Another MVP for Lamar Jackson 

The final tally is in and it was not even close. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was the best player in the National Football League for the second time in his six seasons playing in the league. Jackson was honored at the NFL Honors event.

Jackson, who led the Ravens to the AFC Championship game, ran away from the competition much the same way he evades defenders. 

OUR QB?? pic.twitter.com/uHwGdTmmli

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) February 9, 2024

Jackson tallied 493 points and 49 first-place votes, coming up one vote shy (50) of making the decision unanimous. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was the runner-up with 152 votes overall and 17 first-place votes. 

The lone vote not cast for Jackson was slotted for third place. That is another story within itself. The first time Jackson won the league’s MVP award, he set the NFL on fire with 1,206 rushing yards and threw for 3,127 yards while completing 66 percent of his passes. 

He also tacked on 36 passing touchdowns and had just six interceptions in that marvelous season. Jackson’s numbers in 2023 were nearly as eye-popping. During the 2023 regular season, Jackson completed 67 percent of his passes for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns through the air. 

He also rushed for an additional 821 yards and five touchdowns on the season. By winning his second league MVP, Jackson is among the best of the best. Jackson becomes just the 11th player in NFL history to win multiple MVPs more than one time. Now that’s pretty impressive. 

“First and foremost I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Jackson said. “Without Him, nothing is possible. “I want to thank my organization, the Baltimore Ravens, for finally getting a deal done. Shout out to (General Manager) Eric (DeCosta), shout out to (Owner) Steve (Bisciotti), Coach (John) Harbaugh), the whole unit. 

“My offensive line, I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done. I’m not out there blocking, catching the ball, doing everything. It’s a team thing for these awards. And I want to thank my family at home. You guys have a great night, and that’s all folks,” Jackson added. 

Outside of Michael Vick, Jackson is the most mercurial player at the quarterback position that league has ever seen. With 5, 258 rushing yards in six seasons, Jackson is on pace to supplant in a season or two, to Vick as the game’s all-time rusher for a quarterback. 

Jackson is just 27. According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson and the late Jim Brown are the only two players to share the distinction of winning the league MVP award multiple times by that age. 

Lamar Jackson.

Your 2-time NFL MVP!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/YnxmBBx3sy

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) February 9, 2024

While he is most lethal when he is on the run as a scrambler, Jackson has proven the haters wrong by being a superior passer as well. But shortly after winning the award, Jackson said in an interview that was posted on the social media platform “X,” formerly known as Twitter, that those same doubters are what give him fuel to be even better.    

“It’s an honor just to be amongst the greatest,” Jackson said. “I feel like I still have work to do and stuff to prove to the naysayers. But I need the naysayers.” 

Top Image Caption: BALTIMORE, MD – JANUARY 20: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs for a touchdown against Houston Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (98) during the Houston Texans game versus the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on January 20, 2024 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire)