OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The most notable difference in Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson since his second NFL MVP award is his reduced weight.
Jackson shared that he has shed some pounds this offseason to “be more agile.”
Earlier this month, Jackson mentioned he now weighs 205 pounds, which is 25 pounds lighter than his 2022 weight and 10 pounds less than last season. On Wednesday, Jackson chose not to disclose his exact weight.
“I don’t really know how many pounds I lost,” Jackson said after Baltimore’s second OTA practice. “I’m around two-something [hundred pounds] right now. But I’ll just say it was important enough to help me move around a bit more, that’s all.”
Jackson, 27, is the NFL’s most prolific running quarterback, amassing 5,258 yards in his first six seasons—1,399 more than any other quarterback. He led the league with an average of 5.5 yards per carry last season, though it was his lowest in any full season. His four runs of 20-plus yards last season were also the fewest of his career.
When asked about his weight loss, Jackson said it was to “be more agile and be able to move more.”
In his first three seasons, Jackson had nine runs where he reached a maximum speed of 20 mph or faster. In the past three seasons, he managed just one such run, and none last season.
Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers noticed the change immediately this offseason, calling Jackson “skinny.” Coach John Harbaugh isn’t concerned about the weight loss.
“I think that’s Lamar, he’s a pro,” Harbaugh said. “He knows what he’s doing. My concern is that he is in shape, best shape of his life, and he’s working toward that.”
After taking a career-worst 38 sacks in 2021, Jackson bulked up to 230 pounds the next season. He was down to 215 pounds last season before shedding more weight this offseason.
Jackson said he couldn’t remember the last time he felt this elusive.
“It’s been so long,” Jackson said. “COVID slowed us down a little, but I feel great right now. I feel great.”
Jackson doesn’t believe the weight loss will affect how he takes hits.
“We sacrifice our body each and every game and practice,” he said. “I believe it really doesn’t matter about the weight.”
