# @unfcoehs on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CxsxREzOOhT
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/12692202-unfcoehs-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/10fb5b7125.jpg
- **Posted:** 2023-09-27T15:00:52.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** UNF COEHS (@unfcoehs) — https://gondola.cc/unfcoehs

## Caption

🌟ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT🌟

🔁 unfalumniassociation 

We’re only a couple of weeks away from UNF's #RoarAndSoar tailgate, and when you see today’s #UNFL spotlight, you’ll paws in your tracks.

realalexshepard (’14) earned his sport management degree from UNFCOEHS. He knew he wanted to work for the Jaguars and did whatever he could to get his foot in the door. Not only did his program teach him about the industry, but it provided him his first opportunity. He worked gamedays in the Fan Entertainment Zone & joined the ticket office in the will call booth before an internship arose w/ the special events department. When itscurtisdvorak (who played thejaxsondeville) announced his retirement, Shepard filled in for the mascot role.

Shepard said there’s a strange dynamic when everyone screams Jaxson’s name. He feels like Superman turning into Clark Kent. “Once I put on the head, I become a different person,” he said. The moment he takes off his suit, he’s back to being regular Alex. He says there’s something freeing about no one knowing who’s inside.

Jaxson is known as one of the most extreme mascots in the league. Shepard said the zipline was something inherited, but they’re always planning new jaw-dropping activities. Last year, he jumped off the roof at WembleyStadium & he’s got something exciting planned for this Sunday in London. From being the only mascot to stunt at Wembley & Tottenham, to joining the other mascots for the Pro Bowl, to flying privately to & from NYC for a special event, Shepard has been embracing the Jaxson lifestyle. “The variety and uniqueness day to day is what keeps the job interesting and exciting,” he said.

Shepard has had such amazing experiences in his role, from developing relationships on a personal level, (s/o Carson Tinker, kkeelanccole & two_6ix), to collaborating with his peers across the NFL. His biggest adventure comes outside of work though, as most of his time and energy is spent with his wife of 4 ½ years, roarofthejags & UNF alumna, jennshepard_ (’15) and their 10-month-old Sophie. He said becoming a father has been “the most incredible journey and always poses a new challenge to work through.”

#UNFAlumniSpotlight

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## Tags

unfalumnispotlight, unfl, roarandsoar

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