Lamar Jackson’s name is synonymous with revolution in the National Football League. Since taking the helm in Baltimore, the dynamic dual-threat has redefined what a quarterback can be, blending elite speed with polished passing. Naturally, conversations about his legacy quickly turn to the ultimate individual accolades, specifically the question of how many MVPs Lamar Jackson has secured over the course of his young career.
The 2019 Season: A Historic Sweep
The answer to the query regarding how many MVPs Lamar Jackson has is found in the record-breaking 2019 campaign. That year, Jackson didn't just win the award; he dominated the conversation so thoroughly that he secured both the Associated Press MVP and the Pro Bowl MVP honors. This marked the first time in NFL history that a quarterback won the league MVP award while rushing for over 1,000 yards, a testament to his unique ability to impact the game in multiple dimensions.
Breaking the Barrier
Jackson’s victory shattered the traditional mold of the NFL quarterback. He proved that a pocket passer wasn't the only blueprint for winning the league's most prestigious award. By leading the Ravens to a franchise-best 14-2 record and guiding them to the AFC Championship, Jackson demonstrated that his rushing ability elevated the entire offense, making him an undeniable candidate for the top honor and effectively answering how many MVPs Lamar Jackson has with a historic first.
Consistency in the Following Seasons
Following his monumental 2019 season, the discussion shifts slightly when asking how many MVPs Lamar Jackson has in subsequent years. While he hasn't added a second league MVP trophy to his shelf, his consistent high-level performance kept him firmly in the conversation. He remained the engine of the Ravens, posting additional 1,000+ rushing seasons and leading his team to deep playoff runs, which speaks to his sustained excellence even without repeating as MVP.
2020 Season: Led the Ravens to the playoffs despite a challenging schedule.
2021 Season: Continued to be a dual threat, rushing for over 900 yards while throwing for 30 touchdowns.
2022 & 2023 Seasons: Demonstrated durability and leadership, keeping Baltimore competitive in the highly competitive AFC.
The Weight of Individual Recognition
It is worth noting that while the official league MVP is a singular honor, Jackson has received significant recognition that validates his status. He was named the NFL MVP by the Sporting News in 2019, and his selection to the Pro Bowl in 2019 and 2021 further cements his status as an elite player. These accolades help quantify his impact beyond the strict definition of the Associated Press award.
Contextualizing the MVP Count
When analyzing how many MVPs Lamar Jackson has, it is crucial to consider the context of his division. The AFC has historically been stacked with formidable quarterbacks, including Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. Jackson’s ability to win the award in his first serious contention highlights how rare his talent is, even if the competitive landscape makes repeating the feat exceptionally difficult.
The Verdict on the MVP Trophy
So, how many MVPs Lamar Jackson has is a straightforward answer: one. However, that single trophy represents a seismic shift in the NFL landscape. It is a trophy earned through a combination of speed, intelligence, and leadership that few quarterbacks possess. Until another player comes along to diversify the quarterback position even further, Jackson’s 2019 season stands as the benchmark for two-way play and MVP excellence.
