Ravens QB Lamar Jackson wants to be ‘a billionaire and a champion’
By Kristen Wong
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has two fairly reasonable career goals: one, make a truckload of money, and two, win the Super Bowl.
Jackon’s contract negotiation talks seem to have hit a wall this offseason, but there’s little question that Jackson will play for the Ravens in 2022 and the foreseeable future.
The franchise star has racked up quite a few accolades in his four-year NFL career including two Pro Bowl honors, one first-team All-Pro, and of course, 2019 league MVP. As with any young and hungry quarterback, Jackson wants more.
Jackson recently appeared on LeBron James’ HBO show, “The Shop,” and was asked what lessons he has learned from James so far in his career. His answer isn’t the least bit surprising.
On LeBron James' "The Shop," Lamar Jackson was asked what he would like to take from James as he grows.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) March 4, 2022
"You know, being a champion. Being a billionaire," Jackson said. "That’s what I’ve been thinking about ever since I was a little kid, being a billionaire and being a champion"
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson outlines his lofty aspirations for 2022 and beyond
Not even a year has passed since Jackson was reportedly “figured out” by the NFL, and Jackson himself had some things to say about how he’s changed the modern football landscape.
"“Lately, since I’ve been in the league, defenses have been changing. They don’t play me like they play other defenses. I’ve got to get ready for a dog fight every game. They’re going to play their best.”"
Jackson’s dual-threat skills have singled him out in the league as one of the more talented quarterbacks, and he’s already made an undeniable impact as the ringleader of the Ravens offense.
Jackson has led his team to the postseason three times in the last four years, yet he’s won just one playoff game and has yet to make it past the Divisional Round.
In the many seasons ahead, he’ll have to do more than just speak “Super Bowl champion” into existence.
In 2021, injuries caused Jackson to miss a huge chunk of the regular season, and when Jackson did play, he suffered from a bout of Mahomes syndrome.
Trying to do too much too often, Jackson threw 16 touchdowns against a career-high 13 interceptions last season, in part due to a beaten-up offensive line.
The Ravens will look to make major upgrades in the trenches this offseason, and Jackson has said he wants to change his “approach” heading into his fifth year in the league.
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He certainly has the right mindset to achieve his goals of becoming a billionaire and a champion, but 2022 will be all about execution and learning from his mistakes.
But first things first: get that damn contract extension.