THE KIRK FILE
Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
Position: Slot receiver
Height: 5-11
Weight: 205
40 time: 4.47
College: Texas A&M
Draft: Second round, 47th pick, 2018
Contract: Signed a four-year, $72 million with $37 million guaranteed, 2022
WAG: Ozzy Ozkan
Children: None
Record/Accomplishments:
PFWA All-Rookie Team, 2018
First-team All-SEC, 2016, 2017
SEC Freshman of the Year, 2015
Any questions about how well Jaguars young quarterback Trevor Lawrence would mesh with wide receiver Christian Kirk were answered in a very football-like way. The fledging quarterback helped his wife, Marissa, light candles to set the stage for Kirk’s proposal to girlfriend Ozzy Oskan.
Let’s call that the pair’s first connection.
And let’s credit Jaguars G.M. Trent Baakle for having the courage of his convinctions. It was Baalke who signed Christian Kirk to a free agent deal worth $72 million, a stunning number for a slot receiver.
It was the coronation that slot receiver isn’t a dirty word. In this day of NFL offenses, a receiver with the hands and quickness of Kirk is a valuable commodity. Perhaps just as important as a wideout that can stretch the field is one who work the middle of the field and take it deep when the opportunity presents.
Players such as Julius Edelman and Randal Cobb have been uber productive and important to their teams. QBs love a slot receiver who can make a short throw into a long gain. And offensive coordinators love for the moment to come when a defense cheats on a slot receiver who can turn it up.
Welcome to Christian Kirk’s World.
With sub 4.5 speed and 4.45 speed in the shuttle, Kirk is the perfect slot receiver for today’s game. So why shouldn’t a an elite receiver – slot or otherwise – be paid as such? Heck, Kirk’s quarterback is so grateful to have him, Lawrence helped plan his surprise engagement. Now that’s a connection.