NFL Recognition Highlights Baltimore Ravens Star’s Unmatched Dominance and Growing Legacy Among League’s Elite Entering the 2024 NFL Season
In a league filled with explosive talent and weekly highlight-reel plays, true dominance is still rare. And yet, one player on the Baltimore Ravens continues to separate himself from the rest — not just with his statistics, but with his presence, consistency, and impact on the game. That player is Lamar Jackson.
Recently, the NFL officially recognized Jackson’s ongoing greatness with yet another accolade: a place near the very top of the league’s annual Top 100 Players list, voted on by his peers. The honor is a reflection of how Jackson is viewed not just by fans and analysts, but by those who line up against him every week.
It’s also further proof that Jackson has not only rebounded from injury concerns and early criticism but has reasserted himself as one of the most dominant and unique forces the NFL has ever seen. His 2023 MVP campaign was more than a statistical resurgence — it was a masterclass in leadership, evolution, and commanding control of an offense built around his rare skill set.
As the 2024 season approaches, the NFL’s recognition of Jackson underscores what Baltimore fans have long believed: that their quarterback is not only elite but one of the most defining players of this generation.
When the Ravens selected Lamar Jackson with the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, many doubters questioned whether he could succeed as a quarterback in the NFL. Those doubts now look foolish.
Since taking over the starting job midway through his rookie year, Jackson has shattered expectations. He won his first MVP in 2019 with a record-breaking season — becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for over 3,000 yards and rush for over 1,000 in the same year. He led the league in touchdown passes, orchestrated one of the league’s top offenses, and took the Ravens to the playoffs.
But his dominance was more than numbers. His play style — a breathtaking blend of speed, agility, vision, and creativity — forced defensive coordinators to rewrite how they approached the quarterback position.
Yet even with that success, Jackson faced questions in the following years, especially as injuries and playoff losses mounted. The narrative around him turned, with some wondering if his style was sustainable or if he had peaked. In 2023, Jackson answered those questions with authority.
Jackson’s 2023 campaign was nothing short of brilliant. He passed for over 3,600 yards with 24 touchdowns to just 7 interceptions, while rushing for over 800 yards and 5 more scores. More importantly, he led Baltimore to a 13-4 record and the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
It wasn’t just the numbers — it was the way he played. Jackson demonstrated improved pocket presence, refined mechanics, and a better understanding of when to attack with his arm versus his legs. Under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, he showed he could command a more balanced attack and spread the ball around effectively.
Perhaps most importantly, he delivered in big games. Jackson dismantled the San Francisco 49ers — the league’s top-ranked defense — on Christmas night in a nationally televised beatdown. He carved up the Miami Dolphins in a critical Week 17 matchup that clinched the AFC North.
The MVP was well-deserved, and the respect poured in. Players around the league voted him into the top five of the NFL’s Top 100 list, and analysts began comparing his impact to that of all-time greats.
One of the reasons the NFL’s Top 100 list carries weight is because it’s voted on by players. That means the people who prepare for Jackson, who have tried (and failed) to tackle him, who have seen his film week after week — they’re the ones validating his dominance.
And for Jackson to land among the top players in that list is not just about flash — it’s about fear, respect, and acknowledgment of how much he changes the game.
Teammates and opponents alike praise his leadership, toughness, and calm under pressure. He’s not just the most athletic guy on the field — he’s the most composed, most studied, and most prepared. That’s a blend few possess.
Even players on rival AFC teams have begun to tip their hats. Kansas City Chiefs defenders admitted during media sessions that Jackson’s combination of speed and vision is nearly impossible to replicate in practice. AFC North defenders — who see Jackson twice a year — speak of him with reverence, noting that even when you contain him, he finds a way to escape and make the play.
Jackson’s dominance extends beyond the box score. Internally, the Ravens view him as the engine of their franchise and the emotional heartbeat of the locker room.
After signing a long-term deal in 2023, Jackson took another step forward as a leader. He was more vocal, more involved in mentoring younger players, and more visible in the community. Players have credited him for keeping the team focused through adversity and setting the tone during practices and film sessions.
Head coach John Harbaugh has repeatedly praised Jackson’s preparation and maturity. Monken has said that Lamar processes defenses as well as any quarterback he’s coached. These are not throwaway compliments — they’re admissions that Jackson has evolved from a rare athlete into a complete quarterback.
With a second MVP now on his resume, Jackson joins rare company. Only 10 players in NFL history have won the award multiple times — and most of them are in the Hall of Fame or will be someday.
He also becomes the first Ravens player in franchise history to win the league’s MVP more than once. While the Ravens have long been known for their defense, Jackson’s impact has redefined the identity of the franchise.
No longer is Baltimore simply a gritty, grind-it-out team — they’re dynamic, dangerous, and explosive, thanks to their quarterback. He has elevated the organization, attracted talent to Baltimore, and made the Ravens must-see TV every week.
For all the accolades and recognition, Jackson knows there’s one thing missing: a Super Bowl. He’s made it clear that the team’s goal — and his personal goal — is to win a championship.
Last year’s AFC Championship loss to the Chiefs stung deeply. The Ravens had a golden opportunity, but mistakes and missed chances derailed them. Jackson took ownership of his performance and has reportedly used the loss as fuel this offseason.
He’ll return in 2024 with even more help. Derrick Henry joins the backfield, giving Jackson a powerful running partner and keeping defenses honest. Zay Flowers is a year more experienced, Rashod Bateman is healthy, and tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely form one of the league’s most dangerous tandems.
If the offensive line holds up and the defense remains elite, there’s every reason to believe Jackson can lead the Ravens back to the AFC title game — and beyond.
The NFL’s recognition of Lamar Jackson is about more than awards — it’s about acknowledging the rare combination of athletic brilliance, football intelligence, and competitive drive that defines him. He’s not just a star — he’s a force.
For Ravens fans, the validation from peers around the league is a reminder of what they already know: that Baltimore has one of the most gifted and impactful players the game has seen in decades.
And for Jackson, the goal remains clear. He has the recognition. He has the MVPs. Now, he’s chasing the only prize that eludes him: a Super Bowl ring.
If history is any guide, don’t bet against him. The league may have finally recognized his dominance — but Lamar Jackson is only getting started.
