This season, Andscape will document the highs and lows of this fraternity of black quarterbacks and how each of its members carries their specific burden of proof.
Lamar Jackson entered the NFL like a mighty river.
The youngest player to win the Heisman Trophy, Jackson also won the first of his two NFL MVP awards in his first full season as the Baltimore Ravens’ starting quarterback. He led the Ravens to four AFC North Division titles and an appearance in the AFC Championship Game.
But injuries have hampered Jackson, 29, once again this season, raising a once-unthinkable question: Has this river run its course?
In his prime, Jackson was electric – perhaps the most exciting quarterback the NFL has ever seen. He changed the way defenses had to think and permanently altered the mindset of talent evaluators who once pushed athletic black quarterbacks to become wide receivers or defensive backs.
Jackson opened his eyes to endless possibilities.
Although the regular season was exceptional, Jackson’s postseason ended with heartbreaking defeats and broken promises. And too often, injuries have short-circuited Jackson’s — and the Ravens’ — seasons.
As he turns 30 during the final week of the regular season, Jackson no longer needs to prove that he can thrill us with extraordinary plays. The overarching question is whether this mighty river can bring a championship to Baltimore.
Gn sports
