Following a breakout year, the rising star has secured his longtime personal trainer for a full-time role, betting on elite consistency to fuel his bid for WR1 status.
There are plenty of reasons to get excited about Parker Washington this year.
After his breakout 2025 campaign, the Jacksonville Jaguars' wide receiver has arguably been the team's most hyped player heading into the new season. From debates over whether he will be the Jaguars' WR1 in 2026 to trying to estimate just how much he will be paid in his next contract, Washington has had his name in the headlines for months. Expectations for him to excel this year are reaching a fever pitch.
Well, now there is yet another reason to expect Washington to have a huge season.
Washington Hired Long-Time Trainer For Full-Time Role
Washington has been working with his trainer, Alonzo Ford, for the last 11 years. Ford has spent the offseason pushing Washington to get better before returning to his position as running backs/strength and conditioning coach at Angleton High School, outside of Houston.
Now, according to Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union, Ford has accepted a full-time position to train Washington throughout the season.
It is a role Washington has been trying to convince Ford to take for the last couple years. Now that Ford has received the blessing to take it from his family, he will travel to work with Washington every Friday through Tuesday for the entirety of the season.
Washington called Ford, "the best in the business," to O'Halloran. He then expressed his excitement for what the in-season partnership can accomplish.
"Just imagine what we can do when we work the full together," Washington exclaimed.
Washington Started Working With Ford In 8th Grade
The partnership between Ford and Washington began when the latter was only in 8th grade. Barely even a teenager, Washington would be taken to Ford's training facility by his mother.
Ford credits two of Washington's characteristics, which he said were immediately evident, as the reason he knew the partnership would last.
"Discipline and commitment," Ford said, were qualities that were instantly noticeable in Washington.
Partnership Has Paid Off
Under Ford's tutelage, Washington became a four-star recruit in high school. He would play his college ball at Penn State, and had to contend with the COVID outbreak in 2020, making his ability to train with Ford more difficult.
However, Washington was undeterred. Even though Ford's training center and to close due to the pandemic, the two would meet at public parks to continue their work. Washington would remain Ford's student all through college and kept working with him after being drafted by the Jaguars in 2023.
Ford also credits Washington for making him a better trainer, saying Washington's drive forced him to "elevate my game" as a trainer.
Final Thoughts
Everything is pointing towards Washington having an even better season in 2026 than he did last year. It's clear that Ford is able to bring the best out of the WR. Having the two working together throughout the season should help Washington unlock an even higher level of play.
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