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With two NFL MVPs in his trophy case, Lamar Jackson has already built quite a reputation for himself as one of the game’s best.
His coach is urging him to aim even higher. On Sunday, John Harbaugh gave a detailed speech outlining where he believes Jackson could potentially end up before his career comes to a close.
The bar is remarkably high.
“The vision that we have together is that Lamar Jackson is going to become and be known and be recognized as the greatest quarterback ever to play in the history of the National Football League,” Harbaugh said, via the Associated Press. “That’s the vision. It’s going to happen by Lamar, his work ethic and his brilliant talent, by all of us pouring into that effort, together as a team, teamwork, and by the grace of God and God’s goodwill. That’s how it’s going to happen. And I believe it like we’ve already seen it.”
We’ve unquestionably witnessed it during Jackson’s two MVP seasons, as well as many times in between. Jackson is a dazzling star who regularly produces some of the most thrilling plays in contemporary football.
However, critics are quick to note that he has yet to secure the most sought-after prize: the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Baltimore was one step from a Super Bowl appearance last season, taking home the AFC’s top seed and rolling to the AFC Championship Game before encountering an unexpected offensive rut, falling to the eventual Super Bowl LVIII champion Kansas City Chiefs, 17-10.
Harbaugh is aware that his quarterback will never be part of such elevated discussions unless he wins a ring or three. However, this does not deter the coach because he understands who Jackson is.
“Harbaugh said, “I go through the articles and observe the comments made by the men on the television programs. At least, I get snippets of them popping up on my mobile phone. There are plenty of praises for Lamar, but there are also things being said that make you question the speaker’s thought process. However, we take such comments personally.”
Throughout his entire life, Lamar Jackson has consistently faced the same questions. This has been the case since his junior high and high school days, through college, the draft, and into his successful career in the National Football League. Yet, these questions persistently resurface.
Jackson is the driving force behind the Ravens, a fact that Harbaugh didn’t hesitate to acknowledge when speaking with reporters. He pointed out that since Jackson’s arrival in 2019, they’ve structured two offenses around him. This approach and Baltimore’s ultimate goal will remain unchanged.
Jackson will be responsible for realizing Harbaugh’s vision.
