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Lamar Jackson has a responsibility to be better than that.
Not just because he’s the quarterback for a Baltimore Super Bowl-vying team, but because, like it or not, he’s a role model for a significant portion of the black community.
He doesn’t have to be a Deadspin’s contender Idiot of the month, like Aubrey huff.
Then, Frankly, it is unacceptable that Jackson said he was still hesitant to get the vaccine after testing positive for COVID-19 for the second time in eight months.
“I think it’s a personal decision. I’m just going to keep my feelings for myself and my family, ”said Jackson, who spoke to reporters about the vaccine in practice Monday. “I’m focused on improving right now. I can’t dwell on this just yet … how everyone feels.
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“I’m just going to follow NFL protocols as much as I can, the best I can,” said Jackson, who was held back from the Ravens’ Week 12 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last season because he tested positive for COVID. . “I don’t care. Last year, [when] I got out of COVID[-19], I feel like we’ve done pretty well, and this year I’m trying to do the same, if not nothing. So like I said, I’m just going to follow the protocols.
Jackson is a former MVP and one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He has a unique mark as an athlete playing the most important position in American sport. His words and above all, his actions have weight especially for people who are like him.
The COVID virus and its multiple variants have caused much more damage to black communities than to white communities. Yet black people are still the least vaccinated demographic group.
If Jackson got vaccinated and insisted on the importance of black people protecting themselves from COVID, you would see a significant number of people follow suit and it will help this nation turn the tide of this deadly virus after nearly two years.
It’s no secret that Jackson has this level of power.
Last week, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan called on Jackson to get the shot in an interview with WBAL radio.
“Lamar must obtain [vaccinated]”Said Hogan.” With the rules imposed by the NFL, I can’t imagine a team wanting to forgo a game or lose a chance in the playoffs and none of the players getting paid because someone will not get vaccinated. ”
In July, the NFL sent a memo to the 32 teams to try to increase the pressure on the players to get vaccinated. If teams experience an outbreak among unvaccinated players, the game could be called off if the NFL can’t find a way to reschedule it. However, the NFL schedule is the least of my concerns with Jackson.
Jackson admitted he was tired in his 40s and head coach John Harbaugh said the virus hit Jackson hard this time around. This should give Jackson the motivation he needs to move forward and be an example to the black community.
The Baltimore quarterback has an audience that is even different from other black quarterbacks in the league. Jackson could speak directly to a new group of individuals and dispel dangerous myths associated with the vaccine. This could be essential in changing the perceptions that many people have.
This is something the former Heisman Trophy winner is used to. He changed the narrative about what position he should play in the NFL and how the quarterback position should be played at the highest level. Its impact on the game today is undisputed.
He could do the same with the vaccine. If he used his voice to defend the safety of the black community during this pandemic, he could be a game-changer even more.
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