The Jacksonville Icemen are expanding their ownership group, including bringing in legendary Florida Gator quarterback Tim Tebow and two players who made their names with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Icemen are an affiliate of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) and announced this week that Tebow, current Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack and former Jaguars defensive end Reggie Hayward have joined its list of owners which include Andy Kaufmann, the CEO and managing partner of Zawyer Sports; baseball player Daniel Murphy, who was named an All-Star three times during his major league career and who grew up on the First Coast, attending Englewood High School and Jacksonville University; and Dr. Vimal Reddy of First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic who grew up in Jacksonville.
Kaufmann, the CEO and majority partner of the Icemen, weighed in on the new members of the ownership team this week.
“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to welcome aboard additional community members to our Icemen family,” said Kaufmann. “These latest additions to our team will help us extend our reach into the community and will further solidify the Icemen as Jacksonville’s team for many years to come.”
Tebow, who won the Heisman Trophy and two national titles with the Gators, before playing in the National Football League (NFL) and his current work in the New York Mets system, explained why he was now active with the Icemen.
“I simply love Jacksonville,” said Tebow. “I am excited to be a part of this new endeavor with the Icemen. It is important to me to invest back into the community that has meant so much to me. I look forward to including and expanding the Icemen’s involvement in our Tim Tebow Foundation and other community initiatives.”
Currently in his fifth year with the Jaguars, Jack said his background as a player has prepared him for his new role with the Icemen.
“Growing up I have been a part of progressive sports programs, but always from a player’s perspective,” said Jack. “I now have the opportunity to have ownership in a great team here in Jacksonville. Looking forward to bringing my life experiences to the community and partnering with the Iceman players and staff”
Hayward, who retired as a Jaguar in 2010, has remained on the First Coast and is happy to remain active with sports in the area.
“After my NFL retirement, my family decided to settle here in Jacksonville,“ said Hayward. “My family is proud to say we are now partners in a team that in three short years has provided thousands with entertainment and has done so much for our community.”
The Icemen start the 2020-2021 season on the road in Estero against the Florida Everblades on Friday, December 11 before hosting the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on Saturday, December 12.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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