JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A notable moment from a postgame press conference involving the Jacksonville Jaguars is capturing attention and igniting discussions across the United States.

Following the Jaguars’ narrow 27–24 loss in the divisional playoffs, Jones-Turpin chose to forego a traditional question. Instead, she addressed Coen with words of encouragement. This move has drawn mixed reactions, with some applauding the gesture’s sincerity while others question its adherence to professional journalism standards.

During the press conference, Jones-Turpin took a moment to commend Coen, saying, “I just wanted to tell you congratulations on your success, young man. You hold your head up. You guys have had the most magnificent season. You did a great job out there today… keep it going…”

“I just wanted to tell you congratulations on your success, young man,” she said. “You hold your head up. You guys have had the most magnificent season. You did a great job out there today… keep it going…”

The clip quickly spread on social media, drawing reactions from fans, journalists, and national sports figures. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reposted the video on X, calling it “an amazing moment,” while others called it unprofessional and questioned whether encouragement belongs in a press conference setting.

Jones, however, said the moment wasn’t planned.

“I didn’t come with a question,” she said. “The game was over. The season was over. I didn’t see a reason to dissect plays.”

She explained that the mood in the room felt heavy, and when the microphone reached her, she spoke instinctively.

“It just flowed,” Jones said. “I saw he was hurting, holding this city on his shoulders.”

Jones has covered the Jaguars since their inaugural season in 1995 and has worked with the Jacksonville Free Press since 2008. The Free Press is one of the Black newspapers still printed in the country. Originally from Detroit, Jones said she knew she wanted to be a journalist at just eight years old.

“I was writing on things in the 60s and 70s,” she said. “It’s 2026.”

She also noted that she wasn’t originally planning to attend the press conference and had already left the press box before being encouraged by a younger journalist to go.

As criticism surfaced online, Jones responded by pointing to her decades of experience.

“They can email me if there are any questions regarding my credentials,” she said. “I’ve been doing this a long time.”

At 64 years old, she said the reaction highlights how much the industry and public expectations have changed.

Despite the mixed reactions, Jones said she’s humbled by the attention. She’s even been given a nickname, “Duval Granny,” a title she’s embraced.

For her, the moment wasn’t about controversy, but about speaking life.

“Get your head up. Stay focused,” she said. “Don’t let anyone take you off your track.’