Lamar Jackson Withdraws No. 8 Trademark Challenge Against Cowboys Icon Troy Aikman

Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson's legal battle with Pro Football Hall of Famer Troy Aikman is officially over.

According to ESPN's Michael Rothstein, records from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office show that Jackson has withdrawn his challenge to Aikman's use of the No. 8 in trademarks filed by him and his company in 2024.

The motion to withdraw the opposition was filed by Jackson's attorney, Andrea Evans, with prejudice, meaning he can never file this challenge again. The motion was filed without consent from Aikman's team, and the Patent and Trademark Office's appeal board agreed to dismiss the claims of opposition on Tuesday.

FL101, a company that lists Aikman as one of its directors in SEC filings, had filed the trademark request to use markings with the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback's jersey number, which is also worn by Jackson. Rothstein noted that the two-time NFL MVP "had initially challenged Aikman's use of the word 'EIGHT' on a variety of items -- including apparel, beer, beach towels, bags and energy drinks -- in July 2024."

Jackson had already owned trademarks with various usages of the number, including the phrases, "Era 8 by Lamar Jackson," "Era 8" and "You 8 yet?" In his filings, he suggested that Aikman's usage of "EIGHT" could confuse the public when buying products.

Of course, the No. 8 had long been made famous by many athletes who came before Jackson, including football Hall of Famer Steve Young, baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. and basketball Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant. Even NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., who drove the No. 8 and No. 88 cars during his career, faced trademark opposition from Jackson and had his company pull its trademark application soon after Jackson's opposition in April.

Jackson can now return to focusing on preparing for the 2025 season. The Ravens will play their second preseason game on Saturday against the Dallas Cowboys.