Lamar Jackson is 29 years old, born on January 7, 1997, in Pompano Beach, Florida. As the star quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, he has reshaped the quarterback position through historic rushing production and multiple MVP honors. Understanding his timeline requires looking past just his birth date to examine how a standout high school prospect became one of the most dynamic players in professional football history.
Early Life and High School Rise
Growing up in Pompano Beach, Jackson faced early adversity when his father and grandmother passed away on the same day in 2005 when he was just eight years old. Raised alongside his three younger siblings by his mother, Felicia Jones, Jackson poured his energy into sports.
He attended Boynton Beach Community High School, where he quickly caught the attention of scouts with his explosive athleticism. Operating as a dual-threat quarterback, he amassed thousands of yards and scored dozens of touchdowns. His performances earned him local acclaim, including the Lou Groza Award as Palm Beach County Player of the Year, establishing the foundation for his college career.
College Stardom at Louisville
Recruited as a three-star prospect, Jackson chose the University of Louisville over several major programs. That choice changed the trajectory of the university's football program.
Freshman Flash and the Heisman Trophy
As a true freshman in 2015, Jackson played in twelve games, throwing for 1,840 yards and rushing for 960 yards. He capped his debut season by winning MVP of the Music City Bowl after dismantling Texas A&M with a record-setting performance.
The breakout arrived in 2016 during his sophomore campaign. Jackson opened the season by accounting for eight touchdowns in a single half against Charlotte, establishing a standard he maintained all year. He dismantled defenses with plays like his famous hurdle over a Syracuse defender, carrying Louisville to a top-three national ranking. On December 10, 2016, at just 19 years old, Jackson won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the youngest recipient in history and the first player from Louisville to claim the award.
Junior Season and Draft Decision
Jackson followed his Heisman campaign with another stellar year in 2017, throwing for 3,660 yards and rushing for 1,601 yards. He finished third in Heisman voting before deciding to forgo his final year of college eligibility. He declared for the 2018 NFL Draft, setting the stage for his professional journey.
Entering the NFL and Rookie Impact
During the 2018 NFL Draft, skepticism lingered among analysts who questioned whether his style would translate to the professional level, with some pundits suggesting he switch positions. The Baltimore Ravens quieted those doubts by trading back into the first round to select him 32nd overall.
Jackson began his rookie season as a backup behind Joe Flacco. Following an injury to Flacco midway through the year, head coach John Harbaugh inserted Jackson into the starting lineup. He immediately ignited the offense, leading the Ravens to a 6-1 record down the stretch, capturing the AFC North division title, and becoming the youngest quarterback to start an NFL playoff game at 21 years old.
Historic MVP Seasons and Career Milestones
The Ravens completely revamped their offensive scheme around Jackson's unique skill set for the 2019 season. The gamble paid off on a historic scale.
- Unanimous MVP (2019): Jackson led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes while rushing for 1,206 yards. He broke Michael Vick's single-season quarterback rushing record and became only the second unanimous MVP in league history, joining Tom Brady.
- Dual-Thousand Milestone (2020): He became the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards in multiple seasons, cementing his status as a permanent defensive nightmare.
- Record Contract and Second MVP (2023): After navigating an offseason without an agent, Jackson signed a five-year, $260 million contract extension with Baltimore in April 2023. He rewarded the franchise by putting together another dominant campaign, earning his second NFL MVP award.
Throughout his career, Jackson has accumulated numerous Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors, establishing himself as the centerpiece of the Baltimore franchise according to Baltimore Ravens official team site. For broader historical context on professional football records, historical data is maintained by the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lamar Jackson's exact birth date?
Lamar Jackson was born on January 7, 1997.
What college did Lamar Jackson attend?
He attended the University of Louisville, where he played three seasons and won the 2016 Heisman Trophy.
How many MVP awards has Lamar Jackson won?
He has won two NFL MVP awards: a unanimous selection in 2019 and his second award following the 2023 season.
What year was Lamar Jackson drafted into the NFL?
Jackson was selected in the first round (32nd overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens.
