Drafted in the second round (60th overall) out of UCLA in 2006, Maurice Jones-Drew walked into Jacksonville measuring just 5-foot-7, but he instantly packed 210 pounds of pure dynamite. What NFL scouts foolishly miscalculated as a size handicap turned out to be his ultimate weapon; "MJD" hid behind giant offensive linemen before exploding into secondary lanes with low center-of-gravity power, deceptive speed, and leg drive that turned arm tackles into highlight-reel collisions.

During his first three seasons, Jones-Drew served as the lethal lightning to Fred Taylor's thunder in one of the league's most feared backfield tandems. Though sharing carries kept him just under the 1,000-yard mark annually, his nose for the goal line was unmatched. He racked up an astonishing 34 rushing touchdowns over that opening three-year span, cementing his status as a premier red-zone finisher while contributing heavily as a pass-catcher and kickoff returner.

When Taylor left in 2009, Jones-Drew took on the lead role, beginning an impressive three-year streak as a Pro Bowler. Between 2009 and 2011, he consistently gained at least 1,300 rushing yards each season, effectively carrying Jacksonville's offense during its rebuilding phase. His standout season was in 2011, when he challenged stacked defensive fronts to lead the NFL with 1,606 rushing yards, scoring eight touchdowns. This performance earned him his first First-Team All-Pro nod and the franchise's second rushing title.

Following two more seasons in Duval County plagued by a foot injury, Jones-Drew joined Oakland in 2014 before signing a ceremonial contract to retire as a Jaguar. He departed as the franchise's undisputed touchdown king, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most explosive and fan-favorite playmakers to ever wear Teal and Black.

He compiled 8,071 rushing yards, 335 receptions for 2,873 receiving yards, and 81 total touchdowns (68 rushing, 11 receiving, 2 kickoff return) for the Jaguars, departing with the franchise record for career rushing touchdowns. He was inducted as a member of the Pride of the Jaguars in 2024.