Information on Lamar Jackson, the quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, prior to the 2025 NFL Honors

Lamar Jackson, the dynamic quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, has been a transformative figure in the NFL since his entry into the league. His unique blend of athleticism, vision, and leadership has redefined the quarterback position, making him a central figure in the Ravens’ offense and a perennial contender for the league’s most prestigious awards.

Early Life and College Career

Born on January 7, 1997, in Pompano Beach, Florida, Lamar Demeatrice Jackson Jr. exhibited athletic prowess from a young age. He attended Boynton Beach High School, where he played quarterback and showcased his exceptional speed and playmaking ability. Jackson’s high school performance earned him a scholarship to the University of Louisville, where he continued to develop his skills.

At Louisville, Jackson’s college career was marked by remarkable achievements. He won the 2016 Heisman Trophy, becoming the youngest player to receive the award at that time. Over his three-year tenure, he amassed over 9,000 passing yards and 50 passing touchdowns, along with more than 4,000 rushing yards and 50 rushing touchdowns, solidifying his reputation as a dual-threat quarterback.

NFL Draft and Early Professional Career

In the 2018 NFL Draft, Jackson was selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the 32nd overall pick. His transition to the NFL was swift; by mid-season, he had taken over as the starting quarterback. Jackson’s rookie year was highlighted by his electrifying running ability, setting an NFL record for rushing yards by a quarterback in a single season.

2019 Season: MVP Honors

The 2019 season marked a historic year for Jackson. He led the Ravens to a 14-2 record, the best in franchise history, and set an NFL record for rushing yards by a quarterback in a single season. His performance earned him the NFL MVP award, making him the youngest quarterback to receive the honor.

2020-2022 Seasons: Continued Excellence

Over the next few seasons, Jackson continued to demonstrate his dual-threat capabilities. Despite facing injuries and challenges, he led the Ravens to multiple playoff appearances, including a victory in the 2020 AFC Wild Card game against the Tennessee Titans. His resilience and leadership solidified his status as one of the premier quarterbacks in the league.

2023 Season: Second MVP Award

In 2023, Jackson’s exceptional performance was recognized once again as he secured his second NFL MVP award. He led the league in passing touchdowns and total yards, further cementing his legacy as a transformative player in the NFL.

2024 Season: Record-Breaking Performance

The 2024 season was a testament to Jackson’s evolution as a quarterback. He set a new career high with 4,172 passing yards and 41 passing touchdowns, while maintaining a low interception rate with only four picks. His passer rating of 119.6 was the fourth-best in NFL history, underscoring his efficiency and effectiveness.

In addition to his passing achievements, Jackson contributed 915 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. His ability to extend plays and make dynamic runs added a significant dimension to the Ravens’ offense.

2024 Season Highlights

Jackson’s 2024 season was marked by several standout performances:

• Week 1 vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Despite a narrow 20-27 loss, Jackson threw for 273 yards and a touchdown, demonstrating his resilience against a formidable opponent.
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• Week 13 vs. Philadelphia Eagles: In a 19-24 defeat, Jackson passed for 237 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 79 yards, showcasing his versatility.
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• Week 15 at New York Giants: Jackson led the Ravens to a 35-14 victory, throwing for 290 yards and five touchdowns, and adding 154 rushing yards and a touchdown, highlighting his dual-threat prowess.
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• Week 16 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: In a 34-17 win, Jackson passed for 207 yards and three touchdowns, while rushing for 22 yards and a touchdown, contributing to the team’s strong performance.
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• Week 17 at Houston Texans: Jackson threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed for 87 yards and a touchdown, leading the Ravens to a 31-2 victory.
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2024 NFL Honors and MVP Race

Despite his record-breaking season, Jackson was narrowly edged out for the NFL MVP award by Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Allen received 27 first-place votes to Jackson’s 23, marking the closest MVP race since 2016.

The decision sparked discussions among fans and analysts, with many highlighting Jackson’s historic passer rating and dual-threat capabilities as deserving of the MVP honor. Nonetheless, Jackson’s performance in the 2024 season solidified his status as one of the premier quarterbacks in the league.

Legacy and Impact

Lamar Jackson’s journey from a high school standout to an NFL MVP and record-holder is a testament to his work ethic, adaptability, and leadership. His ability to blend traditional quarterbacking skills with exceptional athleticism has redefined the expectations for the position. As he continues to evolve and lead the Ravens, Jackson’s impact on the NFL and the quarterback position will be felt for years to come.

For a visual recap of Lamar Jackson’s 2024 season highlights, you can watch the following video: