Paul Pierce wants Lamar Jackson to ditch Ravens to become face of the NFL - "He gotta get out of Baltimore"
Former NBA champion Paul Pierce does not often share his NFL takes but he had a rather bold notion to share on Wednesday. In an episode of the FS1 show "Speak," he claimed that star quarterback Lamar Jackson should leave the Baltimore Ravens to elevate his profile despite his five-year, $260-million contract:
"For him to be the face of the league, he gotta get out of Baltimore. If Lamar was on Dallas right now, same accolades, he'll be the face of the league. If Lamar was on San Francisco, did the same things Purdy's done, gone to a Super Bowl, championship games, he'll be the face."
Pierce also made an analogy to a star player on his former team, the Boston Celtics:
"He's in the same position Jason Tatum was in before he won his championship. Accomplished all of this. Can he do this? First team All-NBA. MVP. Lamar hasn't won a championship. Tatum won a championship. Do we consider him a face of the league?"
Paul Pierce also gives an NBA analogy to Aaron Rodgers' Jets
There was an earlier Paul Pierce analogy between the NBA and the NFL.
Speaking of green-clad sports teams, the New York Jets have been pegged as Super Bowl favorites since they traded for multiple-time MVP Aaron Rodgers during the 2023 offseason.
Their pursuit was derailed when he tore his Achilles tendon on just his fourth snap with them. But he is healthy now and surrounded by potent weapons like Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson.
However, Pierce is among those who think Rodgers and the company need to temper their chances. He said on that same episode:
"Well, this ain't the Green Bay Rodgers. This is the torn Achilles, 40-year-old Rodgers. This is equivalent to Wizards Paul - 'I can help you win some games; I can get you to the playoffs.' But as far as winning the championship, yeah. It sound(s) good in the locker room... But we're happy making it to the second round."
And such temperance starts with clinching the AFC East. The Jets are +160 favorites to rule the division according to FanDuel, while DraftKings puts them at +165 - their first time being the divisional favorites in the 21st century.