5 Shocking Truths About The Samuel L. Jackson And Lamar Jackson 'Father-Son' Connection

The internet has a remarkable ability to create viral rumors that blur the line between fact and fiction, and few are as persistent and entertaining as the supposed familial connection between legendary Hollywood actor Samuel L. Jackson and superstar NFL quarterback Lamar Jackson. As of December 2025, this decade-long running joke has evolved from a simple side-by-side photo meme to a genuine, albeit humorous, relationship that has even influenced the actor's NFL allegiances and led to direct, professional interaction between the two iconic figures.

The curiosity stems from more than just a shared, common surname; it’s fueled by a striking, though often exaggerated, physical resemblance and the sheer star power of both men. While the factual answer is a definitive "No, they are not related," the story of how Samuel L. Jackson embraced the rumor—going so far as to jokingly claim the Baltimore Ravens quarterback as his "bastard son"—is a fascinating tale of pop culture colliding with professional sports, creating a unique and memorable bond that continues to make headlines.

Lamar Jackson: A Profile of the NFL's Most Dynamic Quarterback

Before diving into the meme that connected him to the star of Pulp Fiction, it's essential to understand the meteoric rise of the man at the center of the NFL universe, Lamar Jackson. His journey from college phenom to league MVP is a narrative of breaking molds and rewriting the quarterback position's rules.

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• Full Name: Lamar Demeatrice Jackson Jr.
• Born: January 7, 1997, in Pompano Beach, Florida.
• Mother: Felicia Jones. His father, Lamar Jackson Sr., passed away when Jackson was young.
• College: University of Louisville (Louisville Cardinals).
• Major College Accomplishment: Won the Heisman Trophy in 2016, becoming the youngest player ever to win the prestigious award at the time.
• NFL Draft: Selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the 32nd pick (final pick of the first round) in the 2018 NFL Draft.
• Key NFL Accolades: NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2019 (unanimous vote), becoming only the second player in NFL history to do so. He has also been named to multiple Pro Bowls.
• Playing Style: Known for his electrifying speed, agility, and unique ability to both run and pass the ball at an elite level, redefining the dual-threat quarterback role.
• Current Team: Baltimore Ravens.

Jackson's on-field success, particularly his MVP season, brought him into the national spotlight with an intensity that few players experience. This immense visibility, combined with the power of social media, set the stage for the humorous mix-up with the Hollywood icon.

The Viral Meme: How the 'Bastard Son' Joke Took Off

The entire connection between the two Jacksons is rooted in a simple, yet enduring, internet meme. The joke gained traction shortly after Lamar Jackson entered the NFL, with fans sharing side-by-side pictures of the actor and the quarterback, pointing out a perceived resemblance.

The Uncanny Resemblance and Shared Name

The initial confusion was purely surface-level. Both men are prominent figures in their respective fields, sharing the same last name, and possess a similar look, especially when Samuel L. Jackson has a bald or close-cropped hairstyle. The internet quickly ran with the idea, creating a narrative that the Hollywood legend must be the father of the rising NFL star. This "familial connection" was, of course, entirely fabricated by fans for comedic effect.

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Samuel L. Jackson's Playful Acceptance

The joke truly solidified when Samuel L. Jackson publicly acknowledged and embraced the rumor. During an appearance on *Jimmy Kimmel Live*, the host brought up the side-by-side photos and the fan theories. The actor, known for his witty and charismatic persona, leaned into the absurdity of the situation.

He jokingly admitted that Lamar Jackson was his "bastard son." This self-aware, humorous response instantly legitimized the meme in the eyes of the public and the media, transforming a simple internet rumor into an ongoing pop-culture phenomenon. The actor's playful acceptance showed his understanding of the meme culture and his willingness to participate in the fun.

The actor further elaborated, mentioning that the theory had been circulating since Lamar Jackson's college days at the University of Louisville. "There's all kinds of side-by-side pictures of us online," Jackson told Kimmel, acknowledging the sheer volume of the fan-made content.

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From Meme to Mutual Respect: The Real-Life Impact of the Joke

What started as a joke has had tangible, real-world consequences, most notably in Samuel L. Jackson's professional sports loyalties and a direct line of communication between the two men.

The Unexpected Shift in NFL Allegiance

Samuel L. Jackson has long been a devoted fan of the Atlanta Falcons, his hometown team. However, the viral "bastard son" joke created a new, powerful rooting interest. The actor confirmed that while he "can't not be a Falcon fan," he now cheers most enthusiastically for the Baltimore Ravens.

His reason is simple and tied directly to the meme: he roots for the Ravens because Lamar Jackson is his "bastard son." This shift highlights the powerful influence of a personal connection, even a fictional, joke-based one, in the world of professional sports fandom. The actor’s support for the Ravens became a recurring topic in the media, frequently brought up during the NFL season, especially when the Ravens were performing well in late 2024 and heading into the 2025 playoffs.

Lamar Jackson Reaches Out for a Voiceover Role

Perhaps the most significant development is the confirmation of a direct, professional interaction between the two Jacksons. Lamar Jackson, in a media appearance, revealed that he had reached out to Samuel L. Jackson for a voiceover role.

While the details of the project or whether the voiceover was completed are not widely public, this revelation confirms that the two men have communicated and that Lamar Jackson is aware of, and willing to engage with, the public narrative surrounding their perceived connection. This move from the NFL star shows a savvy understanding of marketing and a desire to leverage the viral fame of the meme for a professional endeavor, possibly for a commercial, documentary, or personal project.

Topical Authority: The Samuel L. Jackson Cinematic Universe (SLJCU)

The joke is a testament to Samuel L. Jackson’s massive cultural footprint, which extends far beyond the silver screen. His career, marked by iconic roles like Jules Winnfield in *Pulp Fiction*, Mace Windu in the *Star Wars* franchise, and Nick Fury in the *Marvel Cinematic Universe* (MCU), has made him one of the most recognizable and quotable figures in modern cinema. This level of fame ensures that any association with him, even a humorous one, instantly elevates the profile of the other party.

In a world where celebrities often distance themselves from internet rumors, Samuel L. Jackson’s willingness to participate has made the "Lamar Jackson is my son" story a beloved piece of sports and pop culture trivia. It’s a unique example of how a Hollywood icon and an NFL star can be connected not by blood, but by the power of a viral joke and mutual respect for one another’s work ethic and success.

The story of Samuel L. Jackson and Lamar Jackson is a reminder that sometimes, the best connections are the ones created by a collective imagination, a good sense of humor, and two men who happen to share a legendary name.