OWINGS MILLS — The Ravens’ two-time NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson is challenging Hall of Famer Troy Aikman for use of their shared jersey number, No. 8, in a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office complaint, according to a report by ESPN, citing federal records.
Aikman has applied for several trademarks featuring the word “EIGHT” on apparel and bags. Jackson already owns an apparel company that features the No. 8.
Jackson wears No. 8 for the Ravens after also having the same number at Louisville. Aikman also wore the No. 8 for the Dallas Cowboys and collegiately at UCLA.
Jackson’s legal team reportedly argued that Aikman’s use of the number would “cause confusion, or cause mistake, or to deceive” when buyers are trying to determine if they are purchasing apparel.
FL101, the company behind the Aikman products, has several products featuring “EIGHT,” including a light beer brand, but Jackson is only disputing the bags and apparel.
Jackson has been proactive with various business ventures outside football. He owns a soul food restaurant in Florida called “Play Action Soulfood and More.” Jackson filed for the trademark of “You 8 yet?” and has a clothing line called “Era 8 Apparel.”
Jackson also has his own NFL-licensed virtual reality game, called NFL Pro Era, and a label and production company called Lamar Jackson Entertainment.
Forbes designated Jackson as the highest-paid player in the NFL in 2023, and he earned a spot on their 2024 list of “30 Athletes Under 30.”
Jackson also managed to negotiate a five-year, $260 million contract extension with the Ravens in May 2023 without a formal agent. He also has a foundation, Forever Dreamers, which helps underprivileged kids.
