Ravens' Mark Andrews: Lamar Jackson Target of 'Unfair Slander' During NFL Career

Ahead of his sixth season playing alongside reigning MVP Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews addressed the criticism his quarterback has received over the years.

"There's so much unfair slander about Lamar Jackson," Andrews said, per GQ's Matthew Roberson. "It's continuous. He's been having to fight through that for his whole entire life. There's no real substance behind [it]."

With the level of stardom Jackson has ascended to over the years, there was bound to be plenty of criticism.

Earlier on in his career, some argued Jackson was more fit to play the running back position because of his speed and abilities on the ground. After hearing comments like that for most of his rookie season, Jackson opened up the 2019 season with five passing touchdowns in a 59-10 win over the Miami Dolphins, clapping back at critics afterward.

"Not bad for a running back," Jackson said after the game.

Every year, Jackson has continued to respond to criticism with outstanding play. He won his first MVP in 2019 when he threw for 3,137 passing yards and 36 touchdowns and picked up 1,206 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.

He won the coveted award again last season when he had 3,678 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, 821 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground.

But as much individual success as Jackson has had, he's still looking for his first Super Bowl. The Ravens fell just short of reaching the championship game last year, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship.

Jackson and the Ravens will kick off their season against the Chiefs on Thursday as they begin their quest of finally winning a Super Bowl.