Odell Beckham Jr To Be Released By The Ravens

The Ravens have announced their plans to cut Odell Beckham Jr as part of their offseason plans. Beckham Jr caught 35 passes for 565 yards and 3 touchdowns last season as part of the best offense in the NFL. However, the Ravens stalled out in the playoffs, becoming a minimal challenge for the eventual champion Chiefs. After signing Derrick Henry to a massive deal, it became clear that the team would be pivoting back towards the run while developing their young receiving corp.

It’s unclear what the next move for Beckham Jr will be, despite only being 31 years old. Injuries have cost him much of his prime years in the league and as a result, he hasn’t had a 1000-yard season since 2019. Furthermore, his usage with the Ravens makes it clear that no team is going to view him as an every-down receiver, limiting the sort of contract he could be in line to receive. The Ravens have shed a lot of talent in free agency, including their second-highest tackler from last season, Patrick Queen.

Read More: Odell Beckham Jr. Clarifies Comments About Living With Drake

Kim Kardashian & Odell Beckham Jr Allegedly Dating And Now Considering Taking Relationship Public

Meanwhile, rumors emerged last month from Us Weekly that Kim Kardashian and Odell Beckham Jr are considering going public with a relationship they have allegedly had for nearly a year. The hesitancy to take things into the public sphere is due to Beckham Jr’s “low-key” personality, per the magazine’s source. Rumors about the pair have swirled for several months now. However, the speculation heightened after they reportedly traveled to the Grammys together before making separate entrances. Previous reports of their romance have been denied both camps, stating that the pair are just good friends.

However, there have been no other substantiated reports before the claims made by anonymous insiders to Us Weekly. This means that fans will have to wait and see if a relationship is confirmed in the near future by either side. This remains a developing story and we’ll have any updates as and when they emerge.

Read More: Odell Beckham Jr Recalls Living At Drake’s Home During Break-In

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Lamar Jackson Named Near-Unanimous MVP

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has been named the 2023 NFL MVP in a landslide vote. Jackson received 49 of 50 first-place votes to earn him since second career MVP award. Dak Prescott and Christian McCaffery finished a distant second and third respectively. Josh Allen earned the other first-place vote. Preseason favorite for the award Patrick Mahomes finished 7th with just six total votes. However, Mahomes will play for a Super Bowl after beating Jackson and the Ravens two weeks ago in the AFC Championship.

Jackson becomes the ninth multi-time MVP of the Super Bowl era but stands alone as the only one in the club without a ring. However, Jackson’s 2023 MVP season is a unique one. Finishing 11th in touchdown passes and 15th in passing yards, Jackson became the first QB MVP to finish outside the top ten in both metrics. However, Jackson, who led the Ravens to a 13-4 record and an AFC Championship Game appearance, earned the award by proving he could take down the best. 10 of the Ravens’ 13 victories would come against teams who finished the season with a winning record. Jackson also had 821 rushing yards, his highest mark since a 1005-yard season in 2020.

Read More: Antonio Brown Claims Shannon Sharpe & JJ Watt Use Steroids

Lamar Jackson: From Holdout To MVP

Of course, there is some much more than unorthodox stats that define this season for Jackson. In the run-up to week one, Jackson was on the verge of demanding a trade out of Baltimore. That would not come to pass as Jackson finally landed a lucrative five-year extension and didn’t miss any games for the team.

Furthermore, Jackson made sure to make it clear that he saw his award as a team effort. “I want to thank my organization, the Baltimore Ravens, for finally getting the deal done. My offense [and] offensive line, I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done. I’m not out there blocking and catching the ball and doing everything. It’s a team thing for these awards,” Jackson said while accepting the award.

Read More: Brittany Mahomes Makes Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Debut

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Mark Andrews Saves Woman’s Life During Mid-Flight Medical Emergency

Ravens tight end Mark Andrews is being hailed as a hero after helping save a woman’s life. During a flight from Baltimore to Phoenix, an unidentified woman suffered a medical emergency and became unresponsive. As onboard medical personnel feared the worst, unable to find a consistent pulse, Andrews offered the use of his diabetes testing kit. With the use of the kit, flight staff were able to stabilize the woman’s heart until the flight could land. The was first made public by Baltimore resident Andrew Springs, who was also on the flight.

However, Andrews has waived off any hero labels for himself. “In addition to the fast-acting flight attendants, the real heroes are the nurse and doctor who also happened to be on the flight. Thankfully they were able to provide the woman the quick assistance she needed,” Andrews said via a statement released by the Ravens.

Read More: Cam Newton Calls Brock Purdy “10th Best Player On The Niners,” Fans Are Split On Whether They Agree

Who Is Mark Andrews?

Mark Andrews is a three-time Pro Bowl tight end for the Ravens. He was also named to the All-Pro First Team in 2021. He was drafted by Baltimore in the third round of the 2018 draft. This followed a standout, and record-breaking, collegiate career at Oklahoma. Before declaring for the NFL Draft, he won the John Mulkey Award, awarded annually to the nation’s best college tight end. Andrews was actually the second tight end the Ravens had taken in the draft, following Hayden Hurst in the first round.

Thanks to the run-first, Lamar Jackson era in Baltimore, Andrews has mostly played a role as a run blocker and utility specialist. However, he did notch a 1300-yard season in 2021. However, injury limited Andrews to just 10 regular-season in 2023. He returned for the Conference Championships. He recorded 2 catches for 15 yards in the loss to the Chiefs. Furthermore, as a Type-1 diabetic, Andrews has become a spokesperson for diabetes awareness. Andrews especially works with children and helps them understand how to learn to live with diabetes.

Read More: Travis Kelce Confirms Taylor Swift Relationship Origin Story

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Travis Kelce Blasted For Justin Tucker Disrespect At AFC Championship Game

Things are already popping off at the AFC Championship Game. During pre-game warmups, Travis Kelce was seen kicking and throwing equipment belonging to veteran Ravens placekicker Justin Tucker. Fans immediately piled on the “disrespectful” behavior. “Mahomes and kelce are some losers for that low key,” one fan noted. Meanwhile, several other fans noted how good the “inevitable” game-winning field goal from Tucker was going to feel.

The Chiefs looking for their third Super Bowl appearance in the last four years. Meanwhile, the Ravens are hoping to reach their first Super Bowl since 2012. Ravens coach John Harbaugh was joined by his brother, newly-appointed Chargers head coach Jim, on the sideline in Baltimore. The game is expected to be close, with the deciding factor likely being on the defense.

Read More: Jason & Travis Kelce’s College Teammates Share Wild Stories About The Brothers

Mural Of Taylor Swift In A Ravens Jersey Appears In Maryland

The two fanbases have been chirping at one another all week. A Maryland-based artist and Ravens fan has taken trash-talking to a new level with his latest Taylor Swift-inspired piece. The artist, known as Dlordink on social media, showcased an intricate mural of Taylor Swift wearing a Ravens jersey ahead of the team’s matchup against the Chiefs this weekend. Furthermore, Dlordink called out Swift and her boyfriend, Travis Kelce. “Tag @taylorswift & @killatrav in the comments and let them know how good she looks in @new_era8 @ravens purple,” he added as a caption.

Swift is expected to head to Baltimore this week as the Chiefs look for their third Super Bowl appearance in four years. However, the Ravens are hosting for the first time in franchise history. This ends a run of five consecutive championship home games for Kansas City. Meanwhile, Chiefs fans have tried to play off the trash talk. “Huh. Weird. I have to say, as a Chiefs fan, we kinda…don’t think about you at all. But whatever makes you feel better about things. Enjoy the crab cakes,” one fan replied on Twitter.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith & Howard Stern Clash About Whether Travis Kelce “Needs” Taylor Swift

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AFC & NFC Championship Games: Who Is Heading To The Super Bowl?

Just four teams remain in the NFL playoffs. Some were expected to be here; others were more surprising. In the AFC, the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs travel to the white-hot Baltimore Ravens. Meanwhile, the NFC sees the Detroit Lions attempt to make their first Super Bowl at the expense of the San Francisco 49ers. With both games scheduled for Sunday, HotNewHipHop has everything you need to know about the AFC & NFC Championship Games.

AFC: Chiefs @ Ravens

Chiefs
ORCHARD PARK, NY – JANUARY 21: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs warms up prior to an NFL divisional round playoff football game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 21, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

When: January 28, 3:00 PM ET

Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore

Odds: Baltimore -4

The Chiefs enter their sixth consecutive AFC Championship Game under very different circumstances to the previous five. For one, they aren’t hosting. And secondly, they are doing so after winning less than 12 games in the regular season. While the Chiefs still rule the AFC West, they don’t look like the powerhouse team that has made two of the last three Super Bowls. It’s not that the Chiefs are worse, it’s simply that the rest of the conference is catching up.

And that’s where their hosts, the Ravens, come in. After beginning the season unsure if Lamar Jackson would actually play, the team stormed to the league’s best record. However, this marks new territory for the team. They appear in their first Conference Championship Game since 2012, the year they won the Super Bowl. But the newness cuts both ways. The Ravens will get to enjoy their home-field Conference Championship Game in franchise history.

Can Kansas City Slow Down Baltimore?

Ravens
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, JANUARY 20: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens starts to run in the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Texans 34-10. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)

The big question heading into this matchup will be whether the Chiefs can slow down Baltimore enough to let Patrick Mahomes ball out. Kansas City allowed the second-fewest yards per game during the regular season (289.8). However, their defense must contend with the league’s sixth-highest yardage team in Baltimore (370.4). There will be high expectations from the DT Chris Jones and CB Trent McDuffie, both All-Pro First Teamers for the Chiefs.

The key for Baltimore will be in the backfield. Unsurprisingly, given their prototypical dual-threat QB, Baltimore led the league in rushing yards per game this season (156.5). Conversely, the Chiefs allowed the 15th-most rushing yards during the regular season (113.2). If the Chiefs can’t stop the run, it’s going to be a long night for the red-and-white faithful.

Prediction: Ravens 20 – 17 Chiefs. Chiefs don’t allow the Ravens to ever run away with the game but just don’t have enough to neutralize the potency of Baltimore’s ground game.

NFC: Lions @ 49ers

49ers
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 20: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes for a 39-yard touchdown during the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi’s Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

When: January 28, 6:30 PM PT

Where: Levi Stadium, Santa Clara

Odds: San Francisco -7.5

The 49ers were here a year ago, on the cusp of a Super Bowl appearance. However, a spate of injuries saw them steamrolled by the Eagles. They were here the year before that, when they were 15 minutes from the Super Bowl before allowing 13 fourth-quarter points to lose to the Rams. Now they stand 60 minutes from another Super Bowl, with a former Mr. Irrelevant at quarterback. The NFC has been weird this year, with no one emerging as a clear favorite. However, the Niners have been one of the conference’s better teams. They are an offensive juggernaut (four offensive all-pro first-teamers) and are ready to flex that moniker all the way to a Lombardi.

However, they will have to overcome this year’s scrappy underdog. In 2008, the Detroit Lions went 0-16. Since that infamous season, they have appeared in the playoffs just four times. And now they are one game away from their first-ever Super Bowl appearance. The last time the Lions were in this position, it was 1957 and they were playing for a chance to appear in the pre-Super Bowl NFL Championship. But head coach Dan Campbell, the epitome of “never give up, never surrender” has turned the Lions into a team that their fans can finally believe in.

Who Wins The Backfield Duel?

Lions
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 14: David Montgomery #5 of the Detroit Lions runs the ball during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs at Ford Field on January 14, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The running game will absolutely define the NFC Championship. The 49ers have the league’s best running back in Christian McCaffery. McCaffery rushed for 1459 yards, nearly 300 more yards than the next best back in the league (Derrick Henry). However, the Lions have an elite backfield of their own. The two-pronged attack in Detroit begins with fifth-year back David Montgomery. After signing with the Lions ahead of the 2023 season, Montgomery rewarded the team with his first 1000-yard season since 2020. However, Montgomery isn’t alone. Many people questioned Detroit’s decision to take Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall in the 2023 draft, especially after trading back from 6th overall. Well, Gibbs rushed for 945 yards in the regular season.

However, it’s not just about the run game for these two teams, it’s also about their run defense. The Lions and Niners are second and third respectively in run defense this season, with 0.9 yards per game separating them. Teams have simply not been able to drive out of the backfield against either team. This becomes a fascinating dynamic, however, when the opponent is someone with as prolific a run game as these two teams have. This means that whoever finds the edge in the backfield will hold the keys to this matchup.

Prediction: 49ers 30 – 23 Lions. This will likely be the game of the season. However, as much as the Lions deserve to be here and will keep it close, the Niners’ overwhelming offense gives them the edge here.

AFC/NFC Championship Games: Who Wins?

However, let us know what you think! Is Kansas City headed to yet another Super Bowl? Do the Lions find a way to beat San Francisco? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

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Taylor Swift In A Ravens Jersey Is The Latest Piece Of AFC Championship Trash Talk

A Maryland-based artist and Ravens fan has taken trash-talking to a new level with his latest Taylor Swift-inspired piece. The artist, known as Dlordink on social media, showcased an intricate mural of Taylor Swift wearing a Ravens jersey ahead of the team’s matchup against the Chiefs this weekend. Furthermore, Dlordink called out Swift and her boyfriend, Travis Kelce. “Tag @taylorswift & @killatrav in the comments and let them know how good she looks in @new_era8 @ravens purple,” he added as a caption.

Swift is expected to head to Baltimore this week as the Chiefs look for their third Super Bowl appearance in four years. However, the Ravens are hosting for the first time in franchise history. This ends a run of five consecutive championship home games for Kansas City. Meanwhile, Chiefs fans have tried to play off the trash talk. “Huh. Weird. I have to say, as a Chiefs fan, we kinda…don’t think about you at all. But whatever makes you feel better about things. Enjoy the crab cakes,” one fan replied on Twitter.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith & Howard Stern Clash About Whether Travis Kelce “Needs” Taylor Swift

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by dlordink (@dlordink)

Meanwhile, another piece of media has gotten under Swift’s skin. The singer is considering legal action against the proprietors of a website that published NSFW AI images of her on social media this week. “Whether or not legal action will be taken is being decided. But there is one thing that is clear: these fake AI-generated images are abusive, offensive, exploitative, and done without Taylor’s consent and/or knowledge. These images must be removed from everywhere they exist and should not be promoted by anyone. Taylor’s circle of family and friends are furious, as are her fans obviously. They have the right to be, and every woman should be. The door needs to be shut on this. Legislation needs to be passed to prevent this and laws must be enacted.” a Swift team member told The Daily Mail.

Furthermore, Swifties rallied around the star as the images. Additionally, these images primarily showed Swift in sexual situations with Chiefs fans and players. “PROTECT TAYLOR SWIFT” began trending on X, with the accounts primarily responsible for perpetuating the images swiftly suspended. However, the incident served to highlight the devastating power that current AI image technology has regarding things such as “celebrity deepfakes”.

Read More: Travis Kelce: Heart Celly Was For Bills Fans, Not Taylor Swift

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SOURCE SPORTS: Mahomes Beats Allen Again, Sets AFC Title Showdown with Lamar Jackson

Mahomes Beats Allen Again, Sets AFC Title Showdown with Lamar Jackson

Football fans waited for the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills to reignite their rivalry all weekend long. The game did not dissapoint but the result was the same as previous playoff battles: Patrick Mahomes beat Josh allen.

The Chiefs held on to get a 27-24 win after Bills kicker Tyler Bass kicked a game-tying, 44-yard field goal wide right.

The Bills provided a handful of head scratching plays, including a fake punt attempt to Damar Hamlin in their own territory and Allen missing a wide open Stefon Diggs on their final drive.

“We were within a whisker of tying that game and maybe even taking the lead there against the defending world champs,” McDermott said via Jori Epstein of Yahoo! Sports. “So again, we just didn’t do enough — starting with me — to win this game.”

The game would end with Mahomes in victory formation and sending Bills Mafia home in tears. Mahomes and the Chiefs are going to their sixth straight AFC Title game in a row.

Mahomes and Kelce teamed for two touchdowns, tying Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski for the most by any quarterbacka dn reciever duo in history.

“Patrick and Kelce, with the record that they broke there with Gronk and Tom. I mean, that was a great job there,” head coach Andy Reid said.

Mahomes threw for 215 yards, two touchdowns, and a 131.6 passer rating on 17-of-23 passing, proving a raucous Buffalo crowd could not phrase him.

“We did hear it all week about playing a road game, and we’re here to prove a point and show that we can play anywhere,” Mahomes said.

“I love being at Arrowhead,” Mahomes said. “I love being at Arrowhead and playing in front of that crowd. But when you’re on the road, it’s you versus them. It’s you versus everybody in the stadium, and you have to come together as a team and let guys do that. You saw that in the game today.”

That “you versus everybody” will continue as the Baltimore Ravens are waiting to welcome Mahomes to M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, where the presumed league MVP Lamar Jackson will be waiting.

In their matchup against the Houston Texans, the Ravens were poured by Jackson, who delivered a four touchdown performance, rushing for two and throwing for another two. Jackson finished with 16 completions on 22 attempts for 152 yards and two more touchdowns.

The Ravens blew out the Texans 34-10.

The AFC Title game between the two superpowers will be on Sunday at 2:30 EST on CBS.

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Lamar Jackson Admits He Did “A Lot Of Cursing” During “Inappropriate” Halftime Speech

Lamar Jackson says he gave an impassioned halftime speech filled with “a lot of cursing” during the Baltimore Ravens’ 34-10 win over the Houston Texans in the divisional round of the playoffs on Sunday. After the break, the team scored 24 unanswered points to lock in the victory. When asked about the speech, he described it as “inappropriate” to repeat.

“It would be inappropriate if I said it right here,” Jackson admitted to reporters. “We weren’t doing our job with our unit. In the second half, we wanted to put points on the board, start moving the ball, moving the chains and start looking like ourselves.” After being asked to elaborate on the halftime speech, he said there was “a lot of cursing.”

Read More: Kodak Black Shows Love To Lamar Jackson: “I’m F*cked Up About You”

Lamar Jackson Leads The Ravens To The AFC Championship

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 20: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after a play against the Houston Texans during the second quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

When asked about his reaction to the fiery speech, left tackle Ronnie Stanley said with a smirk: “I hear the message, not just the [curse] words. I know what he’s trying to say. He’s a very competitive player. He wears his heart on his sleeve. We all know what he wants, and that’s just to win.” While the game was even 10-10 at the half, Jackson and the rest of the Ravens took over for the next two quarters. Jackson finished as the first player in NFL history to put up at least 2 touchdown passes, 2 touchdown runs, 100 yards rushing, and a 100.0 passer rating in the same game.

Lamar Jackson Reflects On His Halftime Speech

Advancing to the AFC conference championship, they will take on the winner of the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs’ matchup, next weekend. Be on the lookout for further updates on Lamar Jackson and the NFL playoffs on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Lamar Jackson Requested Ravens Aquire DeAndre Hopkins & OBJ: Report

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Kodak Black Shows Love To Lamar Jackson: “I’m F*cked Up About You”

Kodak Black showed tons of love for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson on Instagram, Sunday. In doing so, he remained hopeful that he’ll be out of prison by the time the Ravens possibly reach the Super Bowl.

“You So Amazing Bro,” Kodak began. “I’m Fucked Up About You. I’m Waiting On This Game. I Got A Straight Shot Of You From My Cell On The Top Tier Like The Penthouse. Ima Be Home To Watch You Win This Super Bowl From The Sky Box.” Jackson responded to the post with a peace emoji.

Read More: Lamar Jackson Requested Ravens Aquire DeAndre Hopkins & OBJ: Report

Lamar Jackson Leaves The Field After Ravens’ Win

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 20: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens wears a “Top 10” chain as he walks off of the field after an NFL Divisional Round playoff game against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium on January 20, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Kara Durrette/Getty Images)

Fans were surprised by how passionate Kodak’s fandom for Jackson is in the comments section. One fan wrote: “’I’m fucked up about you’ is crazy, thought the n***a died.” Another posted: “Man i thought he passed away for a second , don’t scare me like that.” One user remarked that Kodak should make an appearance during Usher’s Super Bowl Halftime performance. “If the ravens make the super bowl yak gotta crash usher’s show at halftime,” they wrote. Check out Kodak’s post for Lamar Jackson below.

Kodak Black Praises Lamar Jackson

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Kutthroat Bill (@kodakblack)

After Kodak’s post, Jackson led the Ravens to a win over the Houston Texans in the divisional round of the playoffs. He put up a historic performance, becoming the first player to ever post at least 2 touchdown passes, 2 touchdown runs, 100 yards rushing, and a 100.0 passer rating in the same game. The Ravens will play the winner of the Chiefs-Bills matchup next week. Be on the lookout for further updates on Kodak Black as well as the NFL playoffs on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Kodak Black And Ray J Beef Gets More Context As Kodak’s Lawyer Weighs In

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Lamar Jackson Reveals How Close He Was To Leaving Ravens

The Lamar Jackson saga finally ended with a draft-day extension that will keep the quarterback in Baltimore for another five years. The new deal has clearly raised Jackson’s spirits, who said he wanted to throw for “6000 yards” in a post-draft press conference.

However, one question that went unanswered during the whole ordeal is that of just how close was Jackson to leaving. Sure, he put in a formal trade request but was there ever a deal on the table? Was Jackson willing to sit out the season if a new deal didn’t materialize? Some of those questions have now been answered as Jackson sat down with PEOPLE.

Lamar Jackson Legimiately Considered Leaving

SUNRISE, FLORIDA – MARCH 17: Lamar Jackson backstage during “On Big Party Tour” at FLA Live Arena on March 17, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida.(photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

The short answer was Jackson would have left Baltimore, if not for the fans. Speaking with PEOPLE, Jackson revealed it was the people of Baltimore who kept him in purple. “I just love everything about Baltimore, wonderful fan base, you know, even though I was getting DMs, like, people gonna miss me, you know, stuff like that.” Jackson was born in Florida and played at Louisville before being drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2019 Draft. “I feel like this is my third home, because I count Louisville as my second home, just because I played there three years, and just the love they show, it’s like, genuine. It’s like I’m part of their family and I felt like when people go into work, you know, whether we win or lose, it defines their week, how they’re gonna prepare for work and stuff like that.”

Eventually, Jackson decided that he would “finish it” with the Ravens, indicating that he wanted to win a Super Bowl in Baltimore before considering the road ahead. “It’s like, man, I’d just rather finish it here. You know? Win my Super Bowl here, like I said, and sky’s the limit, and we’ll see what else goes on,” Jackson said. The Ravens are 2-0 in their Super Bowl appearances but have not reached that stage of the playoffs since 2013. Their deepest playoff runs with Jackson under center are divisional-round losses in 2019 and 2020.

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