Every time Lamar Jackson trends on social media, NFL fans debate if he’s still MVP material (I think he is), compare him to other quarterbacks, or question if he still wants to play for the Baltimore Ravens.
When I opened my X (formerly Twitter) app earlier, I saw this post from the athlete: “Instead of trying to bring me down, ask GOD to bring you up.” Whether he was sharing a random thought or responding to “haters,” he’s right. Trying to tear someone down does nothing for you or the person you want to weaken.
Jackson’s positive mindset is one of the reasons why I can’t see myself joining the Lamar hate train. Unless he does something completely terrible, I want to see him win. Here are four facts I learned about the 2016 Heisman Trophy winner that should make you like him, too!
Jackson’s Forever Dreamers Foundation
“It’s our job to inspire the next generation, never stop dreaming.” – Lamar Jackson
Through his Forever Dreamers Foundation, which the Florida native founded in 2018, Lamar aims to raise mental health awareness and inspire the next generation of dreamers. Many athletes have charities, but it’s a good sign when they give back to communities that shaped them and to underprivileged children and residents. For the past three years, Forever Dreamers has held a Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway.
Lamar appeared on an episode of 50 Cent’s Power Book III: Raising Kanan.
Even when he’s not on the field, Lamar is still in front of a camera. In 2025, he appeared in the Power Book III: Raising Kanan episode “It’s About That Time” as E-Tone, a hitman. It was the quarterback’s acting debut. As a fan of the 50 Cent-created Power franchise, Jackson expressed his desire to be in an episode, and the rest was history. I thought he did well and could see him snagging more parts in a drama series.
He owns a soul food restaurant in Florida.
With the slogan “You 8 Yet?” Lamar is feeding people on and off the field. Located in Pompano, Florida, Play Action Soulfood and More was established in April 2022 and serves fried ribs, oxtails, turkey wings, and more. I visited the restaurant’s official website and saw that dinners come with two sides and lunch specials are under $10, according to the menu.
Since his 2018 league debut, Jackson has been making his mark.
Denying Lamar’s talent is one of the most unserious things I’ve seen on social media. No one can watch him play and say, “He’s not one of the best QBs in the league.” Here are three of the many things he’s accomplished since being drafted in 2018:
- Most Rushing Yards by a QB in a Season: 1,206 (in 2019)
- Fastest QB to 6,000 Career Rushing Yards: 100 games.
- First quarterback to throw for 30+ touchdowns and run for 1,000+ yards in a single season (2019).
Header image credit: Instagram/@new_era8/Lamar Jackson
