The All-Pro quarterback who has guided Baltimore to playoff contention with record-breaking stats says Jesus is the reason for his success. On Sunday, Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson became the first NFL player in history with four perfect passer ratings. He completed 16 of 19 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns in the Ravens’ 41-10 win over Denver. His perfect passer rating of 158.3 was the fourth of his career, surpassing that of Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Kurt Warner, and Ben Roethlisberger, each of whom has three. The Ravens are 6-3 and contending for the AFC North Division title. Asked about his success, Jackson spread the credit.
“I knew what the assignment was; I definitely studied those guys. Getting with Coach Tee [Martin, the quarterbacks coach] and just putting in extra work because I wasn’t out there -- just watching practice and studying film on those guys -- that pretty much helped,” he said during a post-game news conference, referencing missed practices due to an injury.
Lamar Jackson said doing extra work and studying film is how he was able to have so much success today with only one day of practice. But he also credited God:
— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) November 3, 2024
“My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That’s why we’re having so much success. He’s the one leading us.”#RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/zCKwSczPQ2
“And God. God, my Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ, that’s why we’re having so much success,” he added, according to Sports Spectrum. “That’s the One that’s leading us throughout these games, week in and week out.”
In his seventh year in the league, Jackson is a three-time All-Pro player and a two-time NFL MVP. He won the Heisman Trophy at the University of Louisville.
Jackson also credited Christ after he won the 2023 MVP Award.
On Sunday, he said the Ravens have developed solid team chemistry.
“All the great guys we have, it can be the tight ends one game, it might just be the running backs one game. You really never know,” he said.
Jackson often discusses his faith on social media. Last week, he retweeted an X post that said: “Goals for this Week: 1) Put God first, 2) Pray more, 3) Thank God every day, 4) Forgive those who have hurt me, 5) Focus on Jesus more than this world, 6) Ask Jesus for help more often, 7) Trust God always.”
In August, he wrote on X, “I don’t see how people can believe we’re all breathing because of oxygen that we cannot see. When it comes to believing in God, they have to see him with their eyes. #Howisthat #HestheRealist.”
I don’t see how people can believe we’re all breathing because of oxygen that we cannot see. When it comes to believing in God, they have to see him with their eyes🤔🤔 #Howisthat #HestheRealist🙏🏾
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) August 26, 2024
Photo Credit: ©Instagram/NFL
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.