NASCAR 'Style' Dispute With Dale Earnhardt Jr. vs. Lamar Jackson Settled

Anybody joining the Baltimore Ravens knows there are a few numbers that simply aren’t available. Nos. 52, 20, and 75 aren’t officially retired, but nobody is wearing them anytime soon.

Others might be up for negotiation. Young players handing over numbers to veterans synonymous with a mark or skill position players looking sleeker in single digits are fairly common practices.

It goes without saying, though, that Lamar Jackson’s No. 8 is untouchable.

Jackson’s number isn’t just a source of pride or the most popular jersey in the DMV. It’s a key part of his brand, an off-field moneymaker that keeps his portfolio healthy when other quarterbacks set the market.

No Raven is courageous enough to even ask for his number. But other figures, from other sports, are willing to test the limits.

NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. has long been known for the No. 8 that was first donned by his late father. A titan in his own industry, the No. 8 and the branding that came with it is iconic in the motorsport circles and its similarly-shaped tracks. In essence, it’s a key piece of Earnhardt’s identity.

That didn’t stop Jackson from initiating a trade dispute, suggesting that the style Earnhardt used could be confused with Jackson’s trademarked “ERA 8 by Lamar Jackson.”

The opposition claim could have been extensive, gone to court, or otherwise ended with the racing giant being sued for profits allegedly made off of Jackson’s back.

Instead, the driver made a left turn. The Ravens’ star’s dispute against Earnhardt reached its conclusion on Friday when the latter took to social media and announced he had secured a new, different version of the stylized No. 8.

“Through the USTPO, we successfully secured the rights to the stylized 8. Therefore, we will be moving away from the original JRM 8 we have used since 2019.

“We are looking forward to the remainder of an already successful season.”

For the Baltimore faithful, that’s an offseason win for the beloved quarterback. For those not trying to keep up with court documents, it’s a convenient maneuver from an esteemed racing mogul.

Between re-signing left tackle Ronnie Stanley, acquiring receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and fending off Earnhardt, it’s been a victorious offseason for Jackson.