Cardinal Forever Lamar Jackson took the NFL by storm. He was drafted with the last pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. It was legendary GM Ozzie Newsom’s last first round pick before he would retire. It was a hell of a pick.
While he started out as the backup to former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco, Lamar would eventually supplant him as the starter about half way through the season in hopes of sparking a run to the playoffs for the floundering Ravens. He did just that; going 6-1 as QB1 down the stretch and getting Baltimore into the playoffs. When he started that game, he became the youngest QB to ever start an NFL playoff game. He threw for 1201 yards and 6 TDs in that small sample of games while rushing for 695 yards and 5 TDs. Much as Louisville fans knew they had a special talent watching him nearly lead Louisville to an upset win over Auburn in the 2015 opener or watching him throw for 200 yards and run for 200 yards in the 2015 Music City Bowl, the NFL knew a star was being born.
This past season, Lamar went Super Nova as he completed 66.1% of his passes for 3127 yards, 36 TDs, and just 6 interceptions. Oh, and he also rushed for 1206 yards and 7 TDs. There have been dual-threat QBs in the NFL from Randall Cunningham to Michael Vick to even Patrick Mahomes, but none are as dangerous with both the arm and legs as Lamar. Speaking of Vick, Lamar broke his NFL single-season rushing record for a QB. All this led to Lamar being named the second-ever unanimous MVP in league history. Now, he gets another honor: to be the cover athlete for Madden 21.
From South Florida to the Cover of #Madden21, a dream come true 🙌
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) June 16, 2020
@eamaddennfl #Madden21 #EAathlete #Noyaboy #Freeyak pic.twitter.com/aK1Jw6huuk
His likeness is now what the world will see when they purchase this long-running football simulation franchise. Though a humble, hardworking young man, it is nice to see Lamar’s hard work pay off with well-deserved awards and recognition. Ever the humble athlete, Lamar tweeted this with a video of the official reveal.
Blessed is an understatement…I hope you all enjoy 🙏
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) June 16, 2020
@eamaddennfl #Madden21 #EAathlete #Truzz pic.twitter.com/nPoc4AVRl8
The man who helped narrate the video, world famous rapper Lil Wayne, tweeted out congratulations to the young QB.
Let me tell you about @Lj_era8…
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) June 16, 2020
He’s DIFFERENT! Congrats 🙏 #Madden21 pic.twitter.com/RLx7YDULVs
And, of course, Louisville Football sent out a tweet of the video to pay respect to the Cardinal Forever and only Heisman Trophy winner in school history.
On repeat…
— Louisville Football (@UofLFootball) June 16, 2020
“You gotta see it to believe it.” – @lj_era8#GoCards x #Madden21 pic.twitter.com/x69BajOsoz
It’s so awesome seeing a player that gave UofL fans some of the greatest memories and moments they ever experienced watching their team, get his recognition and accolades. It’s even better when you realize it couldn’t be happening for a finer young man. Quiet, humble, hardworking, dedicated, an incredible teammate, and an incredible person, Lamar Jackson is just a fantastic human being. I know we here at CSZ will definitely be getting copies of Madden 21. That cover is definitely fit for a defending MVP.
*stats courtesy of pro-football-reference.com
