Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson was recently seen running routes on asphalt with fans, which drew some criticism because of the health risks involved as he tries to come to an agreement on a contract extension. FOX Sports' Shannon Sharpe was one of those critics, saying Jackson shouldn't mess his money up.

Jackson himself had something to say about the criticism, and Green Bay Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling also offered up a defense of the quarterback's actions:

 

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Lamar Jackson was just trying to give back to the community during an event in South Florida, which is where he's from. Could he have maybe been a little safer while doing so? Sure, but he clearly didn't care too much about that. The Ravens star simply wanted to have some fun with the kids.

Jackson is currently trying to work out a contract extension with the Ravens, but it's looking like there won't be a deal done before training camp. There's time to get that deal done given Baltimore picked up his fifth-year option for 2022 before he's slated to become a free agent in 2023, but getting a new contract locked in as soon as possible would be ideal.

The injury concern is a real one, especially given the way Lamar Jackson plays and the amount of hits he takes. That's probably a way bigger concern than him possibly getting hurt running some routes against kids at a camp.