Lamar Jackson on Josh Allen: I’m trying to beat you, not be your friend

The NFL’s top two MVP candidates will meet Sunday when Lamar Jackson leads the Ravens against Josh Allen and the Bills. And Jackson absolutely wants to win.

When asked if he and Allen ever get together during the offseason, Jackson said he spends his offseason trying to become better than his opponents, not spending time with them.

“Am I seeing Josh Allen?” I don’t know, I probably saw Josh early in my career, going to events, like the Super Bowl days and stuff like that,” Jackson said. “I don’t really relax with the people in the offseason, especially not with other quarterbacks Don’t get me wrong, there’s no problem, but we’re competing against each other I’m trying to beat you I’m not trying. to be your friend.

When asked if he thought he would always be linked to Allen because they were drafted in the same first round, Jackson said he expected to one day reflect on their shared legacy, but this day is not today.

“Probably when we’re older we’ll probably laugh about it, but right now it’s serious. I’m not laughing with you,” Jackson said.

Sunday’s game will be important in defining the legacies of both quarterbacks, and Jackson goes into it with a competitive mindset. Not a friendly state of mind.