Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been named NFL MVP for the 2023 season, marking the second time in his young career that he has won the award.
Jackson defeated finalists Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills quarterback, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, and 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. .
Just last offseason, Jackson was seeking a long-term contract extension with the Ravens. And although it was a public negotiation, Baltimore’s owners ultimately gave Jackson a five-year, $260 million contract extension.
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The Baltimore Ravens celebrate as they rush for a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter of an AFC Divisional Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, on January 20, 2024. No. 8 Lamar Jackson. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)
In the first season of that extension, Jackson led the Ravens to a 13-3 record and the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs.
Jackson threw for a career-high 3,678 yards, 24 passing touchdowns and a career-high 67.2 percent completion rate under first-year offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
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But of course, it’s Jackson’s elusive ability when taking off with the ball in his hands that makes him one of the best two-way quarterbacks in the game.
Jackson ran for 821 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 5.5 yards per attempt.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, 8, poses after the Baltimore Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game on Monday, Dec. 25, 2023, in Santa Clara, California. He runs off the field with a smile on his face. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez)
Jackson last won the award in his second season after the Ravens acquired him in a trade in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Jackson threw for 36 touchdowns for 3,127 yards and ran for 1,206 yards and seven touchdowns, a season he may never repeat.
Of course, Jackson wanted to win his second MVP award and his first Super Bowl title, but the Ravens ultimately lost to the Kansas City Chiefs and two-time league MVP Patrick Mahomes.
#8 Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens hits #23 Drew Trunk of the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter of the AFC Championship Game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. Pressure is put on Il. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)
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But there’s no doubt that Jackson will be back in the playoffs competing for the Vince Lombardi Trophy as he continues to strengthen NFL defenses in ways that only game day can.
