After two electrifying seasons, the 2019 National Football League (NFL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Lamar Jackson has become a household name, inspiring a generation of future quarterbacks (QBs) who can manage the position with their arms, legs, and intellect. Jackson's ability to glide and slice through defenders by rushing the ball has garnered comparison to former Pro-Bowl QB Michael Vick. His cannon-like arm strength has likened him to 2018 NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion QB Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City. Meanwhile, Jackson's remarkable 19-3 record as a starter through his first two regular seasons has caused some to mention him in the same breath as a young Tom Brady. However, the more Jackson plays, the more one thing becomes abundantly clear-he is in a class all his own. Jackson's journey to NFL stardom began in South Florida where, at just eight years old, he tragically lost both his father and grandmother on the same day. His strong and resilient mother, Felicia Jones, raised Jackson on her own. Jones introduced Jackson to football, and she even put on the pads in the backyard of their childhood home to train Lamar and his brother Jamar. It was during these formative years that Jackson learned his mother's core values and built the character along with the skills he needed to be successful. After transferring to the Boynton Beach Community High School for his junior year, Jackson turned in a pair of high school seasons that caught the attention of several Division I National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) programs. However, scouts questioned Jackson's ability to play QB at the next level. He no doubt had elite speed and agility skills, and programs like those at the Universities of Florida and Nebraska could envision Jackson as a top-tier running back (RB) or wide receiver (WR). Jackson had his convictions though-he was a quarterback.
