Lamar Jackson, the electrifying quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens, has never been one to shy away from making history. From the moment he stepped onto the field, he has redefined what it means to play the position, blending elite passing ability with unparalleled rushing prowess. His latest achievement—shattering Michael Vick’s legendary record for the most rushing yards by a quarterback—has only solidified his place in NFL lore. But for Jackson, this milestone is just the beginning. With his eyes now set on an unprecedented 7,000 career rushing yards, the Ravens’ superstar is poised to push the boundaries of quarterback play even further.
Jackson’s journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. Drafted 32nd overall in 2018, he was initially viewed by some as a project—a dynamic athlete whose skill set might not translate seamlessly to the NFL. Yet, from his first start, it was clear that Jackson was something special. His ability to evade defenders, extend plays, and turn broken opportunities into explosive gains quickly made him one of the most exciting players in the league. By his second season, he had silenced all doubters, earning unanimous MVP honors while leading the Ravens to a 14-2 record.
But it was his legs, as much as his arm, that set him apart. Jackson’s rushing ability drew immediate comparisons to Vick, the Atlanta Falcons icon who had long held the title of the most prolific running quarterback in NFL history. Vick’s record of 6,109 career rushing yards stood for over a decade, a testament to his unique athleticism and game-changing speed. For years, it seemed untouchable—until Jackson came along.
On a crisp Sunday afternoon in Week 10 of the 2023 season, Jackson finally surpassed Vick’s mark, breaking free for a 15-yard scramble that etched his name into the record books. The moment was met with a standing ovation from the Baltimore faithful, a fitting tribute to a player who has become the heartbeat of the franchise. Yet, in typical Lamar fashion, his postgame comments were less about celebrating the achievement and more about what came next. “It’s an honor to pass a legend like Mike,” Jackson said, “but I’m not done. I want to keep going, keep pushing myself to see how far I can take this.”
That mindset is what separates Jackson from his peers. While many players would be content with such a milestone, he views it as a stepping stone. His new goal—7,000 rushing yards—is a number that once seemed unimaginable for a quarterback. To put it into perspective, only 31 running backs in NFL history have reached that mark. For a quarterback to even approach it would be revolutionary.
The question, of course, is whether Jackson can get there. At 26 years old, he’s in the prime of his career, and his durability has been a point of emphasis in recent years. After missing time due to injuries in 2021 and 2022, he worked tirelessly to refine his game, learning when to slide, when to step out of bounds, and when to unleash his trademark explosiveness. The result? A 2023 season that saw him play every game while still averaging over 60 rushing yards per contest. If he can maintain that pace—or even come close—7,000 yards is well within reach.
Beyond the numbers, Jackson’s impact on the game is immeasurable. He has inspired a new generation of dual-threat quarterbacks, proving that a player can dominate both through the air and on the ground without sacrificing efficiency. Coaches at every level are now searching for “the next Lamar Jackson,” a player who can force defenses to account for every blade of grass on the field. His influence extends beyond statistics; he has changed the way the quarterback position is played, evaluated, and defended.
Yet, for all his individual brilliance, Jackson’s ultimate goal remains winning a Super Bowl. The Ravens have been perennial contenders during his tenure, but playoff success has eluded them. Some critics have pointed to his playing style as a potential liability in January, arguing that running quarterbacks are more susceptible to injuries or that their games don’t translate as well in cold-weather matchups. Jackson, however, has consistently silenced those narratives with clutch performances, including a near-miraculous comeback against the Buffalo Bills in the 2023 divisional round.
As he looks ahead, the challenge will be balancing his historic rushing pursuit with the Ravens’ championship aspirations. Head coach John Harbaugh has emphasized the importance of keeping Jackson healthy, and the team has surrounded him with a stronger supporting cast, including a revamped receiving corps and a dominant offensive line. If Baltimore can make a deep playoff run, Jackson’s legacy will only grow—regardless of whether he hits 7,000 yards.
Still, the allure of that number is undeniable. Every time Jackson tucks the ball and takes off, he’s not just gaining yards—he’s rewriting history. With each scramble, each designed run, each breathtaking highlight, he moves closer to a threshold no quarterback has ever crossed. And if anyone can do it, it’s him.
Michael Vick once said that records are made to be broken, and in Lamar Jackson, he’s found a worthy successor. But Jackson isn’t just breaking records—he’s setting a new standard. Whether he reaches 7,000 yards or not, his career will be remembered as one of the most transformative in NFL history. And if his past is any indication, the best is yet to come.
