Mike Greenberg Says Ravens’ Lamar Jackson Is ‘Playing for Immortality’ as MVP Talks, Legacy Stakes Rise Entering 2025 Season
ESPN’s Mike Greenberg made headlines this week on his morning show “Get Up” by declaring that Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is “playing for immortality” heading into the 2025 NFL season. The comment, though bold, reflects the growing sentiment among NFL analysts that the reigning MVP has ascended into a new stratosphere of expectations—both statistically and culturally—as he enters his seventh NFL season.
“Playing for Immortality”: Greenberg’s Comments Explained
During a spirited segment on “Get Up,” Greenberg was asked to name a player with the most to gain—or lose—in the upcoming NFL season. Without hesitation, he pointed to Jackson.
“Lamar Jackson isn’t just playing for another MVP,” Greenberg said. “He’s playing for immortality. He’s entering that sacred territory where only a few quarterbacks have ever gone—guys like Mahomes, Brady, Montana, Manning. If he wins another MVP or gets that elusive Super Bowl ring, it puts him in the pantheon forever.”
Greenberg emphasized that Jackson’s playing style, statistical dominance, and leadership are already cementing him as one of the most unique and influential quarterbacks of his generation. But immortality, Greenberg argued, would only be achieved with postseason glory.
Jackson’s Path to Greatness
At just 28 years old, Lamar Jackson has already accomplished more than most quarterbacks do in their entire careers. A two-time NFL MVP (2019, 2024), Jackson became the first quarterback in league history to record multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons while maintaining a top-tier passer rating.
His resume includes:
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Two MVP awards
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Four Pro Bowl selections
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Over 25,000 passing yards
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Nearly 6,500 rushing yards
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A career win-loss record of 67-22 as a starter
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A dynamic 2024 season where he led the Ravens to the AFC Championship Game
Despite all of that, one glaring absence remains: a Super Bowl appearance.
Ravens’ 2025 Outlook: Championship or Bust?
Baltimore enters the 2025 season as one of the AFC’s most balanced and dangerous teams. They return most of their top-tier defense, including Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton. The offense is stacked with Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, Rashod Bateman, and the recently acquired running back D’Andre Swift.
Jackson, now in full command of offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s system, is no longer “just” a running quarterback—he’s evolved into one of the most complete signal-callers in the game.
Yet, the pressure is mounting. A third MVP without a Super Bowl may start to weigh on Jackson’s legacy. Ravens fans, hungry for their first title since 2012, know that their championship window is wide open—but not guaranteed.
Teammates and Coaches Echo the Sentiment
Several of Jackson’s teammates agree with Greenberg’s take, though most shy away from the term “immortality.”
“Lamar already a legend in Baltimore,” said veteran tight end Mark Andrews. “But we all know we want that ring. That’s the next level.”
Head coach John Harbaugh, in his typically composed manner, praised Jackson’s work ethic and mental preparation.
“He’s grown so much—not just as a player, but as a leader. He sees the whole field now, and he knows how to win from the pocket,” Harbaugh said. “He’s got that fire. He wants to bring a championship to Baltimore.”
National Reaction: Too Much Hype or Justified?
Greenberg’s comments sparked strong reactions across the NFL media landscape. Some agreed that Jackson is chasing history. Others felt it was premature.
Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky backed Greenberg’s statement on Twitter:
“Lamar’s got a chance to change the game forever if he gets that ring. Most dynamic QB I’ve ever seen.”
Meanwhile, former coach Rex Ryan offered a more grounded perspective:
“He’s incredible. But let’s not talk about legacy before he’s been to a Super Bowl. There’s levels to this.”
Statistical Dominance and Unmatched Versatility
There’s no denying Jackson’s impact on the game. He redefined what a dual-threat quarterback can be. He forces defenses to account for all 53.3 yards of field width. Defensive coordinators lose sleep preparing for him.
In 2024, Jackson posted:
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4,100 passing yards
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30 passing touchdowns
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1,080 rushing yards
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9 rushing touchdowns
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A 104.3 passer rating
He did this while throwing just six interceptions all season.
That balance—electric running combined with surgical passing—makes him nearly impossible to contain.
“Immortality” Through a Cultural Lens
Greenberg’s take also resonates because of Jackson’s cultural impact. He’s become an icon beyond football. His humble beginnings in Pompano Beach, Florida; his loyalty to Baltimore; his decision to negotiate his own contract—Jackson represents something bigger than stats.
He is the face of a new era of NFL quarterback: Black, mobile, defiant, and brilliant.
“Kids grow up wanting to be Lamar Jackson now,” said former Ravens safety Ed Reed. “That’s legacy. That’s bigger than football.”
Can the 2025 Ravens Deliver?
The Ravens will have their hands full in a stacked AFC that includes Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, Joe Burrow’s Bengals, Josh Allen’s Bills, and an emerging Texans team led by C.J. Stroud.
But the Ravens may be the most well-rounded team of them all. If the offensive line stays healthy and the defense continues its dominance, Jackson may have his best shot yet at reaching the Super Bowl.
Greenberg thinks the moment is now:
“If Lamar wins this year—another MVP or a ring—you can start putting him on the Mount Rushmore of NFL QBs.
As training camp opens and the 2025 season looms, one thing is clear: Lamar Jackson isn’t just trying to win games—he’s trying to win history.
Mike Greenberg may have said it best:
“There’s playing for stats. There’s playing for MVPs. And then there’s playing for something that lives forever. That’s where Lamar is now.”
For Jackson and the Ravens, the road to immortality begins again this fall.
