Chris Simms doubles down on his annual take:

“He was insanely good, but yet I still don’t condone Lamar Jackson not being there with the Ravens through OTAs and the workouts. … These are the little things I look at that maybe get you over the hump. … I wish he was there… pic.twitter.com/e2lkZ43SS1

— Bobby Trosset (@bobbybaltim0re) June 10, 2025

No one’s going to be everyone’s cup of tea. Find your social circle. Be respectful of everyone as best you can. Be especially kind to those who love you, and as you continue to grow, use the criticism of others as fuel. That’s free advice for everyone. That last statement was made with Lamar Jackson in mind. Sometimes, it feels like the Baltimore Ravens star can’t catch a break.

Action Jackson’s most prominent detractors are well-known. Nick Wright makes it almost unbearable to watch FS1’s First Things First. Then, there’s the former NFL QB, NBC Sports’ Chris Simms.

Who knows where Simms keeps finding his motivation to launch his attacks on Lamar Jackson at this point, but he never seems to run out of material. This time around, we’re discussing the quarterback’s absence at OTAs, an issue seemingly only drawing the ire of Phil’s firstborn.

Lamar Jackson misses OTAs, and Chris Simms certainly noticed

As we’ve known for quite some time, participation in organized team activities is voluntary. Lamar Jackson was one of ten reported Ravens who missed the eighth session. Day 9 is scheduled for Wednesday. No one expects Lamar’s attendance at that one either.

Being absent means Jackson, per his contract, missed out on an additional $750,000. If he isn’t bothered by this and his teammates and coaches aren’t losing sleep over his decision, one might be tempted to wonder why Chris Simms is so agitated, but let’s be honest.

Here’s an attempt to play devil’s advocate. The attention paid to this is understandable in some ways. No… Hear us out… It’s the summer. Platforms tasked with providing daily content need something to discuss, but this is reaching. Don’t expect to see Mr. Simms at M&T Bank Stadium as a guest of honor anytime soon.

As far as Lamar is concerned. He’ll be present when Baltimore begins mandatory minicamp. The keyword there is ‘mandatory’. It’s time to retire the arguments about whether or not veterans are better teammates because they spend more time at the practice facility in the summertime.

That isn’t to say they aren’t. This is simply a reminder that the other guys in the locker room and Lamar’s coaches aren’t upset by a ‘voluntary’ absence. Do you see how many times the word ‘voluntary’ has been mentioned?

Here lies another argument about Jackson’s leadership that can be retired. Bury that one next to discussions about his postseason record. Everyone can do without constant reminders about that little nugget as well.