John Harbaugh Backs Lamar Jackson’s Dual Dreams—But Warns: “Let’s Finish Football First”
In his 17 seasons leading the Baltimore Ravens, John Harbaugh has seen it all—from a Super Bowl win in 2012 to the rise of Lamar Jackson, the electric quarterback drafted in 2018 who has transformed the team’s identity. Yet, despite six playoff appearances in seven seasons with Jackson under center, a Lombardi Trophy has remained out of reach.
Now, heading into the 2025 season, Harbaugh and the Ravens find themselves once again in the Super Bowl conversation. NFL analyst John Frascella recently crowned Baltimore the No. 1 team in his AFC Power Rankings. But he also emphasized that the team needs more—particularly on defense—to finally seal the deal.
Could Clowney Be the Missing Piece—Again?
One potential solution is a familiar face: Jadeveon Clowney. The former No. 1 overall pick had a resurgence in 2023 with the Ravens, recording a career-best 9.5 sacks and 43 tackles. Harbaugh consistently praised Clowney’s energy and fit within Baltimore’s defensive scheme. Although the team didn’t re-sign him immediately after the season, interest in a reunion is reportedly “picking up steam” following his May 8 release from the Panthers.
With teams like the Cardinals and Seahawks also in the mix, Baltimore’s window to bring Clowney back could close fast. Over his 11-year NFL career, Clowney has tallied 58 sacks and 409 tackles—adding proven firepower to any defense.
Meanwhile, in Hollywood…
While Harbaugh works to bolster the roster, his franchise quarterback is exploring an unexpected frontier: acting. Lamar Jackson made his debut on May 9 in Power Book III: Raising Kanan, earning rave reviews. Harbaugh, ever the supportive coach, joked about Jackson’s acting chops: “That facial expression in the clip—I’ve seen that look before… He’s got the face of an actor.”
Still, Harbaugh had a word of caution. “We just don’t need him to get too excited about the acting too early; let’s finish the football first.” His message was clear: legacy in Baltimore comes with hardware, not headshots.
Super Bowl First, Spotlight Later
Jackson’s growing celebrity mirrors a broader trend among NFL stars dipping into Hollywood. But unlike Tom Brady and Travis Kelce, who took on media roles after championship success, Jackson’s trophy case still has room to grow. For Harbaugh and the Ravens, the priority remains singular—win a Super Bowl.
With Clowney potentially returning and Lamar balancing stardom with the scrambles, Baltimore’s storylines are rich. But one thing is certain: for this franchise, 2025 isn’t about distraction. It’s about delivering.