Ravens' Lamar Jackson Apologizes to Bernard Pollard Over Twitter Spat

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson apologized to former NFL safety Bernard Pollard after their recent Twitter exchange.

Pollard, who won a Super Bowl with the Ravens as part of a 13-year career that ended in 2014, was having a debate with ESPN's Ryan Clark about where Jackson ranks among the league's quarterbacks when the 2019 NFL MVP jumped into the conversation.

They appeared to move on from the situation by exchanging pleasantries Thursday:

The debate was sparked by Jackson being listed outside the top 10 in ESPN's annual quarterback ranking, which is based on voting by the NFL's executives, coaches and players. The Ravens star was listed in the honorable mention section.

Two sources who spoke with ESPN's Jeremy Fowler about the placement on the list mentioned the importance of using Jackson as a runner and how that could impact his long-term health after he missed five games last season.

"Hard to stay healthy when you run that much; he's actually gotten a lot better as a passer," an NFL offensive coach said.

An NFC personnel evaluator added: "Innately competitive, driven and mentally tougher than just about anybody. You just run into a few issues late in the year: For as much as you run him, you get worn down."

It makes sense why he was unranked because based on pure playmaking talent Baltimore's signal-caller is definitely one of the 10 most dangerous quarterbacks in the league, potentially even in the top five.

Jackson has compiled 105 total touchdowns (84 passing and 21 rushing) in 58 career games since being selected in the first round of the 2018 draft. He's attempted 1,329 passes compared to 615 rushes.

Pollard recorded 711 total tackles and 12 interceptions across 126 career games with the Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans.

If nothing else, the perceived lack of respect will provide an added source of motivation as Jackson attempts to lead Baltimore back to the playoffs in 2022.

The Ravens kick off the regular season Sept. 11 when they visit the New York Jets.