Lamar Jackson

American college football quarterback who won the 2016 Heisman Trophy at Louisville, becoming the youngest player ever to receive the award at age 19.

Born in Pompano Beach, Florida in 1997, Lamar Demeatrice Jackson Jr. grew up in a single-parent household after his father died when Jackson was eight years old. His mother, Felicia Jones, moved the family to Boynton Beach, where Jackson attended Boynton Beach High School. He emerged as a dual-threat quarterback, demonstrating exceptional speed and arm strength that attracted national college recruiting attention. Jackson committed to the University of Louisville in 2015, where he made an immediate impact as a freshman. His breakout season came in 2016 as a sophomore, when he became the youngest player in 45 years to win the Heisman Trophy. That season, he threw for 3,543 yards and 30 touchdowns while rushing for 1,571 yards and 21 touchdowns, totaling 51 touchdowns overall. His dynamic performance earned him ACC Player of the Year honors and consensus All-American recognition. Jackson's junior season in 2017 saw continued excellence despite increased defensive attention, as he threw for 3,660 yards and rushed for 1,601 yards. During his three-year Louisville career, Jackson accumulated 9,043 passing yards, 4,132 rushing yards, and 119 total touchdowns. He set numerous school records and became the first player in FBS history to pass for 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in multiple seasons. His rushing production from the quarterback position was unprecedented at the college level, averaging over 1,300 rushing yards per season. Jackson's college career revolutionized perceptions of the quarterback position. His success at Louisville directly influenced the modern NFL's embrace of mobile quarterbacks and dual-threat offensive schemes. After declaring for the NFL Draft following his junior season, Jackson was selected 32nd overall by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018, where he has since won two NFL MVP awards. His Louisville tenure represents a pivotal moment in football evolution, proving that elite quarterbacks could succeed through both passing and rushing excellence at the highest levels.

Dual-threat quarterback with exceptional speed, elusiveness, and arm strength, known for his ability to make plays with both his arm and legs

Revolutionized the quarterback position with his dual-threat ability and became the youngest Heisman winner, paving the way for mobile quarterbacks in modern football

• Heisman Trophy (2016)
• ACC Player of the Year
• Consensus All-American
• Biletnikoff Award finalist