Reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson talks upcoming season and new Oakley partnership

Game day will look at little different for Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens this year. When the NFL kicks off the 2020 season in a few weeks. M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Ravens, will introduce “a significantly reduced seating capacity” should state and local government rules allow the team to host fans this year. When asked his thoughts about playing under the COVID restrictions and the league’s handling of the situation, Jackson was just focused on one objective.

“All I want to do is play football and that is what I plan to do. I will do whatever it takes to get out on the field and play.”

Off the field, Jackson is taking care of plenty of business, officially becoming a member of the Oakley family this week. The eyewear brand announced the reigning league MVP as the newest athlete to represent them through a video, featuring a range of the NFL’s leading players, football personalities and Team Oakley representatives answering one simple question: “How would I describe Lamar Jackson?”

In nearly every game of his MVP-winning season, Jackson wore Oakley’s football shield. The Madden 21 cover star told Yahoo Sports he’s been a fan of Oakley products for the majority of his life.

“It is the ultimate sign of swagger,” Jackson said. “Oakley is the best in the shield and eyewear game and sets the standard – that is what I am all about. The best in the game.”

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson is Oakley's newest brand ambassador. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)

Jackson’s partnership includes wearing Oakley’s latest products both on and off the field. On the field, catch him in Oakley’s Football Shield. When it’s not a Ravens game day, the 23-year-old will sport more casual eyewear.

Other NFL stars to sign with Oakley include Pittsburgh Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Despite their rivalry on the field, Jackson says there’s nothing but love between him and the reigning Super Bowl champion.

“When it comes to Patrick, he always leaves it all on the field, and I respect him for his clutch playmaking and skill. He’s had a huge impact on the sport.”

In the same breath, the 2016 Heisman Trophy winner emphasized that he’s looking to dethrone the Chiefs and lift the Lombardi Trophy himself next February.

“Yes, we are both young, fast, MVPs, but we also have an intense hunger to see our teams win. We are playmakers. In the end, we’ll do whatever we need to do to win. He’s gotten that Super Bowl ring and I’m definitely coming for it this season. I want to bring a Super Bowl to Baltimore.”

The Ravens are scheduled to host the Chiefs in a primetime matchup at M&T Bank Stadium next month.

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