The hit CW series “All American” has captivated audiences with its gritty portrayal of a high school football player navigating the divide between his working-class roots and the affluent world of Beverly Hills. But the show’s inspiration, former NFL linebacker Spencer Paysinger, has some sage advice for star quarterback – Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson.
Paysinger, whose own journey from South Crenshaw High to Beverly Hills High mirrored that of the show’s protagonist, Spencer James, knows a thing or two about overcoming adversity and embracing one’s unique talents. And when it comes to Jackson, Paysinger has a simple message: “Run more, Lamar. Run more.”
” You got into the league because you are (Lamar) a phenom..you won the Heisman.. you’re an MVP..like cheetah like use your legs more get wins,” Paysinger said on the Film Study podcast. “Do not convince yourself that you need to throw the ball 40 or 50 times a game to get an approval rating from anybody. Use your legs, get wins, nobody cares how you win Just win”
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Paysinger’s words echo the sentiments of countless Ravens fans who have watched Jackson’s electrifying runs propel the team to new heights. And as Jackson has led Baltimore’s charge through the playoffs in 2023, Paysinger’s advice has resonated even more strongly.
The Ravens were dominant during the 2023 regular season, with Jackson cementing his status as an MVP front-runner. But entering the postseason as the AFC’s No. 1 seed, the team faced questions about their past playoff shortcomings. At last, the Ravens’ postseason run hit a snag in the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Ravens’ Lamar Jackson tried his utmost to win!
After years of falling short in the playoffs, Lamar Jackson finally silenced his critics with a dominant performance against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round in 2023. Jackson accounted for four touchdowns and eclipsed the century mark in both passing and rushing yards, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to achieve that feat in a postseason game. His dynamic playmaking and versatility were on full display as he led the Ravens to a resounding 34-10 victory.
“You know I heard that,” Jackson said after the game, alluding to the noise surrounding his past playoff struggles. “I see it. But it is what it is. I don’t really care about what people say. I’m trying to win.”
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Jackson’s ability to both air it out and gash defenses with his legs has been a hallmark of his game since he burst onto the scene as the NFL’s MVP in 2019. And as the Ravens continue their playoff push, the dual-threat QB dominance will be crucial to their Super Bowl aspirations.
However, the Ravens’ postseason run hit a snag in the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite Jackson’s 54 rushing yards, the Ravens struggled to establish their ground game, with running backs Gus Edwards and Justice Hill combining for just six carries. Veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was caught on a hot mic telling Jackson, “Don’t forget, you change the whole dynamic of the game when you take off. We gotta get some s— goin’ on, like what the f— goin’ on?”
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The Ravens ultimately fell 17-10 to the Chiefs, but the experience has only fueled Jackson’s determination to lead his team to the promised land. As he prepares for the offseason, the message from Paysinger and the Ravens faithful remains clear – keep running, Lamar, and the victories will follow!
