In the world of sports, there are many superstitions and myths that athletes and fans alike cling to, but one of the most enduring and curious is the infamous “Drake Curse.” Named after Canadian rapper Drake, this so-called curse has seemingly affected athletes from a wide variety of sports, with many star players experiencing unexpected setbacks or losses after being photographed or publicly supported by Drake. The theory has been widely discussed, joked about, and even used as an explanation for some bizarre performances. But this past season, Lamar Jackson finally bucked that trend in spectacular fashion, delivering a stellar performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers and proving that the curse, like many superstitions, is just that — a myth.
### 1. **The Drake Curse: A Brief Overview**
Before we dive into Lamar Jackson’s breakout moment, let’s take a quick detour to understand the “Drake Curse” and why it became so infamous in the first place. The legend of the curse started to gain traction in 2013, when Drake began associating himself with high-profile athletes. At first, it seemed like a simple coincidence: the rapper, known for his love of sports and his frequent presence at games, began posting pictures with athletes such as Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, and the Toronto Raptors.
However, as time went on, a troubling pattern began to emerge. Many of the athletes who were spotted with Drake — or who received public endorsements from him — seemed to experience a dip in form, suffer injuries, or lose major events shortly after their interactions with the rapper. This “curse” became particularly notable in 2018, when athletes like Serena Williams, who was famously supported by Drake during her bid for the US Open title, lost big matches.
The curse continued to spread, as fans and media outlets found more and more examples of athletes struggling after their association with Drake. But as with most superstitions, the more you look for patterns, the more you see them — and eventually, it became an internet meme.
### 2. **Lamar Jackson and the Drake Curse**
Lamar Jackson, the dynamic quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens, became one of the latest athletes to be tied to the curse. Back in 2020, Jackson posed for a picture with Drake, and the media couldn’t help but immediately jump on the narrative. At the time, Jackson was having a historic season, leading the Ravens to a franchise-record 14-2 regular-season finish and winning the NFL MVP award. The hype around the quarterback was undeniable, and many were eager to see him lead the Ravens deep into the playoffs.
But as we all know, Jackson’s playoff performance that year didn’t match the regular-season brilliance. The Ravens were eliminated in the Divisional Round by the Tennessee Titans, and Jackson had a rough game, throwing a costly interception and struggling with consistency. The internet had a field day, with memes and jokes about the Drake Curse spreading like wildfire.
Although many fans pointed to this as an example of the curse, it wasn’t just the 2020 season where Lamar Jackson was connected to it. Throughout his career, Jackson had struggled to break through in big moments in the playoffs, which added fuel to the growing narrative that his association with Drake might be a jinx of sorts.
### 3. **The Turning Point: Ravens vs. Steelers**
Fast forward to the 2022 NFL season. Lamar Jackson had become one of the most electric quarterbacks in the league, winning MVP honors and consistently leading the Ravens to the playoffs. But despite his success, he had yet to exorcise the demons of the Drake Curse — especially in his matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the Ravens’ biggest rivals.
For years, the Steelers had been a thorn in the side of Jackson and the Ravens, with many of their victories coming in games where Jackson struggled. This gave the Steelers an extra layer of confidence whenever they faced off against Baltimore. And, unsurprisingly, whenever Jackson and the Ravens seemed poised for a breakthrough, they found themselves thwarted by the Steelers’ defense and timely plays.
But in Week 14 of the 2022 season, something changed. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens traveled to Pittsburgh for what was shaping up to be yet another pivotal divisional matchup. The stakes were high, as both teams were vying for playoff positions, and the Ravens were hoping to break through in their rivalry with the Steelers. To add an interesting twist to the drama, Drake had recently posted about Jackson on social media once again, sending his public support for the Ravens’ star quarterback. This set the stage for the perfect narrative — could Jackson finally break the curse?
### 4. **Jackson’s Stellar Performance**
What happened next was nothing short of electrifying. Lamar Jackson, determined to prove that he could rise above any superstition or curse, delivered an absolute masterclass against the Steelers. From the opening drive, Jackson looked sharp, displaying the kind of leadership and poise that he had become known for throughout his career.
In the first half, Jackson made plays with both his arm and his legs. He threw for two touchdowns, one of which was a beautiful deep ball to his receiver in the end zone, showcasing his arm strength and accuracy. But it was his mobility that really turned heads. Jackson dodged Steelers defenders with his signature agility and quickness, picking up crucial first downs and keeping the Pittsburgh defense on its heels. He was in total command of the game, with every move seeming calculated and purposeful.
But what made this performance particularly special was how Jackson handled the moments that mattered most — in clutch situations. With the game tied late in the fourth quarter and the Ravens needing a touchdown to seal the win, Jackson remained calm and collected. He orchestrated a brilliant final drive, reading the defense, making quick decisions, and ultimately leading the Ravens down the field for a game-winning score. It was a performance that erased the memory of previous playoff disappointments and doubters alike.
The Ravens defeated the Steelers with a commanding 28-20 victory, and Lamar Jackson was once again the talk of the NFL. His 350 total yards (253 passing and 97 rushing), along with three total touchdowns, were a testament to his skill, leadership, and ability to rise to the occasion. This wasn’t just a regular-season win — it was a statement game that would go down as one of the defining moments of his career.
### 5. **The End of the Curse?**
After this dazzling performance, it’s safe to say that Lamar Jackson had officially broken the “Drake Curse.” The internet buzzed with reactions, with fans and analysts praising his performance and pointing out that, contrary to the superstition, Jackson had delivered when it mattered most. The combination of his talent, determination, and clutch ability had silenced any doubters, and the curse that had haunted him — and many other athletes — was now relegated to the realm of myths and superstitions.
What made this victory particularly sweet for Jackson was not just the win itself, but the way he did it. He proved that no external forces, be it curses or rivalries, could derail his career. Jackson’s growth as a leader and quarterback had been evident, and this game against the Steelers was the perfect exclamation point on his continued evolution.
### 6. **The Legacy of Lamar Jackson**
Lamar Jackson’s stellar performance against the Steelers in 2022 wasn’t just about breaking a curse — it was about proving that he was one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. In doing so, he not only silenced critics but also sent a message to the world that superstitions and curses have no place in his story.
As Jackson continues to build his legacy in the NFL, this game will be remembered as one of the key moments in his career — the game that finally exorcised the demons of the Drake Curse and showed everyone that Lamar Jackson is a force to be reckoned with.