The 4th Annual TEALgate Blood Drive with the Jacksonville Jaguars happens Saturday, November 20th from 9 am to 6 pm at TIAA Bank Field. Recently we caught up with the Jaguars' Director of Season and Group sales, Russell Rendon, to learn why the Jacksonville Jaguars are committed to giving back to the community and what makes their partnership with OneBlood so special. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your role at the Jaguars.

My name is Russell Rendon and I am the Director of Season and Group Sales with the Jacksonville Jaguars. I am a Florida native, living in Jacksonville for 20+ years. I graduated from the University of North Florida in 2002. I am blessed with a beautiful family, married to Michelle and the father of 3 boys; Dallas(7), Luke(5) & Corbin (4months).

I oversee the season tickets and group sales with the team. I run a team of 12 sales reps who specialize in ticket sales for the Jaguars, Daily’s Place Amphitheater, the Florida Georgia game and the Taxslayer Gator Bowl.

Why did the Jaguars choose to team up with OneBlood?

Teaming up with OneBlood was a no-brainer for the entire Jaguars organization. Partnering with an organization for such an important cause that directly affects our community is very rewarding. Most people would not see a fit for football and blood donations but this team has been able to both save lives and provide the community great experiences at Jaguar games.

What are you most excited about this partnership? 

What excites me most about this partnership is the overall growth in the program and the community impact that is a result of the event. This past July we were able to host our largest blood drive in the organization's history with 648 total donors which saved 1,944 lives. We look forward to these events every year and are excited about the future of the program.

What message would you like to share with the community about blood donations?

One of the most important facts that I have learned in this partnership is that a single donation of blood can save up to three lives. My sister is a nurse and is on the front lines when it comes to saving lives on a daily basis.The need for blood, especially during a pandemic, is at an all-time high. We would love to see this partnership grow with more and more donors each year to continue to help  save lives while at the same time making the experience of giving blood easier and more enjoyable.

Fun Bonus Question: What is your favorite part during a Jaguar's game?

There is no question that The National Anthem is my favorite part during a Jaguar’s game. 60,000+ people standing in unison, singing the anthem with a flyover is an experience that still gives me goosebumps after 20 seasons.

Appointments are still available and walk-ins are welcome for the TEALgate blood drive. Find details here on the next event.