Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving was in hot water last month for referring to media members as “pawns” and appearing to paint the media as antagonists. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson took the totally opposite approach in addressing the media on Wednesday.
Jackson explained during his media session he addresses reporters by their names or titles out of respect, something Jackson said should be a two-way street:
“I just want to respect you guys,” Jackson said Wednesday. “I would want to be respected if I was doing your job.”
Obviously, this is quite a drastic shift from Irving's rather dire characterization of the media.
Jackson has always been one of the more humble and quiet superstars in the NFL, choosing instead to let his play (or his teammates) do the talking. The reigning MVP has not been the supernova talent he was last year, but still has the Ravens in the playoffs.
The former Louisville star went 11-4 in 15 starts. Jackson threw for 2,757 yards and 26 touchdowns against nine interceptions. He also rushed for over 1,000 yards for the second consecutive season, leading the league at 6.3 yards per carry.
Baltimore will undoubtedly rely on Jackson's explosiveness against a Tennessee Titans defense that has struggled to stop anybody this year. Jackson struggled against the Titans during a Week 11 loss in Tennessee, but he has played some of his best football during the team's five-game winning streak to end the season.
But while the Ravens hope Jackson's play will be loud, the star quarterback remains soft-spoken and workmanlike as he prepares for the playoffs.