The Baltimore Ravens made headlines this week by signing undrafted quarterback Diego Pavia, but the buzz isn't all positive. An old interview has resurfaced where Pavia boldly declared himself superior to Ravens star Lamar Jackson.
In the clip, when asked to compare college QBs Jackson and Johnny Manziel, Pavia didn't pick either. Instead, he repeatedly stated, “Neither. Me.” The comment has ignited a firestorm among fans and analysts.
Social media erupted with criticism. One user wrote, “He needs to be humbled. An attitude adjustment is clearly needed.” Another fan questioned the Ravens' decision, saying, “Ravens desperate for signing this fool.” A third added, “Bro is nowhere near Lamar nor even Tyler Huntley. I hope someone humbles him.”
Pavia's journey to the NFL is anything but conventional. After two years at New Mexico Military Institute and stints at New Mexico State, he transferred to Vanderbilt in 2024. There, he led the Commodores to a historic upset over Alabama and earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors. He was also a Heisman Trophy finalist, finishing runner-up to Fernando Mendoza.
Despite his college success, NFL scouts were unimpressed. Pavia went undrafted, making him the first Heisman finalist in over a decade to not hear his name called. That dubious distinction adds to the pressure he now faces in Baltimore.
The Ravens took a chance on Pavia by signing him to a contract. But his cocky remarks might not sit well with Jackson or the locker room. As one fan put it, “He might know how to read a Playbook but he sure doesn’t know how to read a room.”
Pavia's confidence could be a double-edged sword. While some admire his swagger, others see it as delusion. The Ravens hope his talent matches his talk, but the early returns suggest he'll need to prove himself on the field before earning respect.
His three-year deal with Baltimore is a lifeline, but the road ahead is steep. Only time will tell if Pavia's bold words translate to NFL success or become a cautionary tale.
