As the 2025 NFL season approaches, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has emphatically recognized Lamar Jackson as a historically great passer, solidifying his place among the league’s elite quarterbacks. Jackson’s impressive career trajectory, coupled with his outstanding statistical performances, has shut down the critics who once questioned his ability to lead from under center.
Early in his career, Lamar Jackson faced skepticism from many commentators who suggested he should abandon the quarterback position and instead play wide receiver. However, over six years and 94 games, Jackson has proven that quarterback is unquestionably his true position. His rookie season remains one of the most remarkable statistical campaigns in recent NFL history, providing strong evidence of his passing prowess.
Rookie Season Stats Illustrate Jackson’s High-Level Potential
Jackson’s debut season in 2018 showcased his exceptional talent as a passer. Completing 66.7 percent of his passes, he amassed 4,172 passing yards and threw 41 touchdowns, all while maintaining an extremely low interception percentage of 0.8 percent. This rookie campaign not only set personal career highs but also led the league in yards per attempt at 8.8 and touchdown rate at 8.6. His passer rating was an impressive 119.6—numbers that few quarterbacks achieve, especially in their first year.
Despite such outstanding results, early doubts lingered regarding his passing consistency and longevity. Those doubts now appear unfounded, as Jackson’s continued growth and refinement have elevated him well beyond initial expectations.
Harbaugh’s Strong Praise for Jackson as a Leader and Player
In a recent interview on ESPN’s This is Football with Kevin Clark, John Harbaugh offered glowing remarks about Jackson’s development, both on and off the field. Harbaugh highlighted not only Jackson’s athletic skills but also his leadership qualities and character, emphasizing how essential Jackson has become to the Ravens’ identity.
“There’s so many things, and Lamar as a person is the thing I’d say I appreciate the most – the leader, the person, the genuine human being that he is. I mean, I love him as a person. … But I think from a football standpoint, just go to the most basic, simple thing – Lamar as a passer. He is a historically good passer. And that’s really quite a statement because of the narrative that’s been surrounding him ever since the beginning. Lamar Jackson can throw the football. He can throw it every kind of way, he can make every kind of throw any way you want. He’s as good as any passer that there’s ever been – and I think now the numbers are proving that.”
—John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens Head Coach
Harbaugh’s praise underscores how Jackson has transcended the early narratives that questioned his throwing ability. Instead, Jackson’s arm talent and decision-making have placed him in conversations alongside the greatest passers in the history of the NFL.
Jackson’s Continued Growth Demonstrates Unmatched Dedication
Further reflecting on Jackson’s journey, Harbaugh expressed pride in the quarterback’s achievements, while maintaining a forward-looking mindset about what more could be accomplished. He emphasized the importance of consistent effort, comparing the quarterback’s work ethic to that of a dedicated pianist perfecting their craft.
“So that’s the thing I’m kind of a little bit proud of, but [I’m] also a little bit like, ‘OK, here we go, what have we learned from that?’ … Lamar Jackson as a passer is historically great.”
—John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens Head Coach
“That daily, everyday working at your craft kind of thing, I think, is what Lamar does.”
—John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens Head Coach
This focus on continuous improvement highlights Jackson’s commitment to refining every aspect of his game, which has undoubtedly contributed to his sustained success and leadership role within Baltimore’s offense.
The Ravens’ Aspirations for the 2025 Season Center on Jackson’s Leadership
With a talented roster built around Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens are aiming for yet another dominant season in 2025. The ultimate ambition remains reaching and winning the Super Bowl, a goal fueled by Jackson’s unparalleled passing abilities and the solid foundation established by the coaching staff and front office.
Harbaugh’s confidence in Jackson as a historically great passer reflects a broader shift in how the quarterback’s legacy is viewed, with past doubts now fully overshadowed by achievement and consistent excellence on the field. As the new season unfolds, all eyes will be on Jackson to see if he can lead the Ravens to championship glory, cementing his place among the NFL’s all-time greats.