The NFL is on the verge of electing its Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2023-24 season, and one voice stands out in support of one candidate in particular: Lamar Jackson. LeBron James, star of the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, publicly expressed his support for the Baltimore Ravens quarterback to win the award.
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After the remarkable performance of Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday, beating the Miami Dolphins 56-19, LeBron did not hold back his criticism against what he called the ‘hatred’ directed at Lamar Jackson.
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On his X (formerly Twitter) account, the star shared his opinion on the NFL MVP award, saying: “Okay, now what are you going to say about Lamar Jackson as MVP? Every time it’s a different hate when it comes to him. Give him the trophy now and more love.” These words could be interpreted as a response to recent comments that belittled Jackson’s abilities, insinuating that the talented quarterback does not fit the traditional stereotype of the position, an unfortunate comment that even carries racist connotations.
While there are other contenders this season such as Christian McCaffrey, Josh Allen, Dak Prescott, Tyreek Hill, and Brock Purdy, it is evident that none of them are reaching the same level of performance as Lamar Jackson. Additionally, it is notable that Jackson led the Ravens to an impressive 13-3 record. With 24 touchdown passes and a respectable ranking of 13th in passing yards, Jackson also stands out with his 821 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. Remarkably, in just six years in the NFL, Jackson became the first player to reach that mark in such a short span of time. Now, the Ravens’ number 8 joins Cam Newton, Russell Wilson and Michael Vick in the select group of the position’s best runners.