Now Pope Francis can rock a No. 8 Ravens jersey under his white robe.
Ravens and Lamar Jackson fever has reached the Vatican, as Pope Francis was presented on Tuesday with a customized Jackson jersey with "Francis" on the back. The jersey is autographed by Jackson and Head Coach John Harbaugh.
Baltimore Archbishop William E. Lori is in Rome for the "ad limina" visit in which U.S. bishops share their news and concerns with the pope. Lori and other bishops got close to three hours with the pope, according to the Catholic Standard.
Before the visit was over, Lori and Baltimore seminarian Justin Gough of Lutherville presented Pope Francis with the jersey.
"I heard he knows what American football is," Harbaugh said. "My brother actually met him in Rome a couple years ago. So I guess they're tight. I don't know. Baltimore is home of the Roman Catholic Church. It first started here in the new world here in Baltimore."
Harbaugh is a man of deep faith, and he and players talk about it often. For many years, it has been a driving force of the team, and this year is certainly no different.
Offensive lineman James Hurst and his wife, Amanda, hosted eight Bible study sessions at their house this season, which are well attended by other players and their significant others.
A few weeks ago, backup quarterback Trace McSorley was baptized in one of the training room recovery pools at the Under Armour Performance Center by Team Chaplain Johnny Shelton.
And the team always prays together before and after each game.
Now maybe the Ravens will have a few more blessings on their side when they head to Buffalo for Sunday's matchup of AFC leaders.
"It's kind of neat. We'll see if [Pope Francis] is wearing his jersey anytime soon," Harbaugh said with a smile.
