LAMAR JACKSON:
That's our quarterback by sarah hampton
L
amar Jackson came into the Ravens’ locker room in 2018 a humble and unassuming 21-year-old who also happened to be a Heisman-winning quarterback and first-round NFL Draft pick. He liked listening to rap music and ate pasta before football games. He spent time with his mother and siblings and enjoyed joking around with his teammates.
under the scope of a city hungry for another championship.
Did he know he was about to become the face of a premier franchise? Probably not. Was he determined to be the best quarterback the NFL has ever seen? Absolutely.
Jackson is relatable, personable, intelligent, competitive and dynamic. He takes the time to meet his fans. He gets to know Ravens staffers and addresses everyone by name. His teammates on both sides of the ball are drawn to him, and he’s quickly grown to be their leader with ease.
During his time at Louisville, Jackson became the youngest player ever to win the Heisman Trophy. His list of collegiate accolades runs long: ACC Player of the Year and ACC Offensive Player of the Year in consecutive seasons (a first in the conference’s history); twice nominated for the Heisman; just the third player in FBS history to record 50 career rushing and 50 career passing TDs (the only non-senior to do so); and established ACC and Louisville records in total yards, rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and points responsible for. The list goes on. Mind you, Jackson played just 38 collegiate games. He went on to accomplish much for the Ravens in an even shorter amount of time. He took over for an injured – and then recovered – Super Bowl-winning quarterback. He posted six victories in his first seven games, the second-most wins in the first seven starts by a rookie quarterback. He led the Ravens to the AFC North Division title and became the youngest quarterback to start a playoff game in NFL history. And, he did so after learning an unfamiliar and complicated offensive scheme at an accelerated pace alongside new coaches and different teammates, while 10 | 2019 BALTIMORE RAVENS GAMEDAY
"lamar is a leader. he's a natural leader." - head coach john harbaugh
"lamar wants to be great. it’s fun to come to work every day. You see how vivacious he is. You see his energy. It’s fun to be around that every day.”
What many people may not recognize about Jackson is how far he’s come in just one year, in only 365 days, both physically and mentally. It’s not just his athleticism on the field that makes him special, but his personality, too.
- quarterbacks coach james urban
"He’s calmer and more poised in the huddle. You can see more confidence in him. Last year at this time, he was the backup, and now he’s the guy. I think he’s embracing that role."
A kid at heart but a mature professional at work who is focused on improving every facet of his game, Jackson brings a rare and lovable presence to the Ravens organization. Rather than accepting the elevated status that many quarterbacks are bestowed, he is a true team player who wants to win for the sake of his teammates and fans. He is no one but himself and is always working to be his best, the definition of what it means to be a Raven.
- G marshal yanda
"He’s a hard worker, and he wants to be great. he has his mind right, wants to study film, wants to be the best quarterback he can be and the best player he can be. I think the sky is the limit for him."
"he's been more vocal than last year. I’ve been really impressed with how far he’s come. I’m excited to be a part of it. When lamar talks, everybody listens." - te hayden hurst
- RB Mark ingram ii
2019 BALTIMORE RAVENS GAMEDAY | 11
"He puts the ball in incredible spots, and he’s such a dynamic player. He has that special ‘it’ factor about him, and again, he’s special, and there’s really no other word to describe him. He’s incredible." - te mark andrews
"If you would divide all the different things that go in to playing quarterback, I think it would be amazing to many people how many columns there are. He has raised his level in every column, to a certain extent. Lamar is the kind of guy that, the more he does something, he’s going to get better at it. He’s just that kind of guy."
"He just is who he is, and he doesn’t get flustered, doesn’t get fazed; it’s never too big for him. He keeps it about what’s important. I’m kind of blown away by that part of it with him… He’s just Lamar." - head coach john harbaugh
- offensive coordinator greg roman "He is a complete leader right now. On the field, he has command and presence. His throws have been amazing. He is going to be an amazing quarterback this year." - wr chris moore
"He’s been dropping dimes. Everybody knows he’s a great athlete. ‘Lamar, you be who you are. You be special. If you have to take off, take off. Make the defense work.’ When you make a defense tired like that, then the game opens up, play-action opens up, the run game opens up. Everything opens up." - s earl thomas III