Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson discusses the biggest difference between college and the NFL. The two-time NFL MVP knows that college head coaches hold court and influence over every aspect of their program.
While on the team, especially before the NIL revolution, head coaches spoke on behalf of their team and pretty much the athletic program. When a quarterback hears his name called in the NFL draft, more than just the game itself changes.
Ravens’ Star Lamar Jackson Discusses Adjustment to Crucial NFL Life Change
Starting quarterbacks remain the face of an NFL franchise. No matter how successful a team is, players usually will listen to the starting quarterback’s words. Teammates rely on their quarterbacks to serve as a dominant voice.
Having a quarterback with a clear, distinct opinion in a professional locker room is quite a change from college days. A quarterback there focuses more on making sure the right plays are run.
In a recent interview with comedian Kevin Hart on Hart’s “Cold As Balls,” Jackson talked about the need to assume team leadership.
“Just being a leader,” Jackson said. “I’m not outspoken with my guys, like, ‘Let’s do this and that,’ or ‘I got a great motivational speech.’ I don’t have that. I pretty much lead by example.
“I go out there,” Jackson said. “I’m going to work hard, and I expect that out of you. Coaches like to tell me, ‘You’ve got to talk to the guys.’ Now, I talk to them one-on-one. I gotta voice it more to those guys.”
To his credit, Jackson didn’t walk into the Ravens’ locker room as a rookie, barking out orders. Instead, he understood that former Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco was the starter. Jackson needed to wait his turn as Baltimore drafted him to take over for Flacco eventually.
However, in certain situations, Jackson must keep standing up. For example, when the team loses a heartbreaking game, it’s good to have the starting quarterback assume some responsibility.
Jackson usually talks at postgame press conferences about how he could have done better after a loss. This can also help keep his teammates out of the way of criticism. Jackson does this and earns the locker room’s respect in the locker room.
The Ravens usually bring in some new wide receivers for the team’s depth chart. In this case, Jackson must integrate them into the offense and establish a rapport.
Baltimore has struggled in playoff games under Jackson. The Ravens are 3-5 in postseason games with Jackson as quarterback, losing 17-10 in last season’s AFC Championship game to the Kansas City Chiefs. He knows that the NFL MVP trophies and endless praise do not mean much in the big picture if he cannot lead his team to the Super Bowl.
Entering his eighth season, can Jackson continue to put the team on his back and bring them to the big game?
