Lamar Jackson is a professional American football quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). Born on January 7, 1997, in Pompano Beach, Florida, he played college football at the University of Louisville, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 2016 as the most outstanding player in college football. Jackson was selected by the Ravens with the 32nd overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Jackson began his NFL career as a backup but quickly became the Ravens' starting quarterback during his rookie season after an injury to the incumbent starter. He is known for his dual-threat ability, combining exceptional passing skills with elite rushing talent, making him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league. In his rookie season, he led all quarterbacks in rushing yards with 695 and scored five rushing touchdowns. His breakthrough came in the 2019 season when he earned the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award unanimously. That year, he accounted for 3,127 total yards and 43 touchdowns, leading the Ravens to a league-best 14–2 record. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl and named first-team All-Pro, highlighting his status as one of the NFL’s premier players. Jackson’s playing style emphasizes speed and agility, which has revolutionized the quarterback position by blending traditional passing with significant rushing contributions. Despite regular-season success, his teams have faced challenges in the playoffs, with the Ravens experiencing early exits. As of 2025, Jackson remains a key figure for the Ravens, although his availability has at times been affected by injuries. He continues to be regarded as a central player in the Ravens' efforts to compete for a Super Bowl championship, maintaining relevance as one of the NFL’s most exciting and influential quarterbacks.