Let’s be real for a second. If you’ve spent any time on the internet over the last few years, you’ve probably seen that one grainy side-by-side photo. You know the one. It’s a young, 1960s-era Samuel L. Jackson looking startlingly like a twin of the Baltimore Ravens’ superstar quarterback.
The resemblance is uncanny. It’s basically a glitch in the matrix.
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But beyond the memes and the "long-lost father" jokes that refuse to die on X (formerly Twitter), there’s a weirdly deep connection between these two men that has nothing to do with DNA. It’s about two guys who completely refused to let people put them in a box. One was told he was too "unrefined" for leading roles; the other was told he should probably just give up and play wide receiver.
They both won. Big time.
The Viral Mystery: Are Samuel L. Jackson and Lamar Jackson Actually Related?
Short answer: No.
Honestly, they aren’t even from the same part of the country. Samuel L. Jackson was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Lamar, on the other hand, is a Florida man through and through, hailing from Pompano Beach.
The "father-son" rumors caught so much fire because of a specific photo of Samuel from his days as a student activist at Morehouse College. In the late 60s, Samuel had the same jawline, the same intense gaze, and—if we’re being honest—the same "don't mess with me" energy that Lamar carries into a fourth-quarter drive. Even Lamar's own teammate, Marlon Humphrey, once joked on social media that he couldn't tell the difference.
Despite the lack of a bloodline, the Hollywood legend is a massive fan.
Back in 2016, when Lamar was still lighting up the ACC at Louisville, Samuel L. Jackson posted a photo to Instagram of Lamar sitting on the bench next to a teammate named Traveon Samuel. Their jerseys literally spelled out "Samuel L. Jackson."
The actor’s caption? "Errrrrbody knows I’m a Big Fan!!"
Fast forward to 2026, and that mutual respect has actually turned into a working relationship. Lamar recently admitted in a GQ interview that he reached out to the Pulp Fiction star for advice on getting into voice acting. He wants to do children’s cartoons. Who better to ask than the guy who voiced Frozone and Mace Windu?
Two Paths of Pure Defiance
It’s easy to look at them now and see icons. But it wasn't always like that.
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Samuel L. Jackson didn’t even get his "big break" until he was in his 40s. Think about that. Most actors are considered "washed" by that age if they haven't made it. He spent years struggling with addiction and playing bit parts. It wasn't until 1991’s Jungle Fever and then 1994’s Pulp Fiction that the world finally realized what they’d been missing.
Lamar Jackson faced a different kind of "no."
Coming out of college, scouts were literally telling him to switch positions. They said his "style" wouldn't work in the pros. He was too fast, too erratic, not "quarterback-y" enough.
Lamar didn't just ignore them; he embarrassed them.
- He became the second-ever unanimous MVP in NFL history.
- He broke Michael Vick’s single-season rushing record for a QB.
- He negotiated a $260 million contract extension in 2023 without a traditional agent.
By early 2026, the conversation has shifted from "can he play?" to "how much can the Ravens afford to pay him?" His current cap hit is hovering around $74.5 million. That’s not just "star" money; that’s "the entire franchise depends on you" money.
The 2026 Landscape: Where They Stand Now
As of right now, Samuel L. Jackson is still the highest-grossing actor of all time. His movies have pulled in something like $27 billion globally. He’s currently filming The Great Beyond (scheduled for later this year) and just wrapped Afterburn. The man is 77 years old and still outworking people half his age.
Meanwhile, Lamar is entering a critical phase of his career. The 2025 season was a bit of a rollercoaster with some nagging injuries, but the Ravens’ front office—led by Eric DeCosta—is already pushing for another extension.
Why? Because they know the window is closing.
They want to lower that massive 2026 cap hit to bring in more "big-ticket items," like a veteran wide receiver to pair with Zay Flowers. The team effectively chose Lamar over long-time coach John Harbaugh recently, proving that in Baltimore, No. 8 is the law.
Common Misconceptions to Toss Out
- The "Lamar can't pass" myth: In 2024, he actually led the league in passer rating for a significant stretch. He’s a dual-threat, not a "running back playing QB."
- The "Samuel is just Nick Fury" thing: New fans sometimes forget his theater roots. He was a Tony nominee for The Piano Lesson just a few years ago. He’s a classically trained heavy hitter, not just a blockbuster cameo.
- The name thing: People still search "Lamar Samuel Jackson." That guy doesn't exist. It's just two goats with a shared name and a very similar face.
Why This Connection Matters
Ultimately, both Jacksons represent a specific kind of American excellence that thrives on being underestimated.
Samuel took the "angry Black man" trope and turned it into a sophisticated, multi-billion dollar brand. Lamar took the "mobile QB" stereotype and turned it into a two-time MVP resume. They both operate with a level of independence that scares the establishment. Samuel picks the scripts he likes (and the ones that let him go golfing), and Lamar handles his own business meetings.
If you’re looking for a takeaway, it’s basically this: ignore the scouts. Whether you're in a film studio or on a 40-yard line, the only person who defines your "position" is you.
Your Next Steps:
- Verify the stats: Keep an eye on the Ravens' salary cap moves this February; if Lamar signs a new extension, it'll likely be the biggest news in the NFL before the draft.
- Watch the classics: If you’ve only seen Samuel L. Jackson in Marvel movies, go back and watch A Time to Kill or Jackie Brown to see why he’s actually considered a master of the craft.
- Follow the brand: Check out Lamar’s Era 8 apparel line if you want to see how he’s building a business empire outside of football.