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Lamar Jackson
The superstar quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson, will be immortalized with a statue of the Louisville University Stadium, He said Vince Tyra, the college athletic director, to ESPN Louisville’s Drew Deener.
Jackson won many awards during his time in Louisville, including the Heisman Trophy, and the Maxwell and Walter Camp Awards, during an incredible second season. Also unanimously selected to the 2016 All-American team that same season.
He was selected by the Ravens in the draft in 2019 with the last pick from the first round. Replaced Joe Flacco as a starter when he was injured. He has emerged as one of the best players in the league, helping the Ravens make the playoffs for three seasons in a row.
An immortalized university legend
Jackson started 34 games over three seasons for the Cardinals, winning the Heisman Trophy for the first time in college history in 2016, when he was just 19 years and 337 days old. He was the youngest winner of the trophy. He electrified the fans with his skill, both in the air and on the ground.
Although he was unable to help the Cardinals win any collegiate bowls, Jackson remains beloved by the Louisville fans. Many Kentucky-based city fans have become Ravens fans, according to wrote last year Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. They are often displayed at Cardinals events as Ravens jerseys, bearing Jackson’s name and number. Few players in any sport inspire such loyalty from college towns after turning pro.
Jackson also has a humanitarian connection to the city, having donated $ 25,000 to the Louisville division of Blessing in Backparts, a nonprofit that fights childhood malnutrition.
When he was injured in a postseason game against the Buffalo Bills last January, the Bills fans raised $ 360,000 for Blessings in Backparts to wish the quarterback on his back, as said by Ryan Mink of BaltimoreRavens.com.
A connection in Baltimore
Jackson’s statue could end up next to another Baltimore quarterback, Johnny Unitas, who played for the University of Louisville for four years, setting many team records.
Unitas was inducted into the Hall of Fame after a fantastic career with the Baltimore Colts, winning three NFL championships and a Super Bowl. He was also named MVP three times during his 18 years in the league. A statue of Unitas has adorned Cardinal Stadium since it opened in 1998.
Jackson has played all of his home games in his college and professional career in stadiums that feature a Unitas statue. A statue of the legendary quarterback was unveiled at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore shortly before his passing in 2002.
Is there more to come?
Despite how little Jackson has played in the NFL, the announcement of his statue has some Ravens fans wondering if he will eventually escort Unitas out of M&T Bank Stadium. He has expressed his affection for Baltimore several times. He told Deion Sanders shortly after being drafted by the Ravens, “I’m going to help them win a Super Bowl. Believe it. “
Jackson has been negotiating an extension to his contract with the Ravens for a few months now, but there is a clear mutual interest in wanting to close a deal. The 2019 MVP, the first in team history, he told the media, “I would like to stay here forever. I love Baltimore. I love this team. I love everyone in this place. “
The 24-year-old quarterback is very focused on the upcoming season. He hopes he can fulfill the promise he made on draft night to win a Super Bowl with Baltimore.
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