Harbaugh: Ravens believe Lamar will be 'the greatest QB to ever play'
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is tired of the criticism faced by Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens began their training camp practice on Sunday without the star quarterback in attendance due to an illness, and Harbaugh addressed the criticism of the reigning NFL MVP in recent years, saying it doesn't make any sense and that Baltimore views Jackson as someone who will eventually become the GOAT.
"There's a lot of great things said about Lamar," Harbaugh said. "But there's a lot of stuff that's said that you gotta just scratch your head about and kind of wonder, 'What's that person even thinking?' We take it personally. All his life, Lamar Jackson has been answering those same questions."
Harbaugh continued, "So the thing for me is talking about vision. It's a vision. And I believe the Ravens, we always had a vision for Lamar Jackson. It started with Lamar's vision and his mom's vision when he said he was going to be a quarterback. ... The vision we have together is that Lamar Jackson is going to become, and be known, and be recognized as the greatest quarterback to ever play in the history of the National Football League. That's the vision."
Jackson has put on a show since entering the NFL as the 32nd overall pick in 2018. A polarizing prospect who had stellar athletic ability but questionable passing potential, Jackson led the league with 36 touchdown passes in 2019 and set the QB record for most rushing yards in a single season (1,206) before becoming the second player ever to be named MVP unanimously (Tom Brady).
Widely considered an all-time-great rushing QB, Jackson helped Baltimore post a 13-3 record in 2023 en route to earning his second career MVP. He's one of only 11 players with multiple NFL MVP awards. The 27-year-old owns a regular-season record of 58-19 since turning pro.
Despite his success in the regular season, Jackson is criticized for failing to lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl appearance. He's only 2-4 in the playoffs with six touchdown passes against six interceptions.
"He's still growing. He's got a growth mindset. He's going to get better and better no doubt. But what does he have to do to prove himself to some people, right?" Harbaugh added.
The sideline boss also explained Jackson's absence on Sunday.
"He started getting sick yesterday midday, was in the meetings ... so he was sent home by the doctors," said Harbaugh, who added that he doesn't know when the passer will be back on the field.
Baltimore signed Jackson to a five-year, $260-million extension in April 2023.