So, you’re asking how long Lamar Jackson has been in the NFL? Grab your coffee, because this feels like a pop quiz and a trip down memory lane at the same time. He’s been doing his thing for seven seasons now, believe it or not. That’s right—since 2018, this guy has been making defenders look silly.
The Baltimore Ravens drafted him 32nd overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. That was the very last pick of the first round, which is kind of hilarious now. I mean, 29 teams said, “Nah, we’re good,” and then he turned the league upside down. Oops.
Wait, Seven Seasons? That Feels Like Forever
I know, I know—time flies when you’re watching someone break ankles. But think about it: 2018 was the same year we all lost it over “Despacito” and avocado toast was still a big deal. Lamar was a rookie that year, backing up Joe Flacco like a polite young man.
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He only started seven games as a rookie. And in those seven games, he went 6-1 as a starter. That’s not a typo. He basically walked in and said, “Hey, I’m here to ruin your defensive coordinator’s career.” And he meant it.
The Real Fun Started in 2019
Oh, 2019. That’s when Lamar decided to become a human cheat code. He was the league MVP at just 22 years old. Twenty-two! Most of us were still trying to figure out how to cook pasta without burning water at that age.
He threw for 36 touchdowns and ran for 1,206 yards. Let that sink in. A quarterback ran for over 1,200 yards. That’s more than some running backs get in a career. And the Ravens went 14-2. It was like watching a video game where you accidentally selected the “God Mode” option.
Suddenly, everyone wanted to talk about Lamar. “Is he a running back?” No, Brenda, he’s a franchise quarterback who happens to run like a cheetah in cleats.
Lamar Jackson Makes NFL History After MVP Performance In Ravens Win
So How Do We Count These Years?
We’re in the 2024 season right now, so that’s season number seven. But here’s the tricky part: he didn’t finish every season healthy. In 2021, he missed five games due to injury. In 2022, he missed the last six games with a knee issue. That’s life in the NFL, folks—it’s like a roller coaster made of bruises.
But here’s the wild part: even with those injury gaps, he’s already got two MVP awards. He won his second one in 2023, which was basically a giant middle finger to everyone who said he couldn’t throw from the pocket. He threw for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns that year, with only seven picks. Not bad for a “running back,” huh?
What’s His Legacy So Far?
Seven years in, and Lamar Jackson has a 71-31 record as a starter. That’s a .696 winning percentage. Only Patrick Mahomes has a better start in the last 50 years. And Mahomes is, well, Patrick Mahomes. So yeah, Lamar is in elite company.
But wait—there’s the playoff elephant in the room. His playoff record is 2-4. Oof. He hasn’t made it to a Super Bowl yet. And let’s be honest, that’s the one thing people bring up when they want to annoy Ravens fans at parties. “Yeah, but what about January?”
How Many Times Has Lamar Jackson Won the MVP Award? Revisiting the
Still, he’s only 27 years old. Quarterbacks usually hit their prime around 28 to 32. So technically, Lamar might be just getting started. That’s terrifying for the rest of the AFC.
The “How Long” Answer, Plain and Simple
If you want the short version: Lamar Jackson has been in the NFL for seven seasons, from 2018 to now (2024). That’s 98 games played, two MVPs, and enough highlight reels to make a YouTube channel cry. He’s been paid like a king too—his five-year, $260 million contract signed in 2023 is the kind of money that makes you forget how to do math.
And here’s the funny part: some people still ask if he’s “proven himself.” Seven years, two MVPs, a winning record, and he’s still being doubted? Come on, NFL Twitter. Give the man his flowers while he’s still running past your safety.
One Last Thought
So next time someone asks, “How long has Lamar Jackson been in the NFL?” you can smile and say, “Long enough to become the only player in league history with two MVP awards before turning 28.” Then take a sip of your coffee like a boss. Because that’s what Lamar does—he makes the impossible look routine, and he’s been doing it for seven glorious, ankle-breaking years.
Here’s to seven more, if his knees hold up and the NFL doesn’t ban fun. Cheers.