Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals in overtime at Paycor Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio
Maybe — just maybe — Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been listening.
Listening to the critics who say he might be past his prime. Listening to wet-behind-the-ears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, who ran his mouth about Jackson’s commitment to the team in the most passive-aggressive way possible. Listening to everyone who said he needed to be there for offseason workouts.
Lo and behold, the Ravens posted a video of Jackson walking into the team’s practice facility on Monday, which was the 1st day of any sort of official team activities under 1st year head coach Jesse Minter.
Jackson’s timing was incredible in relation to ESPN’s Monday morning broadcast, where a segment was just finishing that saw some widespread criticism of Jackson not showing up to offseason workouts in the past, only to see him make a surprise appearance.
“Everyone echoes what Lamar Jackson does,” ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky said. “This is a good start for the organization under new head coach Jesse Minter.”
“Him being here the first day sets the tempo for everyone in the organization,” ESPN analyst and former NFL defensive lineman Chris Canty said.