Since I began overseeing the partnership, we’ve expanded from two drives (July and November) now to three (March, July, and November). Our drives have seen some record-breaking numbers, which allows more lives to be saved in our community. It is such a joy to work with the team at OneBlood. I couldn’t be more grateful for all they do.
Brian at the 2023 Jaguars Touchdown for Life Blood Drive
It means the world to me and our organization. At the end of the day, football is just a game and activity that brings people together. Being the only professional team in Northeast Florida, the Jaguars are the beat to Jacksonville’s heart. So, for us to join OneBlood three times a year to help save thousands of lives is so powerful. It’s a true honor to help lead the charge from the Jaguars side and something I don’t take lightly.
Without a doubt it’s the National Anthem. I have my go-to spot, my little secret, and it’s a moment I enjoy on my own. It’s in that moment every Sunday I realize how lucky and grateful I am to be where I am. I always wanted to work in sports and live in Florida as a kid. It’s fair to say that this kid from Missouri is living the dream he wished for!
We are so grateful to Brian and the whole Jaguars team for our lifesaving partnership! Appointments are still available and walk-ins are welcome for the upcoming TEALgate blood drive on November 11th. Visit our Jaguars Blood Drive page for more details and to save your spot!
Sara Martinez is a Digital Marketing Specialist at OneBlood. From creating strategic online campaigns to writing engaging stories, she is passionate about raising awareness and helping make a difference in our community. #ShareYourPower