Mycampusplug
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson Is Taking NASCAR Legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. To Court
Lamar Jackson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Are in Legal Dispute Regarding the Trademark of the Number 8
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. are embroiled in an unexpected legal battle—over the rights to trademark the iconic number 8.
Jackson, who recently launched a new clothing and merchandise brand featuring a stylized No. 8—his jersey number since entering the NFL—has filed a lawsuit seeking exclusive rights to market and sell apparel under that branding. However, Earnhardt Jr., a longtime racing star who famously drove the No. 8 car in NASCAR during the early 2000s, argues that he holds historical and commercial association with the number in the world of sports and merchandising.
According to court filings, the disagreement escalated after Jackson’s legal team attempted to register the number as a trademark tied specifically to sportswear and digital branding. Earnhardt Jr.’s representatives pushed back, claiming that doing so would cause consumer confusion and diminish the legacy value connected to his career.
The case is drawing national attention due to the stature of both figures in their respective sports. Jackson is a former NFL MVP and one of the league’s most marketable athletes, while Earnhardt Jr. remains one of NASCAR’s most beloved personalities, even years after stepping away from full-time racing.
Trademark experts suggest the case could hinge on how closely the number is tied to each figure’s public identity—and whether either party can prove ownership beyond just usage in sport.
Neither Jackson nor Earnhardt Jr. has commented publicly on the matter yet, but the dispute marks a rare crossover of branding conflict between football and motorsports.
The court is expected to begin hearing arguments in the coming weeks.
Adding another layer of intrigue is the cultural weight both athletes carry. Jackson, a prominent face of the NFL’s younger generation, has built a brand that blends athletic excellence with youth appeal and fashion. Earnhardt Jr., on the other hand, comes from racing royalty and maintains a loyal fanbase that views the No. 8 as sacred to his family legacy.
Legal analysts say this case could set a new precedent for number-based trademarks in sports, especially in an era where athlete-led branding is at an all-time high. If the court sides with Jackson, it could open the door for current stars to claim ownership over numbers historically linked to others—raising questions about where personal branding ends and public legacy begins.
