Referees’ refusal to defend Lamar Jackson during the Ravens-Bills game is another example of Chiefs prejudice.
In any high-stakes NFL game, especially playoff matchups, the officiating is one of the most discussed aspects. The role of referees in ensuring fairness, consistency, and player safety is vital to the game, but when their decisions come into question, it can lead to contentious debates. In the 2025 AFC playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills, the referees’ refusal to protect Lamar Jackson from several questionable hits and no-calls became a significant point of contention for fans, analysts, and players alike. While there is always debate over officiating, this particular incident raised concerns about whether there was an underlying bias against the Ravens, and potentially against Jackson himself, in favor of a more commercially favorable team.
Jackson, the former MVP, is one of the most electrifying and unique quarterbacks in the league. His ability to extend plays with his legs, combined with his natural athleticism, has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. However, with this dynamic style of play comes an increased risk of taking hard hits. Lamar Jackson’s ability to evade defenders and make miraculous plays out of the pocket has often resulted in him being subjected to hits that many quarterbacks might not face. And while Jackson’s durability has been questioned at times, one thing is clear: when he does take hits, the standard of protection from officials should be just as high as any other star quarterback in the league.
But in this game against the Buffalo Bills, Jackson found himself on the receiving end of some violent hits, and the referees’ reluctance to penalize the Bills for some of those hits raised eyebrows. These no-calls and the overall lack of protection afforded to Jackson were seen by many as just another example of an overarching issue in the NFL—the disparity in how certain players, particularly African American quarterbacks like Jackson, are treated by both referees and the league in general.
The Hits That Went Unpunished
Throughout the game, Lamar Jackson was subjected to multiple hits that seemed egregious but went unpunished. One of the most concerning instances came when Jackson scrambled to avoid pressure and was clearly hit late by a Bills defender well after he had already thrown the ball. The hit was brutal and appeared to be a clear personal foul, yet no flag was thrown. Fans and analysts immediately took to social media, questioning why Jackson had not been afforded the same protection as quarterbacks like Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes, who often receive calls for similar or even lesser hits.
Another questionable incident occurred when Jackson was hit low by a Buffalo defensive lineman during one of his runs. Again, the hit seemed to be a clear violation of the rules protecting quarterbacks from unnecessary low blows, but the referees did not throw a flag. This lack of action in situations where the rules clearly seemed to be violated led many to wonder whether Jackson was being held to a different standard than other quarterbacks in the league.
To further complicate matters, the Bills defense was playing aggressively all game long, and many of their hits on Jackson seemed to target his legs and midsection—vulnerable areas that, if injured, could sideline a quarterback for an extended period. In the same way that quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Mahomes are afforded extra protection due to their status as stars of the league, Jackson, despite his own elite status, was seemingly ignored by the officials when he was the target of these hits.
Why Does It Matter?
The inconsistency in officiating protection for Jackson brings into focus a larger issue: the underlying systemic biases in the NFL, particularly when it comes to how black quarterbacks are treated. Lamar Jackson’s style of play, his race, and his perceived role in the NFL are all part of a complicated narrative that has led some to argue that Jackson is unfairly treated by referees and other powers within the NFL.
The Historical Context of Discrimination Against Black Quarterbacks
To fully understand the gravity of these concerns, it’s important to look at the broader history of African American quarterbacks in the NFL. Historically, black quarterbacks have faced a unique set of challenges, both on and off the field. When the NFL began in the 1920s, the quarterback position was often seen as a job suited for white players. Black athletes were largely excluded from this leadership role, with racial prejudices preventing many from even being considered for the position.
Even as African American athletes began to break through the racial barriers in the sport, black quarterbacks were often treated with suspicion and skepticism. Many critics doubted their ability to lead teams to victory, despite their evident talent. The doubters, more often than not, were reinforced by media narratives that emphasized race and questioned the competence of black quarterbacks, framing them as less cerebral or less capable of understanding the intricacies of the quarterback position.
This longstanding history of marginalization has shaped how some individuals within the league view black quarterbacks, even today. Despite the success of players like Michael Vick, Russell Wilson, and, of course, Lamar Jackson, there remains a distinct bias in how their abilities and accomplishments are perceived.
Jackson, in particular, has frequently been labeled as a “running quarterback,” with many detractors refusing to give him credit for his prowess as a passer. This type of criticism plays into a racialized narrative that suggests that black quarterbacks are only valuable if they can run the ball, while white quarterbacks are often seen as more capable when it comes to making plays with their arms. This stereotype further fuels the perception that Jackson’s style of play is less valuable and his success is not as worthy of celebration as the achievements of quarterbacks like Allen or Mahomes.
The Implication of Prejudice in the NFL’s Refereeing
So, how does this connect to the Ravens-Bills game? Many believe that the failure of referees to call penalties on the violent hits on Jackson is a symptom of the larger, systemic bias within the NFL. The league has made strides in ensuring that all quarterbacks receive adequate protection, but it is hard to ignore the suspicion that Jackson, as an African American quarterback, is not always afforded the same level of protection as his counterparts.
The NFL has a long history of favoring star quarterbacks, particularly white quarterbacks, when it comes to penalties for late hits, roughing the passer, and low hits. In many cases, quarterbacks like Brady, Mahomes, and Allen, who are some of the faces of the NFL, seem to be consistently protected from these types of dangerous hits. This is not to say that Jackson isn’t a star—he is, without question, one of the most electrifying players in the league. However, it is important to acknowledge that his unique style of play, combined with his race, places him in a position where his hits go unnoticed or unpunished.
What’s more concerning is that this apparent lack of protection for Jackson isn’t just a one-off incident. Throughout his career, Jackson has been the victim of rough treatment on the field, but he often receives less protection from referees than other quarterbacks. Whether it’s the lack of flags on hits to his legs or ignoring obvious late hits, there seems to be an underlying pattern of referees failing to call penalties when Jackson is involved.
The NFL’s Public Image and Responsibility
As one of the most prominent sports leagues in the world, the NFL holds a significant amount of influence in shaping public perceptions. The league’s decisions regarding officiating, player protection, and media portrayal are closely watched, and these decisions have lasting implications.
The NFL has, at least in public, taken strides to address issues of racial equality and fairness. Initiatives such as the Rooney Rule, which mandates that teams interview minority candidates for head coach and senior football operations positions, have been put in place to ensure that opportunities are available to all qualified candidates, regardless of race. However, these measures often fall short when it comes to addressing the subtle forms of racism and discrimination that persist in the league. The NFL, as an institution, must take responsibility for ensuring that African American players, particularly quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, are afforded the same protection and respect as their white counterparts.
In Jackson’s case, it is crucial that the league and its referees provide consistent protection for him as they would for any other star quarterback. If the league continues to allow inconsistent officiating and treatment of Jackson, it will only perpetuate the cycle of prejudice and discrimination that has plagued the NFL for decades.
Looking Forward: What Needs to Change?
The way referees treat Lamar Jackson, and by extension, the way they treat all black quarterbacks, needs to change. Moving forward, there must be a renewed commitment to ensuring that Jackson, and players like him, are treated fairly on the field. The NFL must take stronger actions to educate its officials on the importance of player safety and ensure that there are no disparities in how penalties are enforced based on the race or playing style of the quarterback.
Jackson has repeatedly proven that he deserves to be seen as one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. His talent is undeniable, and the Ravens’ success is largely built around his playmaking ability. But until the league addresses these issues of bias—whether in officiating or in the way Jackson is perceived—there will continue to be questions about the fairness of how he is treated compared to others in the league.
If the NFL is serious about upholding its commitment to racial equality, it must begin by ensuring that all players, regardless of race or style of play, are afforded the protection and respect they deserve. Lamar Jackson’s candid frustration during the Ravens-Bills game is just the latest reminder that the league has a long way to go in addressing these systemic issues. Only then can the NFL truly move forward, ensuring that all players are treated fairly and equally, regardless of their background or playing style.
