Why Ravens QB Lamar Jackson wears diamond grillz? The inside story of his roots and stardom

Lamar Jackson’s glittering diamond grillz have become as unmistakable as his lightning-quick runs and clutch throws. Beyond mere fashion, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback’s bejeweled smile tells a story of cultural pride, personal evolution, and a price tag that makes fans do a double take.

His custom set, estimated in the five-figure range, embodies both where he comes from and how far he has climbed in the NFL spotlight.

From Florida roots to NFL stardom, his smile shines

Growing up in Pompano Beach, Florida, Jackson was surrounded by a culture where gold grillz were almost a rite of passage. But as he matured, he decided to leap past tradition. “In Florida, we known for gold,” Jackson explained, “but I was like, I’m older now, I might as well just skip the gold and just get my diamonds.”

That choice transformed his smile into a glittering reflection of both his roots and his ambition.

Why Lamar calls his diamond look a “10 on 12”

For Jackson, grillz are more than ornamental—they’re a performance enhancer for his presentation. He often describes his setup as a “10 on 12,” a phrase that reveals his belief that diamonds amplify the power of a smile more than any touchdown celebration could. The quarterback first experimented with grillz in high school, but only after establishing himself in the NFL did he embrace them fully as part of his signature identity.

The staggering cost of a quarterback’s sparkling smile

The precise figure behind Jackson’s diamond-drenched teeth remains private, but experts agree the craftsmanship easily reaches into five-digit territory. Depending on clarity, cut, and carat weight, such custom grillz often start at around $10,000 and can climb far higher. For a superstar quarterback earning multimillion-dollar contracts and endorsement deals, the sparkling accessory is less an indulgence and more a statement piece—one that commands as much attention as his game-day heroics.

More than jewelry, a legacy carved in diamonds

To fans, Jackson’s diamond grillz are a flash of personality in a league dominated by helmets and uniforms. To him, they’re an evolution of a Florida tradition—a symbol of embracing growth while honoring the past. In every radiant smile, he carries both his community’s culture and his personal triumphs, proving that sometimes, the brightest stories aren’t just written in yards or touchdowns, but in diamonds that catch the light.Also read: Travis Hunter’s mom Ferrante Edmonds launches powerful new mission as Jaguars shape rookie's rare two-way NFL role