Lamar Jackson & Josh Allen Share Moment After Bills End Ravens’ Season: ‘Great Players Recognize Greatness’

The play clock wound down with the Buffalo Bills in victory formation. As Josh Allen knelt a final time, cementing the 27-25 divisional round win, he made a beeline to – opposing quarterback Lamar Jackson.

The quarterbacks shared a handshake and a few words in a stunning display of sportsmanship despite their increasingly heated MVP race.

“I got so much respect and love for [Jackson],” Allen later told Tracy Wolfson. “The way he plays the game, he’s a true competitor, he’s a true football player. One of the greatest to ever step on the football field. Nothing but love.”

The game itself wasn’t either player’s best: Buffalo won mainly on the ground, as Allen had just 127 passing yards (but two rushing touchdowns), while Jackson tossed for 254 yards and two touchdowns but lost a fumble and an interception. The ultimate difference? A drop on the two-point conversion from Ravens tight end Mark Andrews.

Both quarterbacks seemed to appreciate the closeness of the game and emphasized each other’s previous success when asked.

“Great players recognize greatness,” said Jackson.

“I told him, ‘Man, go get something. Go win something. MVP or Super Bowl. Do something.’ I want him to be successful.”

Allen and the Bills will be looking to do just that in the AFC Championship next Sunday. They face Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, still in the mix for a third consecutive Super Bowl, with the aim to avenge a divisional round heartbreaker last year. And the Chiefs have seemed nearly indomitable all year – save for the Bills’ win over them in Week 11.

Yes, another clash of great quarterbacks is in the cards. For now, though, sportsmanship prevails.