Lamar Jackson has the responsibility to do better than this.He is a role model to a large part of the Black community, not just because he is the quarterback for a Baltimore Super Bowl team.AdvertisementHe doesn't have to be Deadspins Idiot of Month.Jackson stated that Jackson is still unsure about getting vaccinated, despite testing positive for COVID-19 twice in the past eight months.It is a personal choice. Jackson said Jackson spoke to reporters about the vaccine on Monday. I am focused on getting better right away. It's not something I can dwell on right now.Jackson said Jackson that he will just follow the NFL protocol as much as possible, and as best as he can. Jackson was not allowed to play in the Ravens' Week 12 defeat to the Steelers because he had been tested positive for COVID. It's not something I worry about. Last year [when] I was released from COVID[-19], we did quite well. This year, I'm trying to do the exact same thing. As I said, I'm just going to stick with the protocols.AdvertisementJackson is a former MVP, and one of the most respected quarterbacks in the league. Jackson is an American athlete who occupies the most prominent position in American sports. His words, and more importantly, his actions are powerful especially for people like him.Black communities have suffered significantly more from the COVID virus and its variants than those of white communities. Yet, Blacks are the least vaccinated group.AdvertisementJackson could get vaccinated, and push the importance of Black people avoiding COVID. It would help the nation turn the tide on this deadly virus after almost two years.Jackson is a man of great power.Last week, Maryland Governor. In an interview with WBAL Radio, Larry Hogan called on Jackson to be vaccinated.AdvertisementHogan stated that Lamars must get [vaccinated]. The rules that the NFL has set, it is impossible to imagine any team wanting to forfeit a playoff game or lose their chance at making the playoffs. Also, no one getting paid for not having vaccinated can make it difficult for me to see how anyone could be able pay them.The NFL sent a July memo to all 32 NFL teams in an effort to increase the pressure for players to get vaccinated. The NFL could cancel a game if there is an outbreak of unvaccinated players. Jackson is my only concern.AdvertisementJackson acknowledged that he felt tired during his quarantine. John Harbaugh, Jackson's head coach, said that the virus had really hit Jackson. Jackson should find the motivation to continue his work and set an example for the Black community.Baltimore's quarterback has a different audience than other Black quarterbacks in league. Jackson could address a new audience and dispel the myths about the vaccine. This could change the perceptions of many people.AdvertisementThis is something the former Heisman Trophy winner is accustomed to. He changed the conversation about the position he should play and the role of the quarterback. His influence on the game is undeniable.He could do the exact same thing for the vaccine. He could make a bigger impact by using his voice to advocate for the safety of the Black community in this pandemic.
