Baltimore Artist Shows 'Love' to Ravens QB Lamar Jackson with Painting
As Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson prepares for what fans hope will be a deep playoff run this winter, he will be doing so while feeling some extra love from a devoted and quite talented fan.
Artist Brian Bomster-Jabs, a native of Baltimore and self-professed "die-hard" Ravens fan, recently opted to use his talent to show his appreciation for his favorite team's star quarterback. Within approximately a week, Bomster-Jabs crafted a painting of Jackson – depicting the entirety (to date) of his football career from high school, to college, and finally in the NFL. The work features artist renderings of the 27-year-old receiving his first NFL MVP award, as well as images of Jackson's mother and friend/rapper Kodak Black.
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Having received pregame sideline passes to the Ravens' regular-season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Jan. 6, Bomster-Jabs knew that he had the perfect chance to present Jackson with his tribute.
"I really wanted to commemorate what he's accomplished so far," Bomster-Jabs told baltimoreravens.com. "I might have to update it soon though because we want that 'ship."
With the top spot in the AFC, as well as a first-round bye, already secured, Jackson, was inactive for the matchup against the Steelers. Accordingly, he was able to pay a visit to Bomster-Jabs, who was excited, yet waiting patiently on the sidelines.
"He was just so happy and appreciative. It was all love," the young artist said. "You could just see the joy and excitement in his eyes. He was so happy and said thank you."
After a 2022 season in which his contract status overshadowed his play on the field, Jackson surged back to the NFL's upper echelon at his position in 2023. Having agreed to a five-year contract worth $260 million with $185 million guaranteed in the offseason, the Louisville product has proven himself worthy of Baltimore's investment. He finished the regular season with career highs in pass completions (307), completion percentage (67.2), and passing yards (3678.) He also threw for 24 touchdowns while rushing for an additional five. As such, he is considered a front-runner for NFL MVP.
Still, Bomster-Jabs' gift was as much about Jackson's emotional and inspirational impact on the city as it was for his greatness on the gridiron. The Ravens quarterback was both honored and grateful for his token of appreciation.
"Lamar gives Baltimore so much. He's such an inspiration," Bomster-Jabs said. "Celebrities and people always get asked for stuff so what I like to do is give. I like to give them their flowers."
With Jackson now the proud recipient of a "Bomster-Jabs" original, the Charm City native revealed to ravens.com that he plans on painting similar pieces to honor Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (with whom he shares Korean heritage) and rookie receiver Zay Flowers.
