Lamar Jackson has always been a player who breaks the mold, but this season, he’s not just redefining the quarterback position—he’s rewriting the NFL’s history books.
With 39 touchdown passes, 3,955 passing yards, and 852 rushing yards for the Baltimore Ravens, Jackson is putting together one of the most dominant seasons we’ve ever seen. And after his Christmas Day performance against the Houston Texans, some are starting to wonder: Could a third MVP award be his surefire ticket to Canton?
Former NFL wide receiver Andrew Hawkins certainly thinks so. During a recent appearance on First Take, Hawkins didn’t mince words. “If Lamar wins his third MVP in only four completed seasons, he is a first-ballot Hall of Famer,” Hawkins said. “You can already not tell the NFL story without Lamar Jackson, but this would solidify him on a whole different level.”
Hawkins isn’t alone in that assessment. Historically, a third MVP puts players in exclusive company. Only five quarterbacks—Johnny Unitas, Brett Favre, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Aaron Rodgers—have won the award three times, and all are either Hall of Famers or surefire first-ballot inductees.
Jackson's potential inclusion on that elite list speaks volumes about his impact on the game.
Lamar Jackson is making his Hall of Fame case undeniable
Hawkins pointed to Jackson’s evolution as a passer as the key to his sustained dominance. While Jackson’s jaw-dropping rushing ability has always been a hallmark of his game, this year he’s taken his passing to another level. His 121.6 passer rating ranks second all-time for a single season, and he leads the league in virtually every major passing efficiency category.
.@Hawk says a third MVP would solidify Lamar Jackson's place as a first-ballot Hall of Famer ✍️ pic.twitter.com/INXqQEgMna
— First Take (@FirstTake) December 26, 2024
Jackson’s case for the Hall of Fame doesn’t stop at statistics. He’s already the NFL’s all-time leading rusher among quarterbacks, surpassing Michael Vick on Christmas Day.
But what makes Jackson truly special is his ability to adapt and elevate his team. Whether it’s dominating on the ground or carving up defenses through the air, Jackson has proven time and time again that he can beat opponents any way he wants.
As the Ravens push for an AFC North title, Jackson’s play continues to silence critics who once questioned his ability to succeed as a passer. With one more week to go and the MVP race still in play, Jackson has a chance to put an exclamation point on an already historic season.
If a third MVP does land in Jackson’s hands, it’s hard to see how Canton doesn’t follow.