Why was the jaguar important to the Aztecs?

Aztec warriors were rewarded for capturing member of surrounding tribes, primarily because of the Aztec's sacrifice rituals. When a warrior captured five members from surrounding tribes they could apply to becoming a member of the "Jaguar Knights" or "Eagle Knights" - both highly respected houses of warriors in Aztec culture. The Jaguar knights would field in battle wearing cloaks that resembled the hide of a jaguar and wielded clubs of iron and obsidian.