Imagine lining up against your cousin in one of the NFL’s fiercest rivalries. Well, you can stop imagining! Because that’s the reality of James Pierre and Lamar Jackson. Despite their family ties, the quarterback and the cornerback find themselves on opposing sides of the Steelers-Ravens showdown. And, this family connection adds an intriguing layer to a fierce AFC North rivalry.

Jackson, the dynamic QB from the Baltimore Ravens, and Pierre, a cornerback from the Pittsburgh Steelers, are first cousins who grew up together in South Florida. Pierre spilled the family tea in a 2021 interview, revealing that their bond actually comes from his mom’s side. And when we hear the names; Pierre and Jackson, one thing stands out. Speed. 

Did somebody ask why? Well, the cousins played together, and they were on the same team. “He’s my first cousin. We played on the same team,” Pierre stated. “He used to throw the ball to me, I was a receiver. Little league friends, cousins, we used to stay at each other’s houses and stuff like that. It’s crazy. We never thought it would be like this….”

Let’s get back to the speed. If asked who’s faster between the cousins, many might vote for Jackson. And no doubt there. The guy’s a pure lightning on the field. You blink, and he’s 20 yards downfield. But here is the thing, when the same thing is asked to Pierre, his answer was otherwise. He said, “Me,” when asked who was faster. “I’m gonna say it straight up.”

Fast forward to 2024. And honestly, it’s a tough call. It’s like comparing a cheetah to a hawk – both are insanely fast, but sure, they’ve got their own advantage when it comes to the on-field action.

Lamar Jackson and James Pierre: Who’s more agile?

The 28-year-old CB from Florida signed as an undrafted free agent for the Steelers in the 2020 NFL draft. On the flip side, the 27-year-old QB proved many draft pundits wrong and was drafted by the Ravens in the 2018 NFL draft. The friendly rivalry over the speed between these two remains entertaining, considering Jackson’s reputation as the NFL’s one of most elusive QBs.

But then again, Pierre’s assertion isn’t without merit. At the NFL Combine, Pierre clocked a 40-yard dash time of 4.59 seconds. On the other hand, standing at 6’2” and weighing over 200 pounds, Jackson reportedly ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash in 2018. Well, if you look for the official head-to-head speed metrics, you won’t find anything. So, let their on-field performance speak.

At the end of the day, whether James Pierre is indeed faster than Lamar Jackson will remain a playful debate between the cousins. But deep down, their personal banter adds a sub-plot to the professional rivalry between the Ravens and the Steelers. And we’re so here for it!