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Lamar Jackson, the 22-year-old quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, deserves to be an MVP. Why? Because he’s using the NFL’s racist tendencies against itself.

Throughout the NFL, Black quarterbacks are demanded to run the ball much more than white ones. Almost every Black quarterback seems to have the responsibility to run! There’s Russell Wilson, Patrick Mahomes, DeShaun Watson and Michael Vick. How many of them are allowed to be a pure pocket passer? (A quarterback who makes the majority of his passes from within the passing pocket.)

In a recent interview with several black quarterbacks, DeShaun Watson shared that he prefers to be a pocket passer than a running quarterback. And he’s not alone. Black quarterbacks are facing similar racial tensions we experienced professionally.

The NFL and media-at-large thought Black quarterbacks must run to prove their athleticism. Their strength and skill were shown through different metrics than their counterparts. Lamar Jackson has recently proved to footballers and fans that if you place a glass ceiling on us, then we’re going to smash it and change culture forever.

Oprah Winfrey in day-time television, Tiger Woods in golf, Serena and Venus Williams in Tennis are similar examples, to name a few.

Lamar accepted the racist standards placed on him and is defeating experts at their own game with his amazing showing each game. He’s sending experienced coaches, gifted veterans and billionaire owners’ home, filled with hurt and confusion.

If you place a barrier or racist undertones on us, then we will beat you at your own game. That’s what our ancestors did, and what we will continue to do.

Lamar Jackson is the MVP, not because he’s the best player, but because he’s defeating allies of white supremacy, while inspiring Black kids that anything is possible (in a city that needs it the most, Baltimore).

Jason Barnes

Writing since July 2017 · 3 stories contributed