Lamar Jackson Sends Clear Message on His Role Ahead of Ravens Season

Last season, the Baltimore Ravens experienced a disappointing finish to their campaign, falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers on a missed field goal in their final regular-season game. Quarterback Lamar Jackson played in that game, tallying 238 passing yards while carrying the ball nine times for just nine rushing yards. His teammate, Derrick Henry, accounted for 128 rushing yards, highlighting the division of responsibilities between the two players.

Jackson, a two-time Most Valuable Player, only appeared in 13 games last season due to a series of injuries. During that time, he posted a 6-7 record as the starting quarterback for the team. He's eager to return to the field and contribute more in the upcoming 2025 season. "I believe you know, I know, a lot of people know, I was hurt last year, too," he told reporters from practice on Wednesday.

"You know? So I really couldn't do anything I wanted, so I wouldn't put my team in a good position if I was just running hurt." When asked if he would do more running this upcoming season, Jackson reiterated his commitment to winning by saying, "Whatever it takes to win." Despite finishing last season with 67 carries for a career-low 349 yards and two rushing touchdowns, Jackson had significantly more rushing yards in 2021 and 2022, playing in just 12 games each season.

He previously set the record for the most rushing yards by a quarterback in a single season with 1,206 yards in 2019, surpassing Michael Vick's previous record of 1,039 yards set in 2006. Jackson's versatility as a mobile quarterback was highlighted during his earlier seasons in the NFL. The addition of Derrick Henry to the roster has alleviated some of the pressure on Jackson regarding his mobility.

With more news of the Ravens' 2025 season opener against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Sept. 13, Jackson appears ready to face the new season with fewer injury concerns than the previous year.