via Getty
CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 10: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens stands on the sidelines during the first half of the NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Bryan Woolston/Getty Images)
via Getty
CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 10: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens stands on the sidelines during the first half of the NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Bryan Woolston/Getty Images)
Lamar Jackson, the star quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, is making headlines for his recent weight loss. During voluntary OTAs, Jackson appeared noticeably slimmer than before, sparking a flurry of questions about his weight. However, Jackson assured the media that his weight loss was intentional and aimed at improving his agility on the field.
Jackson’s weight loss has not only caught the attention of fans and analysts but also his teammates. WR Zay Flowers remarked that Jackson looked different, describing him as “so skinny.” But his former teammate, Robert Griffin III, is speaking out in support of him.
RGIII supports Lamar’s slimmer frame
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RGIII posted his views on X yesterday. RGIII’s statement reflects the importance of respecting athletes’s decisions and choices regarding their physical well-being. Previously Pat McAfee supported Jackson’s decision, noting, “Lamar has this ability to not take a massive shot. So, if he’s lighter, faster, and still has the ability to miss people, it feels like this is a good move for Lamar Jackson.”
Lamar Jackson slimming down to 205 won’t make him less explosive, lose strength or be more susceptible to injury. Slim Lamar could be his body’s strongest weight. The 2x MVP decided to slim down and did it for a reason. We should trust him on what he decides to do with HIS BODY.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 24, 2024
Lamar’s target play weight for the 2024 season is under 230 pounds, as he aims to be more agile and mobile. Despite concerns from pundits about the potential impact on his ability to withstand hits on the field, Jackson feels confident in his decision. He said, “We sacrificing our [bodies] each and every game—practices. I believe it really doesn’t matter about the weight. I’m at two-something right now. I’ll just say it was important enough that I can move around a little bit extra.”
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The Baltimore Ravens quarterback has sparked chatter with his noticeably slimmer physique at voluntary OTAs. Despite the buzz around his weight loss, Jackson revealed that he doesn’t have a specific target weight for the upcoming season, stating, “Just under 230 [pounds].” When asked about his weight loss strategy, Jackson humorously deflected the question, implying it wasn’t something he’d divulge for free.
Ravens’ confidence in Lamar Jackson
Regarding his increased agility due to the weight loss, Jackson enthusiastically exclaimed, “Heck yeah!” He expressed feeling great, attributing his newfound agility to the weight loss and mentioning the impact of COVID on slowing down his progress. During practice, Jackson showcased his speed with a long run.
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The Ravens’ Strength & Conditioning Coordinator, Scott Elliott, mentioned plans to add lean muscle to Jackson’s frame during the offseason program, affirming that Jackson is already in excellent shape. Head Coach John Harbaugh echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Jackson’s professionalism and readiness for the upcoming season.
Harbaugh said, “Lamar’s a pro. He knows what he’s doing, he knows where he wants to be with that”. Harbaugh’s primary concern is Jackson’s overall fitness and preparedness for football, both mentally and physically. Jackson’s weight loss has generated attention, but his focus remains on being in optimal shape for the upcoming season.
