Ravens’ Jackson big hit at Pro Bowl
Fans clamor for shots, autographs
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Baltimore cornerback Marlon Humphrey was signing autographs following Pro Bowl practice Thursday and wrapping up an interview when his sister jumped in with a desperate request.
“You have to help mom,” she said. “What’s up?” he asked. “She wants a picture on the field with Lamar,” the sister answered.
That would be quarterback and Ravens teammate Lamar Jackson, the league’s MVP front-runner and the most popular guy without mouse ears at Disney World this week.
Fans chanted his name throughout two days of practice at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports and clamored for his autograph before and after workouts. To get a picture, fans needed to get in line and prepare for a wait similar to those at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
“He’s the man, right?” Ravens guard Marshal Yanda said.
He’s certainly the fan favorite at the NFL’s annual all-star game. He’s been so mobbed by TV cameras to the point where he needed to juke through the crowd to find some open space.
No one is immune to Jackson’s popularity, either. Not even teammates.
Yanda’s daughter ran up to him during an interview, grabbed his hand and begged him to look at her shirt. She spun around, tossed her hair to one side and unveiled Jackson’s signature.
“It’s Lamar Jackson!” the girl shrieked.
“Just relax, honey,” Yanda responded.
Jackson threw for 3,127 yards and 36 touchdowns this season. He also ran for 1,206 yards and seven scores. He helped the Ravens (14-2) to the league’s best regular-season record.
Vikings
Minnesota chose Gary Kubiak as its offensive coordinator, filling the vacancy created by Kevin Stefanski’s departure to become coach of the Cleveland Browns.
The widely expected move was confirmed Thursday by a person with knowledge of the decision. Kubiak was as an offensive adviser and assistant to head coach Mike Zimmer this season, as the Vikings reached the divisional round of the playoffs.
Kubiak’s playbook, as directed by Stefanski, provided a clear boost for quarterback Kirk Cousins and the offense. The Vikings were eighth in the league with an average of 25.4 points a game, after ranking 19th in 2018.