In Charlotte, JJ Jansen, a former NFL player and current part-owner of the Charlotte Checkers, is preparing for an important weekend as his team begins their quest for the Calder Cup championship. The Checkers face off against Abbotsford in Game 1 at Bojangles Coliseum.
Jansen, who played as a long snapper in the NFL for 17 years, has embraced his role as a sports team owner with enthusiasm. Despite owning just a small stake in the Checkers—”I am a 1 percent owner,” he said—he is committed to being actively involved in sports within the Carolinas. “My wife and I are incredibly committed to being a part of sports in the Carolinas,” Jansen stated.
The investment goes beyond financial interests for Jansen. He values creating memorable experiences for families attending games. Reflecting on his children’s first experience at a Checkers game, he realized that winning or losing was less important than building family memories. “Whether they win or lose is irrelevant to the viewer,” he explained.
Jansen’s involvement extends beyond hockey; he also co-owns other minor league teams and frequently discusses sports investments with friends like Andy Dalton and Panthers owner David Tepper. As he considers future opportunities, including potentially larger ownership roles, Jansen views his current position as valuable learning experience.
As the Checkers compete for the championship this weekend, Jansen focuses on ensuring fans have enjoyable experiences at games. “When I’m at a game, I don’t watch the hockey as much as I look around and see our fans enjoying the engagement,” he said.
For Jansen, providing value to the community through sports remains paramount: “But with the Checkers, it only works if we’re really good to the fans; it’s just a cool way to provide something of value to the community.”
