Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Mark Long
Colts bench Daniel Jones after 2 INTs in 42-7 blowout loss to Jaguars
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Trevor Lawrence threw three touchdown passes, including one to recently benched receiver Brian Thomas Jr., and the Jacksonville Jaguars dominated the Indianapolis Colts 42-7 in the rain Sunday to extend their home winning streak in the series to 12. Lawrence also connected with Bhayshul Tuten on a screen in the third quarter and found rookie Nate Boerkircher on a 31-yarder in an opening half filled with big plays for the Jaguars (5-2). This story continues below.
NHRA Stewart Pruett Auto Racing
Secure transaction. Cancel anytime. Have an account? Log In Account processing issue - the email address may already exist User information Username (Optional) This is the name that will be used to identify you within the system. Choose wisely! * First name * Last name Your real name will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more! * Email Address Your email address will be used to confirm your account. We won't share it with anyone else.
Florida's Clayton Jr. is chill personified
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida's practice court is nearly empty. Sweat-soaked jerseys and towels are piled near the doorway. The coaching staff and most of the players are scurrying around the facility as their bus awaits. They need to shower, pack and eat before hitting the road for airport and the NCAA Tournament. Walter Clayton Jr. is still in the gym.
Florida coach Todd Golden 'happy to put it behind us' after school clears him in Title IX case
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida coach Todd Golden is ready to move on, with any potential legal response to come after the season. That might not happen until April for the fifth-ranked Gators. In the meantime, Florida is embarking on a daunting, two-week stretch that includes three road games against top-15 teams. It begins at No. 6 Tennessee on Saturday — and with Golden seemingly absolved from sexual misconduct accusations he acknowledged were challenging.
Russell Wilson sidesteps questions about Raiders at Pro Bowl Games
ORLANDO, Fla. — Russell Wilson strolled into Camping World Stadium on Saturday and immediately started looking for his son. He spotted him on the opposite sideline and made a beeline across the field. Wilson didn’t want to do anything without Future Wilson by his side. After all, Wilson realizes his 10th Pro Bowl might be his last.
Florida coach Todd Golden agrees to a 2-year extension that includes a $1M raise, AP source says
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida basketball coach Todd Golden has agreed to a two-year contract extension that includes a $1 million raise, a person familiar with negotiations said Thursday. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the financial details still need to be approved by the university's compensation committee. The additional two years keep Golden under contract through 2030.
Alex Bowman triggers 'the big one' in the Daytona 500 but escapes damage and comes home second
William Byron, right, takes the checkered flag just ahead of Alex Bowman to win the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/David Graham) DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Alex Bowman never saw how “the big one” started. He just knew he was involved. He was surprised to learn he triggered it.
Jaguars QB Lawrence taking ‘cautious and aggressive’ approach to returning from sprained shoulder
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Trevor Lawrence is trying to be cautious and aggressive with his sprained throwing shoulder, hoping the approach could help him return to the starting lineup for Jacksonville’s pivotal regular-season finale at Tennessee on Sunday. Lawrence practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, but did not throw during the portion of practice open to reporters.
Former Jaguars financial manager pleads guilty to stealing $22M. He faces up to 30 years in prison
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — A 31-year-old former Jacksonville Jaguars financial manager accused of stealing more than $22 million from the NFL franchise through its virtual credit card program pleaded guilty to federal charges Thursday and faces up to 30 years in prison. Amit Patel, wearing a dark suit and a burgundy tie, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of engaging in an illegal monetary transaction in U.S. District Court in Jacksonville.
Riley Leonard makes unexpected start tonight against No. 4 Florida State University :: WRALSportsFan.com
16Duke Blue Devils 0 4Florida State Seminoles 0 ABC | Saturday, October 21st 7:30 PM EDT — Quarter 1: Key Plays: No. 4 Florida State hopes to start the second half of its season just like it did the first: by beating a ranked team.
Kurt Busch retires from NASCAR Cup Series, citing concussion
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Kurt Busch said goodbye to Cup Series racing on the same stage where he celebrated one of his most memorable NASCAR victories. It was an emotional farewell. Busch, 45, held back tears as he announced his retirement Saturday at Daytona International Speedway. The 2004 series champion and 2017 Daytona 500 winner called it quits mostly because he’s been unable to shake lingering effects of a significant concussion that rocked stock car racing in July 2022.
Panthers get WR Laviska Shenault in trade with Jags
By MARK LONG, AP Pro Football Writer — Receiver Laviska Shenault, a second-round draft pick in 2020, is getting a fresh start in Carolina. The Jacksonville Jaguars traded Shenault to the Panthers on Monday for an undisclosed draft pick in 2023. It's the second trade in a year between the teams involving early round picks. Jacksonville sent troubled cornerback C.J. Henderson to Carolina last September for tight end Dan Arnold and a fifth-round pick in 2022.
UFC 273: Volkanovski mauls Korean Zombie to retain belt
By MARK LONG JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Alexander Volkanovski mauled Chan Sung Jung at UFC 273 early Sunday, earning a technical knockout seconds into the fourth round to retain the featherweight belt. The 33-year-old Volkanovski (24-1) extended his professional winning streak to 21, including an 11-0 mark in UFC competition. Jung, better known as “the Korean Zombie,” was battered, bloodied and struggling to breathe after the first three rounds.
Norfolk’s Keyontae Johnson gets ceremonial start for Florida on senior day
GAINESVILLE, FLA. — Florida forward Keyontae Johnson, who collapsed during a game in December 2020 and hasn’t practiced or played since, got a ceremonial start on senior day against No. 7 Kentucky on Saturday. Johnson, a former star at Norview High, was on the floor for the first of two opening tips, got the basketball from teammate Colin Castleton and took a few dribbles before handing it to an official.
Former Norview High basketball star has big decision after collapsing on court last year
Florida's Keyontae Johnson, left, a former Norview High star, hasn't practiced or played since collapsing on the court during a game last December at Florida State. Calvin Mattheis/Knoxville News Sentinel via AP (Calvin Mattheis/AP) GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A University of Florida basketball player who collapsed during a game last December is deciding whether to try and get medically cleared to play professionally or cash in a $5 million insurance policy.
Panthers win season opener
Panthers win season opener Yazoo County opened the 2021 season with a 22-0 shutout victory over the Stringer Red Devils. YCHS Head Coach Robert Dobbs liked the effort his Panthers played with but understands that there are still improements that must be made moving forward. “I was extremely proud of the effort and intensity our kids played with. They played hard and as coaches, that’s all we can ask for,” said Dobbs.
One step closer: Bears inch toward playoffs with win over Jags
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jimmy Graham disappeared into a tunnel following his second touchdown catch of the day. He reemerged after what seemed like forever and found a group of Chicago teammates waiting to celebrate. It was symbolic of the Bears' season. The team that lost its sixth consecutive game earlier this month has now won three in a row and is on the verge of making the expanded NFC playoffs.
Former Norview High star Keyontae Johnson shows “truly encouraging signs of progress”
University of Florida basketball forward Keyontae Johnson, seen here in a 2019 game, was hospitalized in critical but stable condition after collapsing on the court in a game against Florida State University. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images/TNS) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, TCN - OUTS ** (Andy Lyons / TNS) GAINESVILLE, FLA.
Pass-happy Florida is simply happy passing
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida coach Dan Mullen doesn’t even really bother trying to run the ball anymore. Sure, the sixth-ranked Gators hand it off here and there, mostly when they’re leading and/or trying to run out the clock. But they’re as one-dimensional as any Florida team in nearly two decades. And no one is complaining. Not Mullen. Not quarterback and Heisman Trophy front-runner Kyle Trask. And surely not any of Trask’s receivers, a group widely considered the best in the country.
Steelers looking for a perfect 10 against skidding Jaguars
Nov. 19, 2020 at 9:37 am Updated Nov. 19, 2020 at 9:39 am By The Associated Press JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Pittsburgh and Jacksonville have played some real nail-biters. Ten of their past 12 meetings have been one-score games, including several decided on the final drive and a few on the final play.
Heisman Front-Runner? Trask, No. 6 Florida Thump Arkansas
Kyle Trask has gone from Heisman hopeful to potential Heisman Trophy front-runner in two months, much of it coming in the last two weeks. Trask threw for 356 yards and six touchdowns, extending his school record for consecutive games with at least four TDs to six, and No. 6 Florida overwhelmed Arkansas 63-35 on Saturday night in the Swamp. Trask repeatedly torched the Razorbacks (3-4), who were without coach Sam Pittman and without much of a chance by halftime.
Trask, Florida upend Georgia in 'Cocktail Party'
FLORIDA 44, GEORGIA 28 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Kyle Trask had another four-touchdown night, becoming the first quarterback in Southeastern Conference history to accomplish the feat in five consecutive games, and No. 8 Florida beat fifth-ranked and undermanned Georgia 44-28 on Saturday.
Kobe Bryant remembered at Pro Bowl as AFC tops NFC again
By Mark Long The Associated Press January 26, 2020 - 10:27 pm ORLANDO, Fla. — Green Bay linebacker Za’Darius Smith hastily organized an homage to Kobe Bryant minutes before the Pro Bowl. Smith and his NFC teammates learned about Bryant’s death while they were in the locker room getting ready for the NFL’s all-star game Sunday. Smith suggested the best way to pay tribute the late NBA great was to mimic his fadeaway jumper after big plays. So they did — repeatedly.
Tennessee scores twice late to stun Indiana in Gator
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Tennessee scored two touchdowns in a late 30-second span, using an onside kick to help erase a double-digit deficit and holding on to stun Indiana 23-22 in the Gator Bowl on Thursday night. The Volunteers (8-5) closed out coach Jeremy Pruitt's second season with their sixth consecutive victory and won their fourth straight bowl, first since 2016.
Trask's career day lifts No. 10 Florida over Vandy
By Mark Long The Associated Press Saturday Nov 9, 2019 at 4:33 PM GAINESVILLE — Kyle Trask threw for a career-high 363 yards and three touchdowns — the best passing performance by a Florida quarterback since Tim Tebow's college finale — and the 10th-ranked Gators overcame a lackluster start to thump Vanderbilt 56-0 Saturday.
Fromm, Georgia beat Florida 24-17 in 'Cocktail Party' | Colleges | Journal Gazette
John Raoux | Associated Press Florida quarterback Kyle Trask, center, scrambles against the Georgia defense including defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt (95) and defensive lineman Malik Herring (10) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday, November 02, 2019 8:28 pm MARK LONG | Associated Press JACKSONVILLE, Fla.
Fromm delivers a win for Georgia over Florida
JACKSONVILLE — Jake Fromm picked apart Florida's defense for the second straight year and No. 8 Georgia beat the sixth-ranked Gators 24-17 in the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" on Saturday. Fromm completed 20 of 30 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns, including a 52-yarder to an uncovered Lawrence Cager in the fourth quarter. Fromm also threw a TD pass in the first half, his fourth on third down in two years against the Gators.
Final Score: Georgia takes down Florida in rivalry matchup
GEORGIA-BULLDOGS Fromm completed 20 of 30 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns, including a 52-yarder to an uncovered Lawrence Cager in the fourth quarter. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jake Fromm picked apart Florida's defense for the second straight year and No. 8 Georgia beat the sixth-ranked Gators 24-17 in the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" on Saturday.
FLORIDA 24, AUBURN 13: Tigers suffer first loss of season
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Lamical Perine ran 88 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, Florida’s defense delivered another gem and the No. 10 Gators beat seventh-ranked Auburn 24-13 in the Swamp on Saturday. Perine broke linebacker K.J. Britt’s tackle at the line of scrimmage and scampered down the sideline for the program’s longest TD run in more than 30 years. It gave the Gators (6-0, 3-0 Southeastern Conference) extra breathing room in a game they never trailed.
No. 10 Florida 24, No. 7 Auburn 13
By Mark LongThe Associated Press Saturday Oct 5, 2019 at 2:00 AM Oct 6, 2019 at 12:16 AM GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Lamical Perine was too slow to play for Auburn three years ago, a hurtful evaluation that's stuck with him. He showed plenty of speed while running away from the Tigers — and a few guys he played against in high school — in the Swamp on Saturday.
FLORIDA 24, AUBURN 13: Tigers suffer first loss of season
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Lamical Perine ran 88 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, Florida’s defense delivered another gem and the No. 10 Gators beat seventh-ranked Auburn 24-13 in the Swamp on Saturday. Perine broke linebacker K.J. Britt’s tackle at the line of scrimmage and scampered down the sideline for the program’s longest TD run in more than 30 years. It gave the Gators (6-0, 3-0 Southeastern Conference) extra breathing room in a game they never trailed.
Gators chomp Auburn in the Swamp
By Mark Long The Associated Press Saturday Oct 5, 2019 at 8:06 PM Lamical Perine's 88-yard touchdown run and a crushing defensive performance fueled Florida's college football victory against Auburn. GAINESVILLE — Lamical Perine ran 88 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, Florida's defense delivered another gem and the No. 10 Gators beat seventh-ranked Auburn 24-13 in the Swamp on Saturday.
Jags’ Jalen Ramsey misses practice with illness after trade demand
By Mark Long The Associated Press September 23, 2019 - 12:52 pm JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey missed practice Monday because of an apparent illness, potentially adding another twist to his trade request.
Former ECU QB, defense shine as Jaguars thump Titans 20-7
By MARK LONG, AP Sports Writer JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Gardner Minshew threw two touchdown passes and should have had a third, Calais Campbell spearheaded another defensive gem and the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Tennessee Titans 20-7 in sloppy conditions Thursday night. Jacksonville (1-2) ended a four-game losing streak in the AFC South series and avoided the franchise's second 0-3 start in four years. Minshew Mania, meanwhile, picked up momentum.
UF 24, MIA 20: Florida rallies for rare win over Miami
By Mark LongThe Associated Press Sunday Aug 25, 2019 at 2:00 AM ORLANDO, Fla. — Feleipe Franks was clutch one minute and confused the next, showing the kind of inconsistency that got him benched five times in two years. His job might be in jeopardy again if not for Florida's defense.
Eagles lose another backup QB, beat Jags; former ECU QB has better outing
By MARK LONG, AP Sports Writer JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Cody Kessler's return to Jacksonville lasted seven plays and ended with a slow walk to the visitors' locker room. Philadelphia's third-string quarterback was knocked out of the team's 24-10 preseason victory against the Jaguars on the opening drive Thursday night. Defensive end Datone Jones came unblocked off the edge and walloped Kessler in the back.
Las Vegas’ Kyle Busch laments lack of help at Daytona 500
By Mark Long The Associated Press February 17, 2019 - 10:44 pm DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Kyle Busch felt like an amiable teammate, willing to do whatever it took to get Joe Gibbs Racing to victory lane at the Daytona 500. He’s not so sure Denny Hamlin did the same. Busch finished second in “The Great American Race,” extending his winless streak to 14 in NASCAR’s season opener, and sounded less than thrilled with the way Hamlin handled the final laps at Daytona International Speedway.
AFC captures Pro Bowl, 26-7 over NFC in rainy Orlando
By Mark Long The Associated Press January 27, 2019 - 6:38 pm ORLANDO, Fla. — The Pro Bowl has long been considered a laughable representation of the NFL game. It reached a new level of comedy Sunday as several players swapped positions during the annual all-star game. Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey caught a touchdown pass in the final minute, capping a dominant performance for the AFC defense in a 26-7 victory over the NFC in steady rain.
Gator Bowl: Williams runs wild as Texas A&M routs NC State 52-13
By Mark Long, The Associated Press Monday Dec 31, 2018 at 11:58 PM Jan 1, 2019 at 12:11 AM JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Trayveon Williams ran for 236 yards and three touchdowns, smashing a 30-year-old school record and carrying No. 21 Texas A&M to a 52-13 victory against North Carolina State in the Gator Bowl on Monday night. The Aggies (No. 19 CFP) ended 2018 with a four-game winning streak and broke a three-game postseason skid.
Williams runs wild, Texas A&M routs NC State 52-13 in Gator
Posted: Monday, December 31, 2018 11:08 pm | Updated: 11:31 pm, Mon Dec 31, 2018. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Trayveon Williams strolled around the field, his white pants covered in dirt and grass stains, his Gator Bowl hat turned sideways and his MVP trophy secured tightly in his left hand. He posed for pictures, hugged teammates and friends, and blew kisses to the crowd. It sure looked like a farewell party.
Gator Bowl: Williams runs wild as Texas A&M routs NC State 52-13
By Mark Long, The Associated Press Monday Dec 31, 2018 at 11:58 PM Jan 1, 2019 at 12:13 AM JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Trayveon Williams ran for 236 yards and three touchdowns, smashing a 30-year-old school record and carrying No. 21 Texas A&M to a 52-13 victory against North Carolina State in the Gator Bowl on Monday night. The Aggies (No. 19 CFP) ended 2018 with a four-game winning streak and broke a three-game postseason skid.
Williams runs wild, Texas A&M routs NC State in Gator Bowl
By Mark Long / The Associated Press Tuesday Jan 1, 2019 at 2:19 PM Jan 1, 2019 at 2:19 PM JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Trayveon Williams strolled around the field, his white pants covered in dirt and grass stains, his Gator Bowl hat turned sideways and his MVP trophy secured tightly in his left hand. He posed for pictures, hugged teammates and friends, and blew kisses to the crowd. It sure looked like a farewell party.
MSD: Big Main Street pipe fix comes in just under budget
Of the $20 million total estimated cost, $5 million went toward building a pump-around system that diverted water west along River Road to Ninth Street. | Photo courtesy of MSD MSD on Tuesday touted the completion of repairs on a big sewer line under Main Street that disrupted downtown traffic for months, saying the project cost came in just under the utility’s $20 million estimate.
Redskins Beat Jaguars 16-13
Josh Johnson #8 of the Washington Redskins runs with the ball during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars qat TIAA Bank Field on December 16, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Jaguars show up on defence, shut down Luck, Colts 6-0
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jalen Ramsey and the Jacksonville Jaguars delivered one of the most dominant defensive performances in franchise history, carrying the team to a 6-0 victory against Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Jaguars (4-8) needed that kind of effort to make up for a lacklustreoffence and end a seven-game losing streak. They also snapped Indy’s five-game winning streak. Ramsey was the best of the bunch, helping hold T.Y. Hilton to six catches for 56 yards.
Jaguars show up on defence, shut down Luck, Colts 6-0
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jalen Ramsey and the Jacksonville Jaguars delivered one of the most dominant defensive performances in franchise history, carrying the team to a 6-0 victory against Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Jaguars (4-8) needed that kind of effort to make up for a lacklustreoffence and end a seven-game losing streak. They also snapped Indy’s five-game winning streak. Ramsey was the best of the bunch, helping hold T.Y. Hilton to six catches for 56 yards.
Jaguars show up on defence, shut down Luck, Colts 6-0
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jalen Ramsey and the Jacksonville Jaguars delivered one of the most dominant defensive performances in franchise history, carrying the team to a 6-0 victory against Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Jaguars (4-8) needed that kind of effort to make up for a lacklustreoffence and end a seven-game losing streak. They also snapped Indy’s five-game winning streak. Ramsey was the best of the bunch, helping hold T.Y. Hilton to six catches for 56 yards.
Jaguars' Coughlin defends philosophy, off-season moves
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Tom Coughlin recognizes that NFL rules favour passing and insists he understands “what the public wants.” “It’s obvious,” said Coughlin, who’s in charge of all football decisions for the Jacksonville Jaguars. But Coughlin also staunchly defended Jacksonville’s run-first, defensive philosophy by saying the team’s offensive woes have more to do with a lack of explosive plays than its ideology.
Jaguars' Coughlin defends philosophy, off-season moves
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Tom Coughlin recognizes that NFL rules favour passing and insists he understands “what the public wants.” “It’s obvious,” said Coughlin, who’s in charge of all football decisions for the Jacksonville Jaguars. But Coughlin also staunchly defended Jacksonville’s run-first, defensive philosophy by saying the team’s offensive woes have more to do with a lack of explosive plays than its ideology.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Mark
Contact Mark, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack