Jaguars, Longtime Grocery Store Sponsor Winn-Dixie Decide To End Partnership

Jacksonville-based Winn-Dixie grocery stores, one of the "most lucrative and long-standing sponsors" of the Jaguars, has ended its association with the team, according to Drew Dixon of the FLORIDA TIMES-UNION. Winn-Dixie Senior Communications Dir Brian Wright said, “It was not a snap decision. Both parties decided not to continue the sponsorship.” Jaguars Senior VP/Communications & Media Dan Edwards said that it had "nothing to do with the franchise’s performance on the field in recent years and finishing 2012 with a 2-14 record." Edwards added that Winn-Dixie was "likely among the biggest sponsors of the franchise." Edwards "would not disclose any potential companies" to replace Winn-Dixie. But he said, “Certainly that’s the intent to replace that category." Wright said, “We remain huge fans of our football team and believe (owner) Shad Khan and (President) Mark Lamping are making the right changes" (FLORIDA TIMES-UNION, 7/17).