{"id":50254,"date":"2026-04-14T10:12:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-14T14:12:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/idolchatter\/?p=50254"},"modified":"2026-04-14T10:12:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T14:12:16","slug":"lamar-jackson-fires-back-at-critics-with-bold-faith-message-ask-god-to-bring-you-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/idolchatter\/2026\/04\/lamar-jackson-fires-back-at-critics-with-bold-faith-message-ask-god-to-bring-you-up.html","title":{"rendered":"Lamar Jackson Fires Back at Critics With Bold Faith Message: ‘Ask God to Bring You Up’"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Public Domain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even after winning two MVP awards, Lamar Jackson continues to face criticism\u2014but this time, he’s responding with a message rooted in faith.<\/p>\n

Following a difficult season in which the Baltimore Ravens quarterback fell short of expectations, Jackson took to social media to address doubters in a way that quickly caught attention. Instead of clapping back with frustration, he pointed critics toward something higher.<\/p>\n

“Instead of trying to bring me down, ask GOD to bring you up,” Jackson wrote on X, adding praying hands emojis and the declaration “#JESUSCHRISTKINGOFKINGS.”<\/p>\n

It’s a striking response from a player who has faced mounting scrutiny. The past season marked one of the toughest stretches of Jackson’s career. He finished under .500 as a starter for the first time and missed the playoffs, with the season ultimately hinging on a missed field goal. Injuries didn’t help either\u2014Jackson missed four games with a hamstring issue that appeared to linger, impacting his performance throughout the year.<\/p>\n

Statistically, it was a down year. He threw for 2,549 yards\u2014his third-lowest total\u2014and rushed for just 349 yards, the lowest of his career. For a player known for his dynamic dual-threat ability, the numbers reflected a season that never quite found its rhythm.<\/p>\n

Still, Jackson’s recent posts show where his focus remains. Beyond his viral message, he’s been consistently sharing expressions of his faith online, including photos of himself wearing an “I LOVE JESUS” hoodie and reposting content centered on belief and encouragement.<\/p>\n

His response suggests a mindset not defined by criticism or setbacks, but by perspective. Rather than engaging negativity, Jackson is pointing both himself and others back to God\u2014a message that resonates deeply with many fans who share his faith.<\/p>\n

The timing is also significant. The Ravens are entering a new chapter after parting ways with longtime head coach John Harbaugh, who led the team for 18 seasons. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has stepped in as the new head coach, bringing fresh leadership as the franchise looks to rebound.<\/p>\n

Jackson has come close to reaching the top before, including an AFC Championship appearance during the 2023 season that ended in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. But as he prepares for what’s next, his message makes one thing clear: his identity isn’t tied to wins, losses, or public opinion.<\/p>\n

Instead, it’s anchored in something unshakable.<\/p>\n

And in a culture where athletes are often quick to respond to criticism with anger or defensiveness, Jackson’s words offer a different approach\u2014one that shifts the conversation from tearing others down to lifting one another up through faith.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Even after winning two MVP awards, Lamar Jackson continues to face criticism\u2014but this time, he’s responding with a message rooted in faith. Following a difficult season in which the Baltimore Ravens quarterback fell short of expectations, Jackson took to social media to address doubters in a way that quickly caught attention. Instead of clapping back…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":516,"featured_media":50257,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fbia_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-50254","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-television"],"yoast_head":"\nLamar Jackson Fires Back at Critics With Bold Faith Message: 'Ask God to Bring You Up'<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Lamar Jackson responds to critics with a bold faith message, urging others to seek God after a tough season and renewed scrutiny.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/idolchatter\/2026\/04\/lamar-jackson-fires-back-at-critics-with-bold-faith-message-ask-god-to-bring-you-up.html\" \/>\n<meta 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