Lamar Jackson felt “fat” after seeing an old video and lost weight ahead of the 2024 NFL season – but there are other motives that inspired him to make the change
Lamar Jackson confirmed he wants to be less fatigued next season. (
Image: ESPN)
Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson has his eye on even more explosive performances in the upcoming NFL season after scooping up the coveted title of NFL MVP for 2023.
The dual-threat quarterback has slimmed down since last year, showing up at voluntary Ravens OTAs back in May with a noticeably lean look. Jackson admitted to CBS Sports that he felt “fat” and needed to drop weight, explaining: “I was fat. I saw a video from two years ago from (the game against) the Browns and I was out of shape. But I was in shape.”
Jackson is all about optimising his fitness to maintain his unparalleled agility and stamina, and is keen to pump up his already impressive stats. Last season, he clocked 148 carries and 821 yards across the field, rushing for five touchdowns and maintaining a steady 5.5 yards per carry.
But it’s not just about endurance or shirking the extra weight; Jackson opened up about his ambitions to make life harder for his rivals. “Just so I could move around without getting fatigued, that’s all. I don’t know if I was getting fatigued last year if I get a first down but I don’t like getting caught if I do decide to run. So it’s part of it. I’m only 27, I’m still young.”
“I believe I looked a little slower to me but…NOT NOW.”
– Lamar Jackson believes 2 years ago he looked out of shape but he doesn’t feel that way anymore after slimming down this offseason
: @jjones9 pic.twitter.com/eJKorbJRIP
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) August 6, 2024
With such a strategic shift in his fitness regime, expectations are sky-high that Jackson’s numbers will soar even higher next season as he chases down greater athletic feats. Jackson clinched his second MVP award after leading his team to a 13-3 record, securing the top seed in the AFC Conference.
Despite their efforts, the Ravens were beaten by the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game, who then claimed victory in Super Bowl LVIII. Jackson’s prowess on the field was particularly evident during the 2019 season when he achieved an impressive 1,206 yards from 176 carries, scoring seven touchdowns, earning him the NFL MVP title for the first time.
He’s aiming to reach or even surpass those stellar numbers once again. His recent weight loss has caught the attention of many at training camp, with wide receiver Zay Flowers even calling him “skinny” upon seeing him.
However, Jackson feels fantastic, and Ravens head coach John Harbaugh fully supports his quarterback’s decision. Harbaugh expressed his confidence in Jackson, saying: “I mean, it’s fine. I think that’s Lamar. He’s a pro. He knows what he’s doing. He knows where he wants to be with that.
“He’s ready football-wise, all the details that go with that – mentally, physically, spiritually ready to go. That’s kind of what I think about. I know he talks to the strength and conditioning people. He’s got his own people. He talks to [director of sports nutrition] Sarah [Snyder] all the time. He’s a pro. He knows what he’s doing.”