Lamar Jackson’s health has loomed over the Baltimore Ravens’ playoff prospects for over a month since he sprained a PCL ligament in his knee. On a grander scale, Jackson’s future in Baltimore — with no long-term deal in place whenever the Ravens’ season concludes — has hovered as a specter over the team’s entire 2022.
But, likely knowing people’s conversations about his status behind the scenes, Jackson took control of his narrative as the Ravens got set to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Wild Card round. Since Baltimore leadership hasn’t exactly stumped much for its franchise QB of late — more or less speaking in vague terms since his knee injury, leaving their talisman open to criticism — it was only fair Jackson stood up for himself.
With Jackson officially sitting out from the Ravens’ playoff matchup with the Bengals on Sunday night, FOX analysts/ex-players Michael Vick and Charles Woodson shared some thoughts about the electric talent during Saturday coverage.
At no risk of hyperbole, I assure you: The two men realistically could not have shared more careless thoughts as absurd Football Guys to push Jackson to play and risk his long-term well-being for a team that’s offered him zero stability moving forward. That’s not even to say Jackson is sitting out over a financial dispute. If Jackson says his knee is unstable at age 26 (!) and that he isn’t fit enough to play, then his words are enough. Why on Earth would he lie? And don’t think I’m overlooking host Charissa Thompson seeming to irresponsibly suggest Jackson is sitting out purely because he doesn’t have a contract.
What a truly terrible segment of television:
On Saturday's broadcast on FOX, the crew decided to give @Lj_era8 the worst advice possible.
Michael Vick: “It’s the playoffs, you’re three games away. Put a brace on it. Get it going."
That's exactly what basically ended RGIII's career as a starter.pic.twitter.com/7WeQlmxmOl
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 15, 2023
I’m still aghast at how casually Woodson seems to question Jackson’s commitment to the Ravens in the name of winning what is a meaningless football game in the grand scheme of someone’s life. That goes double for Vick to back Woodson’s sentiment up without a second thought, as if either man is in a reasonable position to critique Jackson’s personal risk assessment.
Never mind that we, once again, have been having (who am I kidding, had?) a larger conversation about NFL player safety in the wake of Damar Hamlin’s collapse from cardiac arrest. Which happened only weeks ago. With Vick and Woodson acting as the poster boys, it’s as if significant segments of the football world already forget the various egregious screw-ups in that scary situation because it’s the playoffs. And the playoffs, to many people, take precedence over young men taking their safety into their own hands. Heaven forbid. I’m not surprised discussions have quickly shifted, to some, about wins and losses. I guess it’s just how pro football proliferates shamelessly, and that remains disappointing.
What are we doing here?
I’d encourage football figures like Woodson and Vick — for two, and definitely not exceptions — to consider their words about player safety more carefully moving forward. Or, you know, maybe holster these sentiments internally for quality reflection on their part. It seems like they could use a step back themselves. But I know this league, and I know how people close to it think. It’s likely impossible for some people to dial back the backward “give it up for your team at all costs” opinions. They can’t help themselves.
So, yeah, I’m not too optimistic these kinds of outlandish football thoughts on a whim will stop being aired out any time soon.
NFL fans blasted Woodson and Vick for their careless opinions about Lamar Jackson's health
This man leg still hurts RIGHT NOW because of an injury and he advises him to play through it. Just dumb. https://t.co/iyICqdgKkV
— DaVonte Hughes (@CookieByNature) January 15, 2023
Awful TV https://t.co/5fZJTDKUFw
— VICTORIK 🧬 (@rik__116) January 15, 2023
Vic played a whole season on an MCL Sprain and the falcons finished 8-8 while he had one of the worst years of his career.LJ is making the right decision https://t.co/Yz5aXwvmz5
— Kaz⚡️ (@kazzykam) January 15, 2023
Gotta know when to cut the mic https://t.co/VTRsfcytUA
— Mark Drumheller (@x_drumheller) January 15, 2023
Sometimes all you have to do is sit back & let the hate reveal itself! https://t.co/5b91KRvhgA
— Marquis Williams (@wiliamsisland14) January 15, 2023
This is irresponsible https://t.co/S6OfRq0akP
— Travis Smith (@Travis_Smith40) January 15, 2023
Vets who made Millions giving horrible advice to a young guy trying to get there. Crazy. https://t.co/aINSDbgvdu
— JAY RICHARDSON (@JayRichardson99) January 15, 2023
His knee is unstable. One direct hit from a 300lb lineman and he may never walk or run correctly again. This is foolish https://t.co/lLMJZIc8Cv
— Dell (@Dell_Tez) January 15, 2023
How quick after watching a player almost die on the field have we gone right back to he should play injured. Pivot took a week. Lol https://t.co/XuPFjdlfbz
— Jay R (@1jreezy) January 15, 2023
Come on Mike u know better. This ain’t right https://t.co/anVtx3ac4K
— Joshua Samuel (@samueljoshua23) January 15, 2023
I’m convinced the Ravens sent the check. https://t.co/4TjRCUYX3d
— Malarkey (@breakitdown1404) January 15, 2023
To all former #NFL players that now are part of the media. Stop saying stuff like this! If the man-law is never talk about another player’s money, then you should never say when a guy can play hurt. Sprained MCL & torn PCL are too different injuries. https://t.co/4klVTVBbLs
— Jeff Barnes (@Jeffbarnes29) January 15, 2023
