Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is drawing heat after sharing content from conservative influencer Charlie Kirk on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Kirk is the founder of Turning Point USA, a campus-based organization that has played a prominent role in American conservative activism and political campaigning in recent years.
Jackson’s on-field résumé remains stellar heading into the 2025 season. He completed 66.7% of his passes last year for 4,172 yards with 41 touchdowns and four interceptions, adding 915 rushing yards and four rushing scores on 139 carries. The two-time NFL MVP and four-time Pro Bowler enters 2025 with plenty of confidence as Baltimore aims to build on a strong track record.
Backlash from fans was swift after Jackson posted Kirk’s message, which simply read “It’s all about Jesus.” Some fans questioned the choice of source, while others suggested Jackson might not fully understand Kirk’s broader associations. Social media comments ranged from disappointment to skepticism about the implications of sharing content tied to a controversial figure.
Not everyone condemned the move, however. A few supporters defended Jackson’s right to share his beliefs and faith publicly, arguing that faith—and not politics—should be separate from athletic performance. Critics of the backlash pointed out that love for Jesus is a personal belief, and they urged fans to respect athletes’ social media expressions even if they disagree with the sources.
Jackson has not publicly addressed the backlash and has been focused on preparing for Baltimore’s upcoming schedule. The Ravens open the 2025 season on Sept. 7 against the Buffalo Bills, a rematch of a high-stakes postseason affair. In last year’s playoff meeting, Baltimore fell 27-25 to Buffalo, a result that has lingered as the team eyes a rebound in the new campaign.
Summary: Lamar Jackson faced criticism after sharing a post from Charlie Kirk, a conservative influencer. The move drew mixed reactions from fans and commentators, with supporters defending his right to share beliefs and critics arguing the source carries problematic associations. Jackson’s elite production and leadership will be tested again as the Ravens look to compete in a demanding 2025 schedule, beginning with a season-opening home game against the Bills.
Additional value and context:
– This incident highlights the ongoing tension between athletes’ personal beliefs and their public platforms. Teams may need to navigate fan expectations, sponsorship considerations, and locker-room dynamics when players engage in politically or religiously charged posts.
– For readers, it’s a reminder that even high-performing athletes can become focal points of broader cultural debates, underscoring the importance of distinguishing on-field performance from personal viewpoints.
– Looking ahead, observers will be watching not only Jackson’s performance but also how he and the Ravens address any fallout from social media activity as the season unfolds. Fans should expect continued discussion around how athletes balance faith, politics, and professional responsibilities in the public eye.