| Full Name | Lamar Demeatrice Jackson Jr. |
| Age | 26 |
| Birthday | January 7, 1997 |
| Birth Place | Pompano Beach, Florida |
| Height | 6′ 2′′ |
| Draft | 2018 – Round 1, Pick 32 |
| College | Louisville |
| Awards | Heisman Trophy (2016) NFL MVP (2019) |
| @Lj_era8 | |
| @new_era8 |
Lamar Jackson is one of the most exciting and talented young quarterbacks in the NFL today. At just 25 years old, he has already accomplished more than most players do in their entire careers. Jackson is known for his dual-threat abilities, able to beat defenses with both his arm and his legs. His athleticism and playmaking ability have made him must-see TV and one of the brightest rising stars in the league. Keep reading to learn more about this phenomenal young quarterback.
Background and Early Life
Lamar Demeatrice Jackson Jr. was born on January 7, 1997 in Pompano Beach, Florida. He was raised by his mother, Felicia Jones, along with his siblings and grandmother. Jackson started playing youth football with the local Optimist Club when he was eight years old. He then went on to play at Boynton Beach Community High School where he threw for over 5,000 yards and ran for another 2,000 yards over the course of his exhilarating high school career.
Jackson received offers from several major college football programs before ultimately committing to the University of Louisville. After sitting out most of his freshman year, Jackson took over as the starting quarterback during his sophomore season. That year, Jackson accounted for an incredible 51 total touchdowns and over 5,100 yards of total offense, winning the Heisman Trophy and cementing his status as the most electrifying player in college football.
Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens
After foregoing his final two years at Louisville, Jackson declared for the 2018 NFL Draft. To the delight of Ravens fans, he was selected with the 32nd overall pick by the Baltimore Ravens. Jackson began his rookie season as the backup to veteran Joe Flacco but took over as the starter midway through the year. He led the Ravens on a thrilling 6-1 run to end the regular season and helped the team clinch the AFC North division title.
In his first full season as the starter in 2019, Jackson put up one of the greatest years ever for a quarterback. He passed for 3,127 yards and 36 touchdowns while also setting the single-season rushing record for a QB with 1,206 yards on the ground. Jackson was named First-team All-Pro and unanimously won NFL MVP, becoming just the second player ever to win the award by unanimous vote. At age 23, he was also the youngest QB to ever win MVP.
Record-Setting 2020 Season
Jackson led the Ravens to another playoff berth in 2020 while continuing to dominate as both a passer and rusher. He ran for over 1,000 yards for the second straight season while also recording 26 touchdown passes. Jackson broke Michael Vick‘s record for most career rushing yards by a quarterback in just his third NFL season. He also became the first quarterback in league history to record at least 25 passing touchdowns and 1,000 rushing yards in multiple seasons.
Some of Jackson‘s most memorable performances included a 5 touchdown game against the Rams on Monday Night Football, a thrilling comeback victory against the Colts, and a dominant primetime win over the Patriots. He rushed for over 100 yards in 7 different games during the 2020 season.
Playing Style and Strengths
What makes Lamar Jackson such an exhilarating player is his explosive athleticism and running ability that he combines with pinpoint passing accuracy. He has a cannon for an arm and can make every throw required of an NFL quarterback. But it‘s Jackson‘s elusiveness and track star speed as a runner that truly set him apart.
He is a threat to turn any broken play into a big gain thanks to his video game-like acceleration and ability to make defenders miss in the open field. Jackson set the record for the fastest time recorded by a ball carrier in an NFL game when he hit 21.01 mph on a touchdown run in 2019. He is the ultimate gamer and magician at improvising on the move and keeping plays alive with his legs.
Jackson also possesses all of the intangibles you want in a franchise QB. He is a natural leader who energizes his teammates and steps up in the biggest moments. His poised confidence and playmaking skills have transformed the Ravens into perennial contenders.
Career Accomplishments and Awards
- Youngest quarterback ever to win NFL MVP (2019)
- First player with multiple 1,000/1,000 seasons passing/rushing
- Most rushing yards by quarterback through first three seasons
- First quarterback to rush for 1,000+ yards in back-to-back seasons
- First quarterback with multiple 5 passing TD games in a season
- 2019 NFL passing touchdowns co-leader (36)
- Most rushing attempts by a quarterback in a season (176)
- First quarterback to pass for 400+ yards and rush for 100+ yards in a game
- 2019 Pro Bowl selection
- 2019 All-Pro First Team selection
- 2019 NFL MVP (unanimous)
- 2016 Heisman Trophy winner
- 2016 Maxwell Award winner
Personal Life
Away from the field, Jackson prefers to keep a low profile. He has one daughter born in 2019. Jackson has been private about the details of his personal relationships and family life.
Known for his humility, Jackson drives a modest Kia sedan that he‘s had since college. He is deeply religious and frequently posts Bible verses along with other inspirational messages on social media.
Among his charity efforts, Jackson hosts an annual event in Florida called Funday with LJ to give kids school supplies and backpacks. He also sponsors events for active military, veterans and their families. Jackson lost his father and grandmother in a car accident during his freshman year at Louisville.
The Future is Bright
Already with one league MVP under his belt at just 25 years old, the sky truly seems to be the limit for Lamar Jackson. His exceptionally rare blend of athletic talent and passing ability could make him the new prototype for the quarterback position in the NFL. If he can stay healthy, Jackson looks poised to break countless more records and add to his trophy collection for years to come.
It‘s not hyperbole to say that the next chapter of Jackson‘s career promises to be the most electrifying show on earth. Ravens fans and NFL observers everywhere eagerly await to see just how epic the rise of this special player can become over the coming seasons. One thing is for sure – with Lamar Jackson behind center, the game of football will never be the same.
