Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens opens up about how his teammates reacted to his first role on the team.
Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens opens up about how his teammates reacted to his first role on the team.
Lamar Jackson, the dynamic quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, has long been known for his electrifying playing style, which has earned him a spot as one of the most exciting players in the NFL. As the 2019 NFL MVP and a key figure in the Ravens’ offensive game plan, Jackson’s journey to stardom was filled with highs, lows, and moments of uncertainty—particularly early in his career when he first assumed the starting role.
When Lamar Jackson was drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, expectations were high, but there were also many questions. While he had already proven himself as a dual-threat quarterback at the University of Louisville, the NFL’s demands would be much greater. Jackson was stepping into a league that favored traditional pocket passers, and there were doubts about whether his unique skill set would translate into sustained success at the professional level.
Yet, Jackson’s rise was swift, and it didn’t take long before his teammates in Baltimore saw something special in him. The way he carried himself in practice and on the field—his poise, his ability to lead, and his undeniable talent—made it clear that Lamar Jackson was ready for more than just a backup role. By midseason in 2018, he had taken over the starting quarterback position from Joe Flacco after Flacco was injured. His transition into the starting role was an immediate success, as the Ravens saw a surge in their offensive output and a shift in how teams had to approach their matchups with Baltimore.
**Teammates’ Initial Reactions**
When Jackson first took the field as the starting quarterback, there was an air of uncertainty not just in the media, but also within the Ravens’ locker room. Many of his teammates, particularly the veterans who had been there before him, had already established a strong rapport with Flacco and had experienced success with him as the team’s leader. But that didn’t mean they weren’t open to the idea of Jackson taking over. In fact, many were excited to see how his unique skills would translate to the NFL.
One of the first reactions from his teammates came from running back Gus Edwards, who had already built a good rapport with Jackson as the two often shared time together on the field. Edwards noted that while Lamar Jackson was inexperienced, he quickly grew into his role and showed that he was more than capable of handling the pressures of being the face of the franchise.
“Lamar is a natural leader,” Edwards said in one of his early interviews. “He’s the kind of guy who just gets it. From day one, he’s had that confidence about him, and I think that rubbed off on the rest of us.”
This sentiment was echoed by others, including Ravens wide receiver Willie Snead. Snead, who had seen Jackson’s raw potential during practice and in games, acknowledged that while it was unusual for a rookie to step in so suddenly and take charge, Lamar’s approach to the game was impressive.
“He’s not your typical rookie,” Snead said. “He came in, put in the work, and the team followed his lead. I think that’s why we had so much success with him at quarterback.”
But it wasn’t just the players who were impressed by Jackson’s maturity on and off the field. Head coach John Harbaugh, a coach who had seen it all throughout his career, had no doubts about the quarterback’s potential. Harbaugh became a key figure in helping Jackson adjust to the responsibilities of his new role, offering the guidance and support Jackson needed to mature as both a player and a leader.
“He’s a special kid,” Harbaugh said after Jackson’s first few starts. “He doesn’t get rattled. He’s always calm, and his confidence is contagious.”
**Growing Pains and Early Doubts**
Despite the initial praise, Lamar Jackson’s first few games as the Ravens’ starting quarterback were not without their challenges. Teams were still figuring out how to defend against him, and Jackson, though talented, was still adjusting to the speed of the NFL. There were moments where his throwing accuracy was questioned, and some critics were concerned that he might not be able to sustain his success as a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Some of Jackson’s teammates—many of whom had been through a variety of offensive schemes—had to adjust as well. With Jackson taking over, the Ravens’ offensive strategy shifted to reflect his strengths. Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and Harbaugh made the decision to rely more heavily on a run-based offense, incorporating read-option plays and rolling out Jackson in designed running situations. This was a drastic change from the more traditional pass-heavy scheme the Ravens had previously employed with Joe Flacco.
For some of the veteran players, this shift wasn’t an easy one to accept. But, over time, many of them came to see the benefits of the new system.
“We knew we had to change things up,” said Ravens offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley. “The way Lamar plays is different, but that’s what makes him so good. We had to get used to it, but once we saw how much it worked, it was easy to buy in.”
Jackson’s skill as a runner, combined with his ability to throw the ball deep downfield, presented new challenges for defenses. His mobility made it harder for opponents to predict his movements, and his quickness allowed him to make plays on the fly. As Jackson grew more comfortable in the starting role, his teammates began to see that they were part of something truly unique.
**The Turning Point**
By the 2019 season, Jackson had fully embraced his role as the leader of the team, and his teammates were no longer questioning his ability to lead the Ravens to success. In fact, they were rallying around him in ways that made it clear Jackson wasn’t just a talented quarterback—he was the heart and soul of the offense. His teammates consistently praised his work ethic, his attitude, and his ability to elevate the play of everyone around him.
One notable moment came after the Ravens secured a playoff spot in 2018. While Jackson’s individual stats were solid, it was his leadership in critical situations that set him apart. The Ravens had just secured a key win against the Cleveland Browns, and Lamar’s teammates gathered around him, sharing their admiration for his resilience and leadership.
“It was his poise under pressure,” said linebacker C.J. Mosley. “He was just so calm. He never panicked. Even when things didn’t go our way, he stayed focused, and that kind of attitude really rubbed off on all of us.”
By the time the 2019 season rolled around, Lamar Jackson had established himself as one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL. His ability to make big throws and execute in the run game helped him to set numerous records, including becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season.
With Jackson’s continued growth as a leader, his teammates continued to share positive reflections on their experiences with him. Veteran players like tight end Mark Andrews were vocal about how Jackson’s personality made it easy to follow him as the team’s leader.
“Lamar is a guy you want to fight for,” said Andrews. “He’s always in your corner, and you know he’s going to put everything on the line for his teammates. When you have a guy like that leading you, it makes all the difference.”
**Endorsement from Teammates and the City of Baltimore**
Lamar Jackson’s progression from a rookie who had to fight for his spot to the leader of a Super Bowl contender was not just about his performance on the field. It was about the impact he had in the locker room, his ability to earn the trust of his teammates, and his unwavering belief in himself. Throughout his rise, the support from his teammates never wavered.
“I think Lamar has done an incredible job of embracing his role as our leader,” said veteran wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. “As a rookie, he was humble, but he still had that spark. He was never afraid to be vocal, but at the same time, he listened and took in advice from those around him.”
His leadership extended beyond just his on-field play. Jackson was known for his positive attitude, his work ethic, and his respect for his teammates and coaches. This contributed to the overall chemistry that developed in the Ravens’ locker room—a key ingredient to any team’s success. Jackson wasn’t just the quarterback; he was the player who could make everyone around him better.
As the 2019 season progressed, it became clear that Lamar Jackson had not only taken over the Ravens’ offense but had become the undisputed leader of the entire team. His teammates respected him, his coaches trusted him, and the city of Baltimore had a new icon. Jackson’s relationship with his teammates—one built on mutual respect, trust, and admiration—was a critical factor in the success the Ravens enjoyed during the 2019 season and beyond.
Lamar Jackson’s rise to the starting quarterback role with the Baltimore Ravens was not just a story of athletic prowess but also one of leadership and adaptability. His teammates recognized his potential early on, and over time, they came to appreciate his ability to lead the team in ways that transcended his talent as a quarterback. His transition into the role was not without its challenges, but the Ravens’ players learned quickly that they had something special in Lamar Jackson—a player who not only had the skills to perform at the highest level but also the leadership qualities to unite his teammates and take the team to new heights.
As the seasons continue, Jackson’s influence on the Ravens remains undeniable. His teammates continue to share their experiences of playing alongside him, and it’s clear that Lamar Jackson’s debut role as the Ravens’ starting quarterback was the beginning of a journey that would change the trajectory of the franchise for years to come.
