Real Recognize Real: Michael Vick approves Lamar Jackson as his heir

The upcoming Christmas Night game between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers, set in Santa Clara, has been pumped up and hyped up so much of late that it's been even called a Super Bowl Preview. Now, that makes sense with both teams leading their conferences at 11-3 and looking hella strong.

On top of that, both squads boast the no. 1 and no. 2 favorites to win the MVP award by the time the regular-season curtain drops. Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick discussed one of those two players, Lamar Jackson specifically, comparing him to the version that won the 2019 MVP and his position among current NFL players.

When asked which modern player most closely resembles his prime playing style, Vick showed no hesitation in picking Ravens QB Lamar Jackson speaking to the mics of the RG3 and the Ones pod hosted by Robert Griffin III.

"It's Lamar, hands down," Vick claimed. "I know you spent a lot of time with Lamar, I know you was a part of that growth process--that veteran experience in the room."

Vick told RG3 he must relate to the process Lamar is going through as another dual-threat quarterback, and having spent time together in Baltimore.

The legendary quarterback, in possession of the all-time rushing record for a player at the position with a monster 6,109 yards, said that he is enjoying "watching him now grow into a pure passer of the football."

That's a fair and factual statement made by Vick. Jackson might have had a terrific 2019 season on his way to winning one of two ever-handed unanimous MVP awards, but this version of Lamar is probably more complete than the one from 2019.

Jackson has completed more than 66% of all passes he's attempted to date. He's already racked up 3,105 passing yards and 17 TDs against just seven interceptions. That doesn't mean he's entirely faded his rushing chops, mind you, as he's also carried the rock for 741 yards this season scoring five touchdowns.

Just a few weeks ago, Jackson joined a then-three-man club in which he topped 5K rushing yards as a quarterback. Only Jackson, Vick, Cam Newton and Russell Wilson have ever reached that figure through their finished or ongoing careers.

If all goes according to plan, Jackson could finish 2023 with 1,000+ rushing yards, and there is no question he will become the all-time leading rusher at the QB position at some point next year as he only needs fewer than 1,000 yards between now and then to overtake Vick in the historic leaderboard.

It's been said that whoever comes out victorious on Monday will go on to win the MVP. Vick knows who's the most complete player and the one who should win it. And we agree with him.

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