Lamar Jackson, the reigning NFL MVP, has become a beacon of perseverance and resilience since his draft day disappointment in 2018. Despite being overlooked by several teams, Jackson has ascended to the pinnacle of the league, showcasing his exceptional abilities and proving his critics wrong.
During his college career at Louisville, Jackson was a consensus first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. However, his draft day experience was marred by doubt and skepticism, as four other quarterbacks were selected ahead of him. Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, and Josh Rosen were all deemed more worthy of top-10 selections than Jackson, who was seen as a dynamic playmaker but with concerns about his transition to the NFL. Scouts questioned his accuracy, pocket presence, and ability to withstand the physicality of the league.
Undeterred by the disappointment of draft night, Jackson joined the Baltimore Ravens with a chip on his shoulder. He quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, becoming the Ravens’ starting quarterback in his rookie season. Jackson has since earned three Pro Bowl selections, two First-Team All-Pro nods, and was named league MVP in 2019. He led the Ravens to the No. 1 seed in the AFC last season, but their Super Bowl aspirations were cut short in the AFC Championship game.
Despite his success, Jackson remains driven to bring a Super Bowl trophy to Baltimore. He is determined to fulfill the promise he made to Ravens fans on draft night in 2018: “They’re going to get a Super Bowl out of me, believe that.” Jackson’s journey from draft day disappointment to reigning MVP is a testament to his talent, determination, and unwavering belief in himself. As he continues to lead the Ravens, Jackson aims to silence his remaining doubters and etch his name among the NFL’s greatest quarterbacks.
