Florida-born Lamar Jackson was the talk of the country in 2016. The Louisville quarterback threw for 3,543 yards with 30 passing TDs against 9 interceptions that season. He further rushed for 1,571 yards with 21 rushing TDs.
Jackson beat the likes of Deshaun Watson and Baker Mayfield to the Heisman Trophy award. He became the youngest-ever college quarterback to win the award. He was in his Sophomore year, aged 19.
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The following year, he elevated his game to a whole new level a season later. Lamar threw for 3,600+ yards with 27 passing TDs. He also rushed for 1,601 yards including 18 rushing TDs to end his NCAA career on a strong note. This is exactly why fans were surprised that Lamar Jackson was the fifth quarterback to be selected in the 2018 NFL Draft.
But almost immediately, the starry-eyed youngster sent out a message to all the naysayers.
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Lamar Jackson was determined to silence his doubters way back in 2018
Lamar was ready to give the Ravens everything from the moment he was drafted.
This interview will always be memorable 🔥 @Lj_era8 @Ravens pic.twitter.com/DC1P8is53k
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) April 24, 2021
Lamar Jackson was drafted by AFC North big boys, Baltimore Ravens, as the 32nd pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He was the 5th quarterback to be drafted that year behind Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, and Josh Rosen.
After dropping so low in the 1st round, Jackson painted a frustrated figure in the above interview. However, he did not let the heat of the moment get to him. He vowed to come back with a vengeance and do his talking on the football field.
Lamar Jackson went on to set multiple records just a year later. The Ravens shot-caller went on to win the 2019 NFL MVP award. He became the second player after Tom Brady to win the title by a unanimous vote.
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He also set a record for the most rushing yards in a season by a quarterback (1,206). Lamar was the youngest quarterback to start in the playoffs but could not lead the Ravens to the AFC Championship Game.
Jackson’s 2020 NFL season ended with disappointment, once again. Coach John Harbaugh’s boys were knocked out in the AFC Divisional Round by Josh Allen-led Buffalo Bills.
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Still just 24, Lamar has a long NFL career ahead of him. If he manages to avoid injury and work a little more on his passing game, a Super Bowl trophy could be on its way to Baltimore soon enough.
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