With a great defense, strong running game and leadership of new coach Doug Marrone, the Jacksonville Jaguars are on the road to the playoffs this season, but it may be an off-the-field development that is truly powering the team. Last week Marrone admitted to ESPN that his secret weapon is a bologna sandwich.

"I just love it. I love it. I bet you I can be the bologna-eating champion of the world. I bet you I've eaten more bologna than anyone in this world," Marrone told ESPN.

With an 8-4 record it’s clear that the Jags are no bologna on the field after six straight losing seasons, and in an effort to keep the success rolling, the Beef Checkoff and National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC) have teamed to send the Jaguars players and coaches 100 logs of beef bologna to fuel their run to the playoffs. The bologna will be delivered to the team when the players return to practice on Wednesday.

“Bologna is packed with protein and nutrients including Vitamin B12, which is essential for brain development and maintaining a healthy nervous system and red blood cells,” said Eric Mittenthal, President of the NHDSC. “With this bologna infusion, the Super Bowl may finally be in reach for the Jags.” 

While Marrone is very particular about his bologna, enjoying it sliced thin on white bread with spicy mustard and yellow American cheese, there are many different bologna recipes that players can take advantage of. They can even celebrate wins with a bologna cake.

The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council has a full Guide to Bologna on its website www.hot-dog.org. It includes details on different bologna styles, fun bologna facts and a bologna quiz.

“Mastering an NFL playbook is one thing, but acing our bologna quiz is a whole new challenge,” said Mittenthal. “With Marrone’s leadership, we’re confident the Jags and their fans will be bologna gurus soon enough.”

Source: NHDSC