The intersection of college football rivalries and professional sports narratives often creates compelling stories. For fans of the University of Louisville, the shared journey of Lamar Jackson and Jaire Alexander from the Cardinals’ football field to the grand stage of the NFL has been a source of immense pride. Now, in a twist of fate that feels almost destined, these two former collegiate standouts are set to share the stage once more, this time as teammates on the Baltimore Ravens.1
Their paths diverged after their electrifying days at Louisville. Lamar Jackson, the dynamic, record-breaking quarterback, went on to be selected with the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, defying some pre-draft doubters and ultimately reshaping the quarterback position.2 He quickly silenced critics, evolving into a two-time NFL MVP, an offensive juggernaut who revolutionized Baltimore’s offensive scheme.3 His unparalleled athleticism, combined with a continually improving arm, has made him one of the most exciting and dominant players in the league.
Jaire Alexander, on the other hand, was chosen earlier in the same 2018 draft, going 18th overall to the Green Bay Packers.4 As a premier cornerback, Alexander rapidly established himself as one of the NFL’s elite defensive backs.5 Known for his lockdown coverage, sticky man-to-man ability, and an infectious swagger, he earned two Pro Bowl selections and was recognized as a second-team All-Pro twice.6 He became a cornerstone of the Packers’ defense, often tasked with shadowing the opponent’s best wide receiver.7
Their collegiate bond at Louisville was evident even then. Jackson, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, commanded the offense with his breathtaking plays, while Alexander anchored the secondary with his defensive prowess and vocal leadership. They were two foundational pieces of a thrilling Louisville team that captured national attention. A particularly heartwarming moment from the 2018 NFL Draft went viral, capturing Alexander’s genuine joy and excitement as he paused his own draft-night media interview to celebrate Jackson’s selection by the Ravens. It was a raw, unfiltered display of friendship and mutual respect that transcended their individual career milestones.
Fast forward to June 2025. Alexander’s tenure with the Green Bay Packers, while highly successful individually, had come to an end. After seven seasons, he was released by the team on June 9th, a move that cleared significant cap space for Green Bay.8 Despite some recent injury struggles that limited his availability in the 2023 and 2024 seasons (playing in just 14 games over that stretch), Alexander, at 28 years old, was still widely regarded as a top-tier cornerback when healthy.9
The moment Alexander hit the open market, speculation immediately began to swirl. And none were more vocal in their desire for a reunion than Lamar Jackson himself. Jackson, known for his calm demeanor off the field, made a rare public plea to the Ravens’ general manager, Eric DeCosta, urging him to “go get” Alexander.10 “I love all our corners, don’t get me wrong,” Jackson stated, “But go get him, Eric!” This direct appeal underscored the deep personal bond between the two players and highlighted Jackson’s belief in Alexander’s ability to bolster the Ravens’ already formidable defense. He even playfully dropped to his knees in a mock plea to DeCosta, a moment that quickly spread across social media.
DeCosta and the Ravens, known for their strategic and often shrewd moves, wasted little time. On June 18, 2025, just nine days after Alexander’s release from Green Bay, the Baltimore Ravens officially announced the signing of Jaire Alexander to a one-year deal worth up to $6 million ($4 million base, with $2 million in incentives).11 Reports indicated that Alexander even turned down more lucrative offers from other teams to reunite with his former college teammate and join a perennial Super Bowl contender in Baltimore. Fittingly, Lamar Jackson was reportedly the first person to greet Alexander when he arrived at the Ravens’ facility to sign his contract, a full-circle moment for the two friends.
This reunion carries immense significance for the Baltimore Ravens.
Firstly, from a football perspective, Alexander’s arrival immediately strengthens an already talented Ravens secondary. Baltimore’s defense under Head Coach John Harbaugh and Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr is built on speed, versatility, and aggression. When healthy, Alexander is a shutdown corner who excels in man coverage, allowing the Ravens to be more aggressive with their pass rush and create exotic blitz packages. He joins a secondary that already boasts Pro Bowl talent in Marlon Humphrey and rising star safety Kyle Hamilton.12 Alexander’s presence allows for flexibility, potentially allowing Humphrey to move inside to the slot more often, or simply creating a formidable trio of top-tier defensive backs who can match up with any receiving corps in the league. While Alexander’s recent injury history is a concern, the one-year, incentive-laden contract is a smart, low-risk, high-reward move for the Ravens. If he stays healthy and returns to his All-Pro form, he could be the missing piece for a Super Bowl run.
Secondly, the chemistry and leadership that Alexander brings are invaluable. His bond with Lamar Jackson is undeniable and goes beyond the typical teammate relationship. This kind of camaraderie, especially between a franchise quarterback and a star defender, can elevate the entire locker room. Alexander is known for his vocal leadership and competitive fire, qualities that will undoubtedly resonate with the Ravens’ defensive unit. Having a player who actively wanted to join the team, and specifically to play with a current star, speaks volumes about the culture and ambition within the organization.
Thirdly, this signing is a clear demonstration of the Ravens’ commitment to Lamar Jackson. Jackson’s public plea was heard and acted upon, reinforcing the trust and respect between the organization and its franchise quarterback. This kind of responsiveness to a star player’s input can foster deeper loyalty and send a positive message to other players about the organization’s willingness to invest in their talent and comfort. It underscores the Ravens’ “all-in” mentality as they continue to chase another Super Bowl title.
Finally, for the University of Louisville, it’s a proud moment to see two of its most celebrated alumni reuniting at the pinnacle of professional football. It serves as a powerful recruiting tool for the Cardinals’ program, showcasing the caliber of talent they develop and the lasting bonds formed within their ranks.
Lamar Jackson and Jaire Alexander’s paths, once intertwined at Louisville, then diverged across the NFL landscape, have now converged in Baltimore. This reunion is more than just a roster move; it’s a narrative woven with friendship, ambition, and the pursuit of championships. As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the football world will be keenly watching to see if this dynamic duo can translate their collegiate success into a Super Bowl triumph for the Baltimore Ravens.
