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Ravens' Bateman Makes iShowSpeed Statement, Offers a Challenge

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Restrepo | Last updated Feb 12, 2025 2:57 PM ET

The Baltimore Ravens had a solid 2024 season, finishing with a 12-5 record and clinching the AFC North title.

A key contributor to their success was wide receiver Rashod Bateman, who emerged as a reliable target for quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Bateman recorded 45 catches for 756 yards and nine touchdowns, making significant plays and providing a consistent offensive threat.

His performance played a crucial role in the Ravens' journey to the playoffs and their overall success.

Recently, Bateman made headlines by issuing a challenge to iShowSpeed, a popular streamer known for producing content in which he challenges pro athletes to physical activities to prove he can beat them.

In this opportunity, it’s the Ravens’ player who wants to race the the streamer to see who is faster.

“I’ll race him. I’ll race him. Yeah, I’m faster than Speed,” Bateman said recently at the Super Bowl.

| NEW: Rashod Bateman the NFL wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, says he’s faster than Speed and could beat him in a race pic.twitter.com/UcE7QfEGp3
— Speedy HQ (@IShowSpeedHQ) February 11, 2025

iShowSpeed, whose real name is Darnell, is a well-known figure in the streaming community.

iShowSpeed has also challenged NFL star Tyreek Hill, Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles, and even YouTuber Jake Paul.

It remains to be seen whether iShowSpeed will accept the challenge, but the prospect of such a unique crossover event has certainly captured the attention of many.

Bateman recently signed a two-year extension with the Ravens, keeping him with the team through the 2026 season.

The deal includes a base salary of $3,750,000 for 2025, with a cap hit of $5,148,333. This extension reflects the Ravens' confidence in Bateman's abilities and their desire to keep him as a key part of their offense.

The Ravens will have to pay attention to his contract situation if they don't want to lose the player next season to free agency.

In the end, it will be intriguing to see if the challenge happens, and we will see both Bateman and iShowSpeed races.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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