RDS2 and the RDS.ca will feature the game between the Ravens and Buccaneers starting at 8 p.m. tonight.
TAMPA, Fla. — Tom Brady and Lamar Jackson have mutual respect and admiration for their respective successes.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion and one of the NFL’s best young quarterbacks will square off for the second time in their careers when the struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night.
When Brady, 45, took a brief retirement last winter, he posted a “story” and a photo of Jackson on social media along with the phrase, “You’re next.”
A few weeks later, Brady announced he would be returning for a 23rd season, hoping to complete “unfinished business” with the Bucs.
As the Ravens (4-3) travel to Tampa this week for the first all-star quarterback game since 2019 — Brady’s final season with the New England Patriots — the 25-year-old Jackson said was asked about Brady’s Instagram post.
“Yes, I saw her. I would say, at least I hope so, that I will be the next to win the Super Bowl,” Jackson said. “He already has seven. I hope that’s what awaits me. »
Jackson led the Ravens to a 37-20 victory over the Patriots three years ago. He never had the opportunity to speak with Brady off the court, but he admitted to enjoying the Instagram post.
“From a quarterback going to the Hall of Fame. Like I said, from the GOAT, of course that means a lot,” Jackson said.
Brady’s non-retirement hasn’t gone smoothly, beginning with an 11-day hiatus during training camp for personal reasons in August.
The Bucs (3-4) have lost four of their five games after winning their first two. Brady had just one interception and leads the NFC with 1,942 passing yards, but he’s only completed eight touchdown passes and Tampa Bay is tied for 25th in the league for that. which is average points scored per game with 17.7.
Brady, who hopes to rekindle his offense against the Ravens, said he reached out to Jackson on social media last winter because he thinks highly of the young quarterback and “I think he has a great coming “.
“He’s an incredible player and he challenges defences. He has a truly unique skill set. His ability to improvise, to play games with his legs, to prolong the games. They’re doing a good job with that offense,” Brady said.
“He is obviously very dangerous with the ball in his hands. And they have a few weapons, too, so it’s a tough challenge for our defense,” Brady added. “We’re going to have to play a real complementary game, play hard and tough football, and try to get a win. »