Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson isn’t particularly thrilled about playing another Christmas game this year. However, he’s certainly excited about the halftime entertainment, where none other than Beyoncé will perform.
During a media session on Monday, Jackson revealed his plans to watch the superstar’s halftime performance during the Ravens’ game against the Houston Texans on Christmas Day. “I’m going to go out there and watch,” Jackson said with a smile. “It’s my first time seeing Beyoncé perform, and it’s happening at our game — that’s amazing. I’ll definitely be watching. Sorry, Coach [John Harbaugh], sorry team. Sorry, everyone.”
When asked about his favorite Beyoncé song, Jackson quickly referenced “Irreplaceable,” mentioning its famous lyric “To the left, to the left.” His enthusiasm for seeing the Grammy-winning artist didn’t waver, even when reporters playfully asked if his decision to watch her performance might depend on the Ravens’ lead over the Texans. “No, it doesn’t matter about the lead,” Jackson clarified. “I’m just excited to see Beyoncé for the first time.”
Earlier in the day, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh faced questions about whether the team’s locker room would be soundproof during the game, ensuring players wouldn’t be tempted by the music. Harbaugh humorously recalled a similar situation from Super Bowl LVI, where Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson was caught watching Snoop Dogg perform at halftime instead of staying with his team. “There’ll be trouble, big trouble,” Harbaugh joked, imagining a similar scenario involving his own players.
Harbaugh also shared his thoughts on Beyoncé’s music, though he admitted he’s not a devoted fan. “I can’t say I’m a huge Beyoncé fan, but I think I like her,” he said, before asking if she performs country music now. “You’ll have to tell me if she includes any country songs in her set.”
The coach later remembered Beyoncé’s iconic halftime performance during the Ravens’ last Super Bowl appearance, where her electrifying set coincided with a power outage at the Caesars Superdome. “Oh, right, I do remember that now,” Harbaugh said with a laugh.
The Ravens head into this year’s Christmas game with momentum, having clinched a playoff berth after their 34-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. The win moved them into a first-place tie with Pittsburgh atop the AFC North, giving them a 52.9% chance of claiming the division title, according to ESPN Analytics.
Despite the excitement surrounding the game, Jackson expressed mixed feelings about playing on Christmas for a second consecutive year. “I’d love to spend the holiday with my family at home,” he said. “I don’t want to make playing on Christmas a yearly thing — not every year.” However, Jackson acknowledged the unique opportunity and the attention the game would draw. “All jokes aside, it’s great. It’s like a gift for everyone. People get to watch us play, and there will be so many eyes on us. I think it’s the perfect time to show what we can do.”
The Ravens’ Christmas matchup against the Texans will certainly bring the holiday spirit to fans, blending football with the spectacle of Beyoncé’s halftime performance. For Jackson, it’s an evening that promises both the intensity of a high-stakes game and the excitement of experiencing one of the world’s most celebrated performers live for the first time.
