The Baltimore Ravens set off for their Sunday showdown in England at the beginning of the week, and their quarterback is savoring the unexpected adoration. Already in London ahead of the Ravens’ Week 6 clash with the Tennessee Titans, Lamar Jackson was taken by surprise when he realized he had an international fanbase. Jackson has achieved remarkable feats on the football field, establishing himself as one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in NFL history. Now, as he prepares to play in England for the first time, his excitement is palpable.
Lamar Jackson on Getting Global Recognition
“I didn’t know until people recognized me,” Jackson remarked, according to the team website. Was like, ‘That’s crazy; I’m known in London?’ A few guys approached me; they were like, ‘Are you Lamar?’ in the London accent. I took a picture with those guys. It was enjoyable.” “It’s my first time in London, probably like my third time outside the country,” Jackson expressed. “It’s exciting. I’m loving London.”
The 26-year-old, a former NFL Most Valuable Player according to the Associated Press, hails from Florida. He played college football in Kentucky and has only played his NFL home games in Maryland. On Sunday, he’ll officially become a global athlete when the Ravens take on the Tennessee Titans at 6:30 a.m. ET in a game hosted at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, airing on NFL Network.
Jackson Joins Elite QBs for Ravens’ Second International Game
Baltimore is about to participate in only its second International Series match. The first match was a 44-7 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London back in 2017. At that time, Jackson was a junior at Louisville, but now he’s joining the exclusive club of former MVP quarterbacks starting a game in London, a group that includes Tom Brady (twice), Aaron Rodgers, and Matt Ryan. Just last week in London, the Jaguars pulled off an upset against a Buffalo Bills team that struggled to find its rhythm on Sunday.
The Ravens are trying to get back on track after a terrible loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Titans.
Lamar Jackson further adds to his welcome in London:
“I believe us being out here early, it will help us out a lot, instead of a quick turnaround. Probably in another day or so I’ll be perfect. It means a lot, just for NFL football to be going global,” Jackson said. “It’s amazing, and for me to have fans in London? I never dreamed about that.”
