Lamar Jackson just dropped a bombshell. Remember that time in 2021 when he promised to switch from jersey No. 8? Well, it turns out he had one special condition in mind, and now the internet is losing it over it.
As the comparisons to Kobe Bryant start flying, fans are all over this with reactions.
Lamar Jackson’s Super Bowl Promise: No. 8 to No. 1 Shift Sparks Debate
Jackson’s quest to change his jersey number has resurfaced, and fans are hyped. The promise: If the Ravens win the Super Bowl, the QB plans to retire No. 8 and switch to No. 1.
“If we win the Super Bowl I’m going to No. 1…I want to retire No. 8 and No. 1, I want to do that here at the Ravens. I want to win a Super Bowl with No. 8 on then come back and do the same thing with 1 on,” he said. This bold move has sparked some serious reactions across the NFL fanbase.
Some fans are drawing comparisons to Bryant, who won championships with both No. 8 and No. 24.
“Just like the Legendary Kobe Bryant, when he won with 8 and 24,” one fan tweeted.
Just like the Legendary Kobe Bryant, when he won with 8 and 24 https://t.co/Qg3obQVXKv pic.twitter.com/lDMynrOWam
— 💆🏾♂️FoeReem (333)🧘🏾♂️ (@FoeReem) January 10, 2025
Others are fully on board with the idea: “THE KOBE EFFECT. LOVE TO SEE THIS… LETTTTTSSSSS GOOOOOOOO!!”
THE KOBE EFFECT. LOVE TO SEE THIS.. LETTTTTSSSSS GOOOOOOOOO!! @Lj_era8
— Damon Dukes (@DjD2quare) January 10, 2025
But not all reactions are positive.
One skeptical fan quipped, “What a strange thing to care about. Josh Allen would never.”
Another fan tossed in some playful shade, saying, “How about you get to a title game first champ lol.” Clearly, Jackson’s road to a Super Bowl is still a point of contention.
There are also fans dreaming big: “Not to get ahead of ourselves, but would love him to win multiple bowls and change his number every time.”
Jackson’s quest for greatness goes beyond just titles; it’s about building a legacy. If he pulls off the impossible, he’ll truly cement his place in NFL history. As Travis Hunter puts it, “Jackson’s literally the trophy.”
Travis Hunter Backs Jackson as Front-Runner
The MVP race is on fire, and Jackson is leading the charge. With Josh Allen making a case of his own, it’s Jackson who’s got the backing of Hunter, the Heisman winner.
According to Hunter, it’s clear-cut: Jackson deserves the MVP, and no one else comes close. Speaking on “The Travis Hunter Show,” he didn’t hold back: “There ain’t nothing to be said about this. He’s having a record-breaking season. Give him the crown. Give him the MVP he deserves it. He done everything he can at this point. He’s got to take it home. The best player this year. He’s literally the trophy.”
Jackson’s numbers are undeniable. With 4,172 passing yards (6th in the league) and 41 TD passes (2nd), he’s been electric. Across the season, his QB+ number is even better than his incredible 2019 MVP season. Jackson leads the league in EPA/DB (0.31), nYPA (8.5), TD/INT rate (10.3), and tied for the league total touchdowns (45). He’s also first in the NFL in performances from a clean pocket (0.51 EPA/DB) and second when pressured (-0.00).
Hunter’s take adds fuel to the fire: Jackson’s play is more than enough for the MVP. With stats like these, it’s clear that this season belongs to him. The question is, will voters agree? Well, let’s see.