Tag: Chark Jaguars

Former LSU WR DJ Chark opens up about anxiety and depression

Chark said that he was first diagnosed with anxiety and depression during his time at LSU.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. discussed his personal experiences with both anxiety and depression.

In the video below published by NFL’s official Twitter account, Chark told his story:

The 24-year-old wide receiver said that he was first diagnosed with anxiety and depression during his time at LSU, which resulted in him getting prescribed anti-anxiety medication.

Chark said that taking the medication on a daily basis as well as going to therapy helped him “gain more control over my actions and my life.”

He also added that spending time with his his wife and dogs has helped him stay mentally healthy and happy.

Chark is preparing to enter his fourth NFL season after getting selected by the Jags in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft.

In 2019, his second season in the NFL, Chark broke out in a major way by recording 73 receptions for 1,008 yards and 8 touchdowns helping him earn his first career Pro Bowl nod.

Last season, Chark finished with 53 catches for 706 yards and 5 touchdowns in 13 games. He accomplished all of that for a Jaguars team that threw out three different starting quarterbacks throughout the season.

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This coming season could be a big year for Chark, as he’ll have the first overall draft pick Trevor Lawrence throwing him the ball.

DJ Chark is a player you love to root for, regardless of which team you’re a fan of.

Former LSU WR DJ Chark poised to take next step with Jaguars in 2020

Chark should be one of Minshew’s most reliable targets in 2020.

Looking back through the recent history of the LSU football receiving corps, names like Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase immediately come to mind.

But before they became stars in Baton Rouge, players like DJ Chark made an impact in the passing game.

Chark has since taken his talents to the NFL after recording 66 receptions for 1,351 yards and six touchdowns at LSU, selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the No. 61 overall in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

His momentum continued to climb in the second season of his career last year, as he reeled in 73 catches for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns while starting 14 of 15 games.

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Now, Chark is ready to take the next step with the Jags, expected to be one of quarterback Gardner Minshew’s most reliable targets in the upcoming season.

He joined NFL Network’s Inside Training Camp Live this week, saying that he’s “ready to learn this new offense” after spending some time with family this offseason.

Like other athletes across the country, Chark had to be proactive and take initiative to get the work in under unprecedented circumstances surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

“All I did really was study and go run routes with Josh Dobbs, also with Gardner,” Chark said. “So I got time with both of them and that’s the best thing you can really do during quarantine time instead of stay in the house, so I was able to do that. This offense — I love the fact that it’s a lot of space and coach Gruden’s offense is able to get people in space. Concepts — it’s not predicated on just one guy being the guy. It’s a mixture, help everybody make the offense happen like a masterpiece.”

Chark and the Jaguars have a lot to prove in 2020 after finishing last year at the bottom of the division with an overall record of 6-10, and it will be interesting to see if they can put it all together to make the leap.

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