Lamar Jackson defends Mark Andrews against harsh online criticism

In January 2025, the Baltimore Ravens faced a challenging playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs. During this close match, tight end Mark Andrews committed critical errors, including a fumble that allowed the Bills to score and a dropped pass that denied the Ravens a potential game-tying two-point conversion. Following this loss, Andrews received intense scrutiny from fans and critics alike, resulting in online harassment and even death threats. The incident highlighted the pressure players face in high-stakes games, particularly during playoffs where every play counts. On June 19, 2025, in a press conference during the team's mandatory minicamp, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson publicly defended Andrews against the backlash. Jackson expressed his frustration about the fans directing hurtful comments towards his teammate, emphasizing Andrews' contributions to the team and stating that losses are to be shared among all players, including himself, as he had also made errors during the game that contributed to the loss. Jackson stated, "I've been seeing my guy getting talked about, and I really don't like that, because he's done so much for us." Andrews, a three-time Pro Bowler, has established himself as a crucial member of the Ravens since being drafted in 2018. While he took the fourth-quarter mistakes hard, showing visible shock on the sideline after the game, he remained focused on bouncing back and contributing to the team moving forward. His perspective on the situation included a message of resilience and a commitment to improve. Jackson reiterated the importance of supporting teammates and reminded fans to be more considerate about the pressures players face. This incident not only raised questions about the treatment of athletes on social media but also spotlighted the dynamic of camaraderie within sports teams during challenging times. The Ravens and their fans continue to deal with the emotional aftermath of the loss as they prepare for the next season. It has been a common theme for Jackson, who confessed he never fully gets over losses from his career, stating that past losses from his youth still haunt him. This ongoing commitment to his teammates and acknowledgment of shared struggles demonstrates the significant emotional burdens players carry, transcending the field. As the 2025 NFL season approaches, both Andrews and Jackson expressed hopes for redemption and growth, aiming to move past January's distressing defeat and drive the Ravens toward success in upcoming matches.