Lamar Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson are two famous celebrities who share the same last name. Lamar Jackson is a star quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League (NFL), while Samuel L. Jackson is a renowned actor and producer who has appeared in over 100 films, including the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Star Wars prequel trilogy. But are they related to each other? The answer is no, they are not.
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How Did the Rumor Start?
The rumor that Lamar Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson are related started when a photo of a young Samuel L. Jackson surfaced on social media in 2020. The photo showed Samuel L. Jackson as an usher for Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia in 1968. The photo caught the attention of many football fans, who noticed the striking resemblance between the young Samuel L. Jackson and Lamar Jackson. Some even joked that they were the same person or that they were father and son.
The photo also reached Lamar Jackson’s teammate, Ravens defensive back Marlon Humphrey, who tweeted: “No cap I thought this was Lamar”. Lamar Jackson responded by saying: “Duhh Thatz Uncle Samuel Jackson”. However, this was clearly a humorous remark and not a confirmation of any familial ties.
What Do They Have in Common?
Despite not being related, Lamar Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson do have some things in common besides their surname. For one thing, they are both successful and influential in their respective fields. Lamar Jackson is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, having won the MVP award in 2019 and leading the Ravens to three consecutive playoff appearances. Samuel L. Jackson is one of the most prolific and recognizable actors of his generation, having earned numerous awards and accolades for his performances in films such as Pulp Fiction, Django Unchained, and The Avengers.
Another thing they have in common is their support for each other’s careers. Samuel L. Jackson has shown his admiration for Lamar Jackson’s football skills on several occasions. In 2016, he posted a viral photo on Instagram that featured Traveon Samuel and Lamar Jackson sitting next to each other on the Louisville bench. The jerseys they were wearing coincidentally spelled out “Samuel L. Jackson”. In the caption of the Instagram post, Samuel L. Jackson expressed his appreciation for Lamar Jackson and his college team, the Louisville Cardinals. He referred to himself as a “big fan” and gave a shout-out to the Louisville Cardinals football team.
Lamar Jackson has also reciprocated the respect and admiration for Samuel L. Jackson’s acting career. In 2019, he revealed that his favorite movie of all time was Pulp Fiction, which starred Samuel L. Jackson as Jules Winnfield, a hitman with a penchant for quoting scripture. Lamar Jackson said that he liked the movie because of its “twists and turns” and its “funny moments”. He also said that he admired Samuel L. Jackson’s acting skills and his ability to play different roles.
What Is the Origin of Their Surname?
The surname “Jackson” is one of the most common surnames in the United States, ranking sixth according to the 2010 census. It is derived from the given name “Jack”, which is a diminutive form of “John”, meaning “God is gracious”. The suffix “-son” indicates “son of”, so “Jackson” literally means “son of Jack” or “son of John”.
The surname “Jackson” has been used by people of various ethnicities and backgrounds, including English, Scottish, Irish, Welsh, Jewish, African American, and Native American. It is possible that some people with this surname are related by blood or by marriage, but it is also possible that they are not.
According to Ancestry.com, some of the earliest recorded bearers of this surname were:
- John Jakson (1273), who lived in Lincolnshire, England.
- William Jakson (1296), who lived in Lanarkshire, Scotland.
- Thomas Jakson (1327), who lived in Somerset, England.
- Richard Jakson (1379), who lived in Yorkshire, England.
- Robert Jakson (1397), who lived in Norfolk, England.
Some of the most famous people with this surname include:
- Andrew Jackson (1767-1845), who was the seventh president of the United States.
- Stonewall Jackson (1824-1863), who was a Confederate general during the American Civil War.
- Michael Jackson (1958-2009), who was a pop singer and dancer known as the “King of Pop”.
- Janet Jackson (1966-), who is a pop singer and dancer known for her hit songs and videos.
- Bo Jackson (1962-), who is a former professional baseball and football player who excelled in both sports.
Conclusion
Lamar Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson are not related to each other, despite sharing the same surname and having some similarities in their careers and personalities. They are both successful and influential in their own fields, and they have shown mutual respect and admiration for each other’s work. Their surname “Jackson” is a common one that has been used by people of various ethnicities and backgrounds for centuries, and it does not necessarily indicate any familial connection. Therefore, the rumor that they are related is false and should be dismissed.
