Final answer:
Several Jacksonville city leaders were critical in securing the Jacksonville Jaguars' NFL franchise for the city in 1993, including businessmen Touchton & Jay Stein and Mayor Tommy Hazouri, who advocated for the team and facilitated upgrades to the Gator Bowl stadium.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Jacksonville Jaguars is an NFL team based in Jacksonville, Florida. The team was established in 1993 as an expansion team, and several Jacksonville city leaders played pivotal roles in bringing the franchise to the city. Touchton & Jay Stein, two major businessmen from the area, along with the then-Mayor Tommy Hazouri, spearheaded efforts to win the bid for the team.
Their combined influence and commitment to the city were instrumental in convincing the NFL to consider Jacksonville as a viable location for the new team. By committing to modernize and upgrade the Gator Bowl stadium, which became TIAA Bank Field, and rallying local business and community support, these leaders made a compelling case for Jacksonville's inclusion in the NFL.