Lamar Jackson has already broken new ground as likely the highest profile athlete to ever negotiate his own contract.
Now, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback is not only serving as his own agent, he’s serving as his own media relations person, too. Jackson went on his Instagram account Saturday to tease an upcoming interview featuring … Lamar Jackson.
Fans can link to the Lamar Jackson Entertainment YouTube page for the upcoming interview.
On his IG, Lamar Jackson teases an “exclusive interview” — with himself — coming on his Lamar Jackson Entertainment YouTube page. It will be released “soon.”
YT page: https://t.co/iZpQZBPCgV pic.twitter.com/knYDZunYir
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) March 19, 2023
As of this writing, Jackson’s YouTube page has only about 2,000 subscribers and two videos, so without question the upcoming self-interview will boost his numbers.
Beyond that, however, it doesn’t solve the stalemate he’s in with the Ravens, who designated him with the non-exclusive franchise tag for the 2023 season. Jackson is free to negotiate a free-agent contract with another team, which the Ravens have the option to match. So far, he’s found no takers. He’s reportedly seeking a deal in the $50 million per year range, guaranteed.
Here’s a clip from the upcoming interview:
View this post on Instagram
It’s become more common for athletes to break their own news on social media in recent years, rather than going through traditional media. Yet given the fact Jackson is already busy enough trying to negotiate a new contract, some NFL fans thought it might be wise to let the media handle his interview duties, rather than run that angle himself.
Lamar Jackson Interviews Lamar Jackson – Coming Soon @Lj_era8
— Tae (@TaeSweizy) March 19, 2023
I used to think Lamar Jackson was innovative in having no agent and representing himself but I think I may be wrong and maybe he is just a crazy person.
— ☠️Michael Diggs☠️ (@DiggstheKid) March 19, 2023
I hope he does a two shot, both questions and answers, Lamar only
— Morgan Adsit (@MorganAdsit) March 19, 2023
Lamar Jackson just has an iconoclastic, go-it-alone, maverick personality which is perfect for [checks notes] the most vital position in all team sportshttps://t.co/bP1nVWA2Bd
— Nick Field (@nick_field90) March 19, 2023