JUST IN: From the Football Field to the Streets of the 1990s— Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson Makes Hollywood Debut ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ as a Dangerous and Unpredictable Character, E-Tone, in the Hit Starz Series’ Fourth Season

Baltimore Ravens quarterback and 2024 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson is stepping off the football field and onto the gritty streets of the 1990s, making his acting debut in Season 4 of Starz’s hit crime drama Power Book III: Raising Kanan. The news, exclusively revealed by People magazine on March 21, 2025, has sent shockwaves through both sports and entertainment fans, showcasing Jackson’s bold pivot from record-breaking athleticism to the silver screen.

Jackson, 28, will appear as a guest star in a single episode of the series, portraying E-Tone, a character described as “deadly, dangerous, and an intimidating figure not to be messed with.” In a statement to People, Jackson expressed his excitement about the role, saying, “I’m so excited for fans to see me in this new role and thrilled to be a part of Power Book III: Raising Kanan.” He teased E-Tone’s menacing persona, warning, “You don’t want to get on his bad side!”

Power Book III: Raising Kanan is a prequel to the popular Power franchise, set in the 1990s and chronicling the early years of Kanan Stark—played by executive producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson in the original series. The show follows Kanan (Mekai Curtis) as he navigates the treacherous world of the drug trade under the guidance of his ambitious mother, Raq (Patina Miller). Season 4, which premiered on March 7, 2025, delves into a fresh start for the Thomas family, but a dangerous obstacle looms large with the resurrection of Unique (Joey Bada$$), who is now driven by revenge and instability following a traumatic head injury from Season 3.

Jackson’s involvement with Unique’s storyline is hinted at in People’s exclusive first-look photos, showing him alongside Bada$$’s character, suggesting a pivotal intersection in the season’s narrative. Bada$$, 30, shared with People his approach to reimagining Unique for Season 4, describing the character as “unhinged” and “full of revenge,” shaped by isolation and distorted perceptions. “It felt different, but it was also very exciting,” Bada$$ said of the challenge, adding, “It was definitely a challenge that I was ready for.”

For Jackson, this acting debut marks a significant expansion of his already illustrious career. Known for his electrifying play on the field, Jackson became the NFL’s all-time leader in quarterback rushing yards in 2024 and tied the record for the most perfect passer rating games in a single season. His athletic prowess and charismatic personality have made him a household name, and now, fans are eager to see how his intensity translates to the screen in Raising Kanan’s gritty, high-stakes world.

The transition from sports to acting isn’t entirely unprecedented, but Jackson’s choice of Power Book III: Raising Kanan—a dark, intense series known for its complex characters and violent undertones—signals a willingness to dive headfirst into a challenging role. E-Tone’s description as “deadly” and “dangerous” aligns with Jackson’s reputation for fearlessness, whether on the gridiron or now, apparently, in the fictional streets of Queens, New York, where the series is set.

Power Book III: Raising Kanan has been praised for its atmospheric storytelling, stellar performances, and deep dive into the dynamics of family, power, and survival. With Patina Miller earning acclaim as Raq and Joey Bada$$ bringing depth to Unique, Jackson’s addition as E-Tone adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling season. Fans of the series, which airs new episodes Fridays at 12 a.m. ET on Starz, are buzzing with anticipation to see how the NFL star holds his own among seasoned actors in this high-octane drama.

For Ravens fans and Power enthusiasts alike, Jackson’s foray into acting is a testament to his versatility and ambition. Whether he’s dodging defenders or delivering lines, Lamar Jackson continues to redefine what it means to be a superstar. As E-Tone, he’s poised to leave a mark—not with a football, but with the kind of dangerous charisma that could make Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season 4 unforgettable.