Despite having clinched two MVP awards, Lamar Jackson continues to encounter skepticism from critics. Coming off a disappointing playoff season, many consider last year as one of his toughest yet.
This marked his first season with a starter record below .500 and the first time since 2021 that he didn’t reach the playoffs, which is—well, disheartening.
Reflecting on this, he shared a poignant message on social media earlier this week. He encouraged his followers, saying, “Instead of trying to pull me down, please ask God to lift you up,” pairing it with a few heartfelt emojis. It’s a reminder, perhaps, of the pressures he faces from naysayers.
Jackson had to sit out four games due to a hamstring injury, which seemed to linger throughout the season. His passing yards totaled 2,549, the third-lowest of his career, while his rushing yards were a mere 349, the lowest to date.
Recently, Jackson has been open about his beliefs, even donning an “I LOVE JESUS” hoodie. His social media posts reflect his faith too.
This upcoming season will see a coaching change for Jackson as the Ravens parted ways with John Harbaugh after 18 years. Jesse Minter, who previously worked as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, has been brought in for the role.
In the 2023 season, Jackson did make it to the AFC championship game but faced defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs. It seems like only time will tell how he bounces back this season.
