Jags QB Minshew born 24 years ago in Mississippi

It would take decades to reach its peak, but Minshew Mania was born on this date in 1996.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew, who celebrates his 24th birthday today, took time to grow his iconic mustache and unflappable style of play. But the Flowood, Miss., native unquestionably is now the face of an NFL franchise.

Minshew showed

his determination to make the most of every football opportunity and has exceeded expectations throughout his career, going from Northwest Mississippi Community College to East Carolina to Washington State before finally making his way to Jacksonville.

The Jaguars thought Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles would be their franchise quarterback, but he struggled last season while unassuming Minshew calmly made the most of his opportunities leading the offense.

Minshew won six games while Foles recovered from an injury — more than any other NFL rookie — and looked far better running the offense once Foles was healthy. Foles has since left Jacksonville.

“I’m just expecting to get his best,” Jaguars coach Doug Marrone told ESPN.com when asked about Minshew’s future. “He’s been in so many tough, adverse situations, just on his path and his journey toward the NFL. … I’m just assuming that he’ll rely on a lot of that. I think that he’s done a good job while he’s been here in developing a relationship with the players.”

Minshew also has confidence of Jacksonville general manager Dave Caldwell, who is under pressure to deliver improved results.

“I think the biggest thing for that position, and we said it last year, is the ability to win games,” Caldwell told ESPN.com. “And Gardner’s done that throughout his career, whether it was high school, whether it was at Washington State where he won 11 games the year he came out, and last year for us. He’s got an ability to lead a team and win games. … That’s always going to be the No. 1 thing.”