Lamar Jackson may actually be in the best shape of his life.
The Ravens quarterback set the internet ablaze this week with his slimmed-down appearance at OTAs, but revealed Wednesday that he did so to be more agile.
“I don’t really know how many pounds I lost. So far it’s about two pounds, but it was important enough that I was able to move around a little bit more, that’s all,” Jackson said.
It’s a common cliché in the sports world to state that players are in the best shape of their lives during the offseason and preseason, but Jackson is returning to the toned physique of previous seasons.
Jackson was modest about his weight Wednesday, but He told Complex Sports It was announced earlier this month that he weighed 205 pounds, down from 215 pounds last season and 230 pounds in 2022.
Jackson moved up to 230 pounds after being sacked a career-high 38 times in 2021. According to ESPNand said his goal is to get below that threshold.
“It’s just so I can be more agile and move more,” Jackson said Wednesday of the weight loss.
Jackson losing weight could be bad news for opposing defenses, as the reigning league MVP is well on his way to becoming the best rushing quarterback in NFL history.
Jackson rushed for 5,258 yards and 29 touchdowns in six seasons, including 821 yards and five touchdowns last year, helping Baltimore clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
The Ravens advanced to the AFC Championship Game in January, but lost at home to the Chiefs, who they will play on the road in Week 1, when the 2024 season officially begins.
The combination of a skinny Jackson and new bruising running back Derrick Henry could be a nightmare for opponents this season.
“Hey, yeah, I feel great. I’m just happy to be back here with the guys,” Jackson said Wednesday. “I’m grinding and I’m getting better. I feel good.”
Jackson doesn’t think he’s sacrificing his ability as a pocket passer by playing at a lighter weight.
“We sacrifice our bodies every game and every practice,” he said. “I don’t think weight really matters.”
Ravens coach Jim Harbaugh has no concerns about Jackson’s weight loss.
“He’s a professional and he knows what he’s doing,” Harbaugh said. “If it gets crazy, if he came here at 250 pounds, I might be a little concerned, or if he came here at 150 pounds, I’d probably be a little concerned, but he’s going to be there, where he needs to be, and he’s going to be in great shape and ready to go.”
