Ravens' third-round WR draft pick makes shocking CTE claim

Ravens' third-round WR draft pick makes shocking CTE claim originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Baltimore Ravens used their third-round NFL Draft pick (No. 80 overall) to draft a physically gifted (10.5-inch hands and 80.75 wingspan) and short-yardage extraordinaire wide receiver in Ja’Kobi Lane.

Lane spent all three of his collegiate seasons with USC before declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, recording 99 receptions, 1,363 yards, and four touchdowns with the Trojans. While Ravens fans appear excited to watch Lane contribute in a Ravens uniform for years to come, it’s reasonable to assume they’re a bit alarmed by his recent CTE claim.

“Are you not afraid of getting CTE,” a fan asked Lane during a livestream in which he responded with ‘I have CTE’.

While Lane may have been joking around with the fan during the livestream, it’s worth noting that CTE, better known as Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is a serious disease that has already impacted several former NFL players.

Receiving too many vicious hits to the head/concussions can cause a player to develop CTE, which is well-documented by now. That said, an individual can’t be diagnosed with the life-altering disease while still living, making Lane’s claim, if legitimate, impossible to confirm right now.

Hopefully, Lane enjoys an injury-free career with the Ravens and proves to be a solid fit with a Baltimore squad hoping to get over the hump and secure at least one Super Bowl during Lamar Jackson’s prime.

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