Lamar Jackson has long been the defining Baltimore Ravens franchise, but this week he made headlines far beyond the football field.
The two MVPs have been named the top 10 top revenue athletes in the world. This is a group that is normally reserved for global icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and LeBron James.
According to Sun, Jackson has won an estimated 74.37 million (approximately $87 million) over the past year, combining record-setting NFL contracts and approvals. That number placed him the 10th place in the world and became the only NFL player on the list.
This recognition comes at a critical time for both Jackson and his team. After dropping the season-opening game to the Buffalo Bills, the Ravens head into a split collision where the Cleveland Browns need to quickly correct the ship.
The loss led Baltimore to 2-0, a start they avoided in every season during their Jackson days.
The rise of Jackson is one of the most unique stories in modern sports. He was drafted with questions about whether he could play quarterback on a professional level, and he silenced critics with an emotional play and an RSUM that already includes two MVPs and three All-Pro nods.
In 2023, he signed a five-year extension worth $260 million and negotiated without an agent. This surprised many in the league, but ultimately proved to be a success.
The deal not only redefines the quarterback market, but also secured Jackson’s position among the world’s most influential athletes.
“Lamar earned everything he got,” Coach John Harbaugh said at signing. “What he brings to this franchise is beyond numbers. He changes the game.”
Now these numbers are well beyond the statistics sheet. Jackson joined Stephen Curry on the top 10 lists, Ronaldo, John Rahm, Messi, Giannis Antetocomo, Killian MBAPP, Neymar and Karim Benzema.
The moment of controversy
Jackson’s inclusion on the revenue list coincided with another headline that attracted the attention of the public. During the Ravens’ Week 1 defeat at Buffalo, fans reached the barrier and pushed wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in before they could do the same to Jackson.
The quarterback responded with a two-handed push, and security quickly removed the fan. Fans are banned from all NFL events.
Jackson then said, “I shouldn’t have responded, but in the heat of the moment, I did. I’m sorry to the fans and the organization.”
The league chose not to punish him further. “This issue is being addressed by the club and there is no further action from the league,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said Thursday.
Harbaugh defended the quarterback, highlighting the human element. “He’s an emotional competitor,” Harbaugh said. “He handles it the right way and we move forward.”
Interests with Cleveland
Due to all off-field noise, the Ravens season depends on what happens next. Sunday’s showdown with the Browns is not just a divisional game, it’s a potential pivot point.
The Ravens have never started 0-2 since Jackson became a starter in 2018. More importantly, falling behind early on in AFC North, one of the toughest divisions in the league, could have long-term results for playoff positioning.
Baltimore delivers a big leaning towards Jackson throughout his career. His double threat capabilities have made the Ravens one of the league’s most unpredictable crimes, but despite Cleveland’s defense, he’s ranked among the NFL’s highest last season, and he’s faced a critical test.
For Jackson, this week reminded him of the double pressure he is conveying. It’s the scrutiny that comes with being a franchise quarterback and being one of the world’s most well-known athletes.
His position on the global revenue list confirms his height, but as he often said, money and praise little means you can’t win.
And with the Ravens already behind, Cleveland Sunday may prove to be just as defined as any contract or ranking.
