Lamar Jackson, the dynamic quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, has become one of the most exciting and controversial players in the NFL. Known for his electrifying playstyle, Jackson revolutionized the quarterback position with his unique ability to both pass and run the ball at an elite level. Since his debut in 2018, Jackson has defied expectations and set numerous records, solidifying his place as one of the NFL’s most talented and intriguing quarterbacks.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Lamar Jackson’s career, his statistics, and the factors that have contributed to his rise as one of the league’s top stars. From his college days to his MVP-winning 2019 season, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Lamar Jackson’s stats, achievements, and impact on the game.

Early Life and College Career

Lamar Demeatrice Jackson Jr. was born on January 7, 1997, in Pompano Beach, Florida. Raised in a football-obsessed family, Jackson’s athleticism was apparent from a young age. He played both basketball and football in high school, excelling in both sports, but it was football that ultimately became his focus. Known for his incredible speed, agility, and playmaking ability, Jackson quickly became a top prospect in high school football. Jackson attended Boyd H. Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, where he was an outstanding quarterback. After his impressive high school career, he committed to play college football at the University of Louisville.

College Career at Louisville

Jackson played for the Louisville Cardinals from 2015 to 2017, where he gained national attention with his incredible dual-threat ability. In 2016, he won the Heisman Trophy, awarded to the best player in college football. Jackson became the youngest player ever to win the prestigious award, largely due to his incredible stats:

3,543 passing yards

30 passing touchdowns

1,571 rushing yards

21 rushing touchdowns

His remarkable ability to both throw and run the ball set him apart from other quarterbacks, making him one of the most exciting players in college football history. His college stats established Jackson as a top-tier talent, but his draft stock was still questioned by some due to his unorthodox style of play.

Lamar Jackson’s NFL Journey

Lamar Jackson was selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the 32nd overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Despite being the last pick in the first round, Jackson’s talent was undeniable, and he was quickly seen as a player with immense upside. His selection came after the Ravens traded back into the first round to secure him, signaling their belief in his potential as their future quarterback.

Rookie Season (2018)

Jackson’s rookie season in 2018 was a turning point in his career. He took over as the starting quarterback in Week 11, replacing the injured Joe Flacco. Jackson led the Ravens to a 6-1 record as a starter, guiding the team to a playoff berth. Although his passing numbers weren’t overwhelming, Jackson’s rushing ability was electric, and his presence revitalized the Ravens’ offense. Here are his stats from his rookie season:

Passing yards: 1,201

Passing touchdowns: 6

Interceptions: 3

Rushing yards: 695

Rushing touchdowns: 5

Jackson’s rushing ability was unlike any quarterback in NFL history. His 695 rushing yards as a rookie set a record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a single season. This early success set the stage for what would become one of the most unique careers in NFL history.

2019 MVP Season

Lamar Jackson’s 2019 season was nothing short of legendary. He led the NFL in both passing touchdowns (36) and rushing yards (1,206), becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a single season. His electrifying performances earned him the NFL MVP Award, making him just the second unanimous MVP in league history, joining Tom Brady.

Here are his impressive stats from the 2019 season:

Passing yards: 3,127

Passing touchdowns: 36

Interceptions: 6

Rushing yards: 1,206

Rushing touchdowns: 7

Jackson’s ability to change the game with both his arm and his legs made him an impossible player to defend. His rushing yards were the most ever by a quarterback in a single season, and his 36 passing touchdowns were the second-most by a quarterback in 2019. His performance that year not only earned him the MVP but also solidified his place as one of the most exciting quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen.

2020 Season

While the 2020 season didn’t see Lamar Jackson repeat his MVP performance, he still had an impressive year. Despite battling COVID-19 and an injury late in the season, Jackson led the Ravens to a playoff victory over the Tennessee Titans. This was significant because it marked Jackson’s first career postseason win after struggles in his first two seasons.

Here are his stats from the 2020 season:

Passing yards: 2,757

Passing touchdowns: 26

Interceptions: 9

Rushing yards: 1,005

Rushing touchdowns: 7

Although Jackson’s passing numbers took a slight dip compared to 2019, his rushing yards were still impressive. His ability to run the ball continued to make him a matchup nightmare for defenses. The Ravens’ offense, led by Jackson, continued to be one of the most potent running attacks in the league, helping the team finish with an 11-5 record.

2021 Season

The 2021 season marked another chapter in Lamar Jackson’s evolving career. However, the season was plagued by injuries, particularly an ankle injury that caused him to miss several games. Despite this, Jackson had another solid year and continued to be a focal point of the Ravens’ offense.

Here are his stats from the 2021 season:

Passing yards: 2,882

Passing touchdowns: 16

Interceptions: 13

Rushing yards: 767

Rushing touchdowns: 2

Though Jackson’s performance took a slight dip in terms of passing, his ability to make plays with his legs remained constant. The Ravens finished the season with a record of 8-9, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2017, due in part to Jackson’s injury and other key injuries across the team.

2022 Season

Jackson entered the 2022 season with even more pressure to prove himself as both a passer and a dual-threat quarterback. In 2022, Jackson continued to put up impressive statistics, showcasing his resilience in the face of adversity.

Here are his stats from the 2022 season:

Passing yards: 2,242

Passing touchdowns: 17

Interceptions: 7

Rushing yards: 764

Rushing touchdowns: 3

Despite another injury-shortened season, Jackson remained a key component of the Ravens’ offense. His rushing yards were consistent, and his ability to take over games with his legs was still a major asset. However, Jackson missed several games due to injury, limiting his overall impact on the team. The Ravens made the playoffs again in 2022 but fell short of a Super Bowl appearance.

Lamar Jackson’s Impact on the NFL

Dual-Threat Quarterback: Lamar Jackson is considered one of the most unique quarterbacks in NFL history due to his ability to be both a proficient passer and a running back-like threat. He has forever changed the perception of what a quarterback can be, bringing a new level of athleticism to the position. Jackson’s ability to run the football has forced teams to rethink how they defend against quarterbacks.

Offensive System: The Ravens have built their offense around Jackson’s skill set, tailoring it to his strengths. Head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman developed a run-heavy offense that maximizes Jackson’s unique skill set. This approach has worked well, as evidenced by the Ravens consistently ranking among the top rushing teams in the NFL.

Leadership and Work Ethic: Jackson’s leadership and work ethic have also earned him respect around the league. Despite the attention on his style of play, Jackson remains a humble and hard-working player who has led the Ravens to playoff contention in nearly every season. His commitment to improving as a passer and as a leader on and off the field has been evident in his continued growth.

Lamar Jackson’s Legacy

While Lamar Jackson’s career is still in its prime, his impact on the NFL is already clear. He has set records, won an MVP, and led his team to multiple playoff appearances. His ability to perform both as a passer and as a runner has changed the way teams evaluate quarterbacks, making him one of the most exciting and influential players in NFL history.

Future Outlook: As of 2023-2024, Lamar Jackson continues to be one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the NFL. With a new contract extension and a revitalized roster, Jackson and the Ravens will be looking to contend for a Super Bowl in the coming seasons. If he can stay healthy and continue to develop as a passer, Jackson’s legacy as one of the NFL’s all-time greats is already being written.

FAQs

How many rushing yards does Lamar Jackson have in his career?

Lamar Jackson is not just a quarterback; he is one of the most dynamic rushing quarterbacks in NFL history. As of 2024, he has accumulated over 4,500 rushing yards in his career, making him one of the top rushing quarterbacks of all time. His rushing ability has helped him become a major weapon in the Ravens’ offensive playbook, particularly in read-option plays.

What is Lamar Jackson’s rushing record for a quarterback?

Lamar Jackson holds the NFL record for rushing yards in a season by a quarterback with 1,206 yards set in the 2019 season. This record-breaking performance solidified his reputation as a dual-threat quarterback and earned him the NFL MVP award.

How many passing touchdowns has Lamar Jackson thrown?

As of March 2024, Lamar Jackson has thrown 101 passing touchdowns in his career. He has developed into a proficient passer over the years, with his ability to make deep throws and accurate passes from the pocket being complemented by his exceptional running.

How is Lamar Jackson’s completion percentage?

As of 2024, Lamar Jackson’s career completion percentage stands at 64.0%. While his passing accuracy is solid, his ability to make big plays down the field, combined with his running skills, is what sets him apart from many other quarterbacks. Jackson’s completion percentage has steadily improved since entering the league, and he continues to refine his throwing mechanics.

What makes Lamar Jackson a dual-threat quarterback?

Lamar Jackson is considered a dual-threat quarterback because of his ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground. His rushing yards consistently rank among the top for quarterbacks, and he has a unique ability to evade defenders and gain large chunks of yardage with his legs. At the same time, his arm strength allows him to make deep passes, and his mobility allows him to extend plays, creating mismatches for defenses.

In Summary

Lamar Jackson’s statistics speak for themselves, but they don’t fully capture the impact he has had on the game. His combination of speed, agility, and arm strength makes him a unique and dangerous weapon, and his rise to prominence as an MVP and playoff contender has solidified his place as one of the most exciting quarterbacks in NFL history. From his early college days at Louisville to his MVP season with the Ravens, Jackson has defied expectations at every step of his career. 

While his future remains full of potential, his past achievements have already established him as one of the most talented and influential players in the modern NFL. As he continues to evolve and push the limits of what a quarterback can do, Lamar Jackson’s stats will continue to rise, and his legacy will only grow. Keep an eye on this electrifying star as he continues to rewrite the record books and change the game forever.

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