The franchise, co-owned by Brett Vickers and Chris Milo, was announced as the third founding member of the North American Lacrosse League on August 4, 2011.

[1][2][3] One factor in the selection of Jacksonville was the success of the Moe's Southwestern Grille Sunshine Classic tournament between NCAA Division I lacrosse teams, including the local Jacksonville University Dolphins, in February 2011.

The logo depicts a bulldog with a lacrosse stick in its mouth and a small anchor hanging from its collar in reference to Jacksonville's strong connections with the U.S.

[4] Jacksonville University defensive coordinator Brian Duncan was named head coach; co-owner Chris Milo also served as general manager.

[5][6] On December 31, 2011, Jacksonville and three of the four other teams announced the NALL had fired its acting commissioner and would move to a fall schedule.