Lamar Jackson Awards Overview
Lamar Jackson has won a Heisman Trophy, a Super Bowl title, and multiple MVP and Pro Bowl selections while establishing himself as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in NFL history. This profile breaks down his major honors and what they mean for his legacy.
Early Excellence and the Heisman Trophy
College Accolades Begin at Louisville
Before entering the NFL, Jackson rewrote the record books as a dual-threat quarterback at the University of Louisville. His unprecedented 2016 season, in which he became the first player in school history to rush for 1,000 yards and pass for 2,000 yards in a single year, set the stage for national recognition. That recognition culminated in December 2016 when he received the Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football. With a historic performance that combined speed, vision, and playmaking ability, Jackson claimed the award as a true sophomore, joining an elite group of underclassmen who captured the honor.
- First Louisville player to rush for 1,000 yards and pass for 2,000 yards in one season.
- 2016 Heisman Trophy winner as a true sophomore.
- Established himself as a dual-threat MVP long before the NFL.
Entering the NFL and Early Professional Recognition
From Draft to Breakout Rookie Recognition
Selected 32nd overall by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2018 NFL Draft, Jackson initially served as a backup before earning the starting role late in his rookie year. His poise in the pocket and elite rushing ability drew attention as he guided the Ravens to a 10–6 record in 2018. That season marked the first of many prestigious accolades, as he earned a combined total of five total votes in NFL MVP voting, signaling his arrival as a premier talent. By the end of his second year, he was selected to his first Pro Bowl, an annual all-star game that highlights the league’s top performers.
Peak Performance: MVP Seasons and Championship Glory
Winning the AP MVP and Leading Baltimore to the Super Bowl
Jackson’s breakout MVP campaign came in 2019, when he became the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for 1,200 yards and pass for 3,000 yards in a single season. His electrifying dual-threat play propelled the Ravens to a 14–2 record and an appearance in Super Bowl LIII, where they defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34–20. For his individual performance, Jackson earned his first Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player award, cementing his status as one of the game’s premier quarterbacks. He followed that season with another Pro Bowl selection and continued to dominate the following year, securing a second MVP nod in 2020.
| Season | Award | Result | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Super Bowl Champion (LIV) | Winner | Championship victory over the 49ers |
| 2019 | AP MVP | Winner | First MVP at quarterback in franchise history |
| 2020 | AP MVP | Winner | Repeated as league MVP in a shortened season |
| 2019 | Pro Bowl | Selection | First of multiple Pro Bowl appearances |
| 2023 | Pro Bowl | Selection | Later career recognition and selection |
Consistency in the Later Years
Pro Bowl Appearances and Continued Excellence
Even after the departure of longtime teammates and coaching changes, Jackson has remained a top-tier quarterback in the league. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make plays with his right arm has kept defenses off balance, resulting in consistent Pro Bowl selections and high-level fantasy production. While injuries have occasionally interrupted his rhythm, his overall trajectory remains among the most impressive in modern quarterback play. He continues to chase additional passing milestones while leading a franchise that remains a perennial contender in the AFC.
- Multiple Pro Bowl selections across his career.
- Elite rushing totals for a quarterback each season.
- Sustained MVP-level performance over multiple years.
Summary of Key Honors
Lamar Jackson’s award collection reflects a career defined by versatility, clutch performance, and historic two-way impact at quarterback. From his record-setting college campaign to his back-to-back MVP seasons and championship run, his honors tell the story of a player who has redefined expectations at his position. His combination of speed, arm talent, and football IQ keeps him at the forefront of the league and ensures that his legacy will be measured by both statistics and championships.