Lamar Jackson’s Weight Loss Journey: How the Ravens Star is Transforming His Game
Lamar Jackson, the dynamic quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, has been making headlines recently for more than just his on-field performances. As the 2024 NFL season kicks off, Jackson’s weight loss journey has become a focal point. The star quarterback has noticeably slimmed down, aiming to refine his game and enhance his agility. Here’s a detailed look at Jackson’s transformation and what it means for his future on the field.
A New Look for the New Season
When Lamar Jackson attended the Baltimore Ravens’ OTA session last week, the change was evident. The quarterback has shed a significant amount of weight, a goal he set for himself heading into the 2024 season. Jackson’s leaner physique mirrors the build he had during his MVP season in 2019 when he was at the peak of his performance.
“I don’t really know how many pounds I lost,” Jackson admitted during a recent interview, according to a Ravens transcript. “I’m like two-something [pounds] right now, but I’ll say it was important enough to be able to move around a little bit extra, that’s all.”
Lamar Jackson is looking SLIM at the #Ravens OTApic.twitter.com/XOCVi58rfD https://t.co/qaVEWvEM1U
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 22, 2024
As of now, Jackson is listed at 215 pounds on the Ravens’ website. This is a notable decrease from his previous weight. His target weight was “just under 230 pounds,” a figure that seemed to strike a balance between maintaining his power and enhancing his speed.
Why the Weight Loss Matters
For Jackson, weight loss isn’t just about looking different. It’s about improving his performance on the field. The leaner build allows him to move more freely and efficiently, especially when the pocket collapses. This agility is crucial for a quarterback known for his exceptional rushing ability and dynamic playmaking.
Jackson emphasized the positive impact of his weight loss on his game: “I feel great. It feels great to be out here with my guys, grinding and getting better. I feel great.” He also noted that the weight loss has helped him feel more agile, something he hadn’t experienced in a while, particularly due to the disruptions caused by COVID-19.
Performance and Statistics
Jackson’s impressive stats over the past few seasons underscore his impact on the field. Although he hasn’t rushed for 1,000 yards in a season since 2020, he has maintained an impressive average of 5.5 yards per carry or higher over the last three years. During this period, he has accumulated 2,352 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. This is slightly down from his combined total of 2,211 yards and 14 touchdowns in the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
In 2023, Jackson achieved his third career 800-yard rushing season, setting a record for the most such seasons by a quarterback in NFL history. He surpassed Michael Vick, who had two 800-yard rushing seasons. Jackson is also the only quarterback since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to record 700 rushing yards in five consecutive seasons (2019-2023) and to reach 600 rushing yards in each of his first six career years (2018-2023). No other quarterback has more than four such seasons in their career.
Jackson’s Confidence Moving Forward
Despite his impressive stats and records, Jackson believes his recent weight loss will make him even more effective. He’s not worried about the lighter weight increasing his risk of injury. Jackson views his physical adjustments as a strategic move to enhance his overall performance rather than a potential drawback.
“We sacrifice our body each and every game [and] practices,” Jackson explained. “I believe it really doesn’t matter about the weight.”
Jackson’s weight loss journey is not just about shedding pounds but about refining his skills and optimizing his performance. As he continues to adapt and evolve, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes impact his play and contribute to the Ravens’ success in the 2024 season.
Conclusion
Lamar Jackson’s weight loss journey is a testament to his dedication and commitment to improving his game. By focusing on a leaner physique, he aims to enhance his agility and maintain his status as one of the NFL’s most exciting quarterbacks. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how this transformation influences his performance and the Ravens’ overall success. Keep an eye on Jackson as he continues to make waves in the NFL with his impressive skills and renewed focus.
