Jacksonville, Florida is the fourth smallest market (#47) in the National Football League (NFL) just ahead of Buffalo, New Orleans, and Green Bay. There are quite a few cities that have rather large markets yet are devoid of an NFL team such as St. Louis (21), San Diego (28), Milwaukee (35), Orlando (19), Sacramento (20), San Antonio (37) and Portland (22).
So, how did Jacksonville get an NFL club?
The City of Jacksonville is based on two strategic aspects: an Atlantic Ocean beach town plus a huge Navy presence with NAS Mayport. The city also has had a long history with the game of professional football.