Lamar Jackson has been the quarterback of conversation all season. The Baltimore Ravens know how important he has been to the franchise, and his alma mater does, too.
Jackson’s Louisville jersey, No. 8, has at long last been retired in a touching ceremony on Saturday.
Jackson was first told his Louisville jersey would get retired about a month ago, but being present at the actual ceremony has brought a whole new wave of emotions.
"It's heartwarming for me."@Lj_era8 on his jersey retirement: pic.twitter.com/7Cus7AjRp6
— ACC Network (@accnetwork) November 13, 2021
Louisville has only retired two jerseys in its history: Johnny Unitas’ No. 16 and now, Jackson’s No. 8.
Jackson’s college record speaks for itself, especially his sophomore season: Heisman Trophy winner, 3,543 passing yards, 30 passing touchdowns, 1,571 rushing yards, 21 rushing touchdowns. Need we go on?
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson gets ultimate honor from his alma mater
Since the Ravens drafted him in 2018, Jackson has been changing the game as one of the most prominent dual-threat quarterbacks.
The 2019 unanimous league MVP has gotten his share of criticism in the past, but in 2021, he’s quickly become the leader and confident face of this vastly improved Ravens team.
The 6-3 Ravens have a much more defined passing attack this year with Jackson to thank for it. Through nine games, Jackson has thrown for over 2,400 yards and 14 scores, despite a deflating loss to the Miami Dolphins in their most recent matchup.
Wherever Jackson goes, rewards and honors are sure to follow, and the fourth-year quarterback has also climbed to the top of a number of record books this season.
The Ravens are set to make their deepest playoff run yet, and this emotional honor is getting bestowed upon Jackson at the perfect time.
Forget about the loss to Miami. Forget about the critics.
Jackson still has about half a season to achieve what he really wants: a Super Bowl ring. His college jersey retirement is just the beginning.
Louisville loves Lamar Jackson, but Baltimore might love him even more if he can pull off an unforgettable postseason run in 2021.