Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has had a fantastic start to the 2021 season playing some of the best football of his career. And the good news kept coming for Jackson on Saturday.
The 2019 NFL MVP was surprised with a heartfelt video by his alma mater, Louisville, as he was preparing to do media interviews in Baltimore.
Jackson’s No. 8 becomes only the second number in school history to be retired after Johnny Unitas’ No. 16 was retired in 2003. It was bound to happen eventually given Jackson’s dominance at the collegiate level.
And it couldn’t come at a better time (or in a better way) with how well he’s been playing in recent weeks.
Jackson was surprised in a touching video by former teammates, coaches, and personnel at Louisville after the Ravens’ team practice on Saturday.
The video is a must-watch.
He thought he was meeting with the media, but we had other plans...
— Louisville Athletics (@GoCards) October 16, 2021
The moment @Lj_era8 found out that his number is being retired.#GoCards x #L1C4 pic.twitter.com/LIw8XjWxGn
“I feel like I won a Heisman again,” Jackson said in the video. His alma mater retiring his number meant that much to him — you could see the pride and joy emanating from his face.
Lamar Jackson will rightfully have his No. 8 jersey retired by Louisville
Jackson put together a historic career at Louisville setting or tying 42 school single-game, season, and career records during his three years at Louisville. He also holds seven ACC records and finished first in Heisman voting in 2016.
Simply put, Jackson is one of the most accomplished college football players in history. He’s not someone who will be forgotten anytime soon.
Louisville athletic director Vince Tyra had some high praise for Jackson in a statement released on Saturday.
"“Lamar earned the Heisman and then the NFL MVP, and he’s not even 25 years old. Even more remarkable, he’s only getting better. His humble heart and grounded approach endears him to his teammates, his coaches and any staff he’s ever been around. He knows it takes eleven to be successful on offense, not one. We’re so proud to retire his No. 8 for what he has accomplished so far but are equally excited about what’s to come.”"
At just 24-years-old, Jackson has accomplished more in his collegiate and NFL career than most players could even dream of.
He’s a former Heisman winner, a two-time Heisman finalist, one of the most celebrated college football players in recent memory, a first-round NFL Draft pick, an NFL MVP, and an undisputed top-10 quarterback in football.
Not bad for a “running back.” Not bad for a 24-year-old.
Just as celebrated as Jackson was and still is for his on-field play, those who know him best made sure to indicate that his specialness extends to who he is as a person as well.
Louisville head coach Scott Satterfield had the following to say about Jackson as an individual and the impact he had on the school’s football program.
"“We couldn’t ask for a better representative of our football program. Lamar’s influence goes far beyond our campus — he’s got this entire city behind him every day and we can’t wait to welcome him home.”"
Lamar Jackson is a special human being. And it’s always nice to see special people celebrated for being who they are.