Lamar Demeatrice Jackson Jr. born January 7, 1997 is an American professional football quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Louisville Cardinals, where he won the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2016. Jackson was selected by the Ravens as the 32nd overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Originally intended to serve as a backup during his rookie season, Jackson was thrust into the starting quarterback role after an injury to Joe Flacco. He quickly made an impact, leading the Ravens to a division title and becoming the youngest quarterback in NFL history to start a playoff game at just 21 years old.
Lamar Jackson Biography 2024
Renowned for his dual-threat abilities, Jackson led the NFL in touchdown passes during the 2019 season while setting a new single-season rushing record for a quarterback. His remarkable performance earned him the NFL MVP award, making him only the second player in league history to win the award unanimously. Additionally, Jackson became the fourth Black quarterback to win the MVP. He followed up his MVP season by becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards in multiple seasons, guiding the Ravens to a third consecutive playoff appearance. In 2022, Jackson signed a five-year, $260 million contract with the Ravens. In 2023, he led the team to the top seed in the AFC and won his second MVP award, helping the Ravens reach their first AFC Championship game since 2012. Notably, Jackson holds the record for the most perfect passer rating games in NFL history, with four such games to his name.
Lamar Jackson Biography Details
Born: | January 7, 1997 (age 27) Pompano Beach, Florida, U.S. |
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Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
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Weight: | 205 lb (93 kg) |
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Lamar Jackson Early Life
Lamar Jackson was born to Felicia Jones and Lamar Jackson Sr. on January 7, 1997, in Pompano Beach, Florida. He grew up in a financially disadvantaged area, and tragically, his father passed away from a heart attack on the same day that his grandmother died in 2005 when Jackson was only eight years old. Jackson, along with his younger brother and two younger sisters, was raised by their mother.
Jackson attended public schools and played Pop Warner football in the same league as future Ravens teammate Marquise Brown. Even as a child, Jackson’s talent on the football field was evident. At the age of eight, he could already throw a football 20 yards. At age 11, he led his team to victory in the South Florida FYFL Super Bowl, where he played quarterback, safety, and even place kicker. His team, the Northwest Broward Raiders, defeated the Fort Lauderdale Hurricanes, who were reigning champions, with Jackson contributing two touchdown passes and kicking the extra points in a 14-6 win.
NFL Draft Selection
Attribute | Detail |
Draft Year | 2018 |
Draft Position | 32nd Overall, 1st Round |
Drafted By | Baltimore Ravens |
Primary Role | Quarterback |
Teams Interested | Los Angeles Chargers (for WR position) |
Position Decision | Chose to play quarterback, not receiver |
Rookie Season
Category | Performance |
Starting QB | November 2018, after Joe Flacco injury |
First Game Stats | 150 passing yards, 119 rushing yards |
Rookie Playoffs | Lost in Wild Card against Los Angeles Chargers |
Rushing Yards in Rookie Season | 695 yards |
Touchdowns (Rookie) | 6 rushing, 3 passing |
MVP Season (2019)
Statistic | 2019 Performance |
Total Yards (Combined) | 3,127 yards |
Passing Touchdowns | 36 |
Rushing Yards | 1,206 yards |
Rushing Touchdowns | 7 |
Record | 14-2, First Seed AFC |
MVP Awards | Unanimous NFL MVP |
Pro Bowl Selection | Yes |
Playoff Success
Year | Opponent in Playoffs | Outcome |
2018 | Los Angeles Chargers (WC) | Loss |
2019 | Tennessee Titans (Divisional) | Loss |
2020 | Tennessee Titans (WC) | Win |
2020 | Buffalo Bills (Divisional) | Loss |
2021 | Cincinnati Bengals (WC) | Loss |
Lamar Jackson Injuries
Year | Injury Type | Games Missed |
2020 | Ankle Injury | 1 |
2022 | Knee Ligament Injury | Missed Playoffs |
2023 | None (Full Season) | N/A |
Career Stats
Stat Category | Career Total (As of 2023) |
Total Passing Yards | 13,000+ yards |
Passing Touchdowns | 105+ touchdowns |
Total Rushing Yards | 4,500+ yards |
Rushing Touchdowns | 25+ touchdowns |
Career Wins | 50+ wins |
MVP Awards | 2 (2019, 2023) |
Leadership & Impact
Leadership Quality | Examples |
Field Vision | Ability to read defenses and make quick decisions |
Mental Toughness | Leading comeback victories and clutch performances |
Work Ethic | High-intensity offseason training routines |
Locker Room Influence | Positive impact on teammates and Ravens’ culture |
Contract Details (2023)
Detail | Information |
Contract Length | 5 Years |
Total Value | $260 million |
Average Annual Salary | $52 million |
Guaranteed Money | $185 million (Approx.) |
Signing Bonus | $80 million (Approx.) |
Role in Contract | Highest-paid NFL player at time of signing |
Dual-Threat Ability
Aspect | Impact |
Rushing Ability | 1,000+ rushing yards in multiple seasons |
Passing Precision | 65%+ completion rate during MVP seasons |
Speed | 4.34-second 40-yard dash, rare QB speed |
Versatility | Able to dominate both in the pocket and on the move |
Lamar Jackson Effect on the Ravens Offense
Attribute | Impact |
Offensive Scheme | Revolutionized Ravens’ run-heavy offense |
Play Action | Strong play-action threat due to rushing ability |
Rushing Game | Top NFL rushing offense in multiple seasons |
Quarterback Evolution | Changed perception of the QB position in the NFL |
Community Involvement
Charity Work | Contribution |
Youth Football Camps | Hosts annual camps for aspiring young players |
Charitable Donations | Supports underprivileged youth and families |
Public Speaking | Advocate for education and mentorship |
Family Advocacy | Promotes awareness of family issues, including fatherless families |
Performance Against Rival Teams
Opponent | Record vs. Opponent | Key Performances |
Pittsburgh Steelers | 6-3 | Notable for dominant rushing games |
Kansas City Chiefs | 1-3 | Struggled against strong Chiefs offense |
Cleveland Browns | 10-1 | Consistent success in AFC North rivalry |
Cincinnati Bengals | 7-3 | Key victories in division matchups |
Legacy and Future
Legacy Impact | Future Outlook |
Redefining QB Play | Set to be one of NFL’s most transformative QBs |
Young MVP Winner | Multiple MVP wins as one of NFL’s youngest stars |
Long-Term Leadership | Potential future Hall of Fame career |
Super Bowl Ambition | Aiming for NFL titles to cement his legacy |
Lamar Jackson Net Worth
Lamar Jackson’s salary is close to USD 32 million.
Lamar Jackson Summary
Lamar Jackson’s journey from a young football prospect in Florida to one of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks is a testament to his incredible work ethic, unique skill set, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His record-breaking seasons, including two MVP awards, have redefined the quarterback position, blending electrifying running with accurate passing. Jackson’s impact on the Baltimore Ravens is undeniable, and his legacy is one of transformation, resilience, and potential for continued greatness in the NFL.