Lamar Jackson Officially Puts Joe Flacco on Notice

After being the 32nd selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, former Heisman Trophy winner and Louisville football legend Lamar Jackson, officially became a member of the Baltimore Ravens today.

For three years Louisville football fans and opposing college football opponents were left with their jaws dropped on the floor, as #8 did things on the field that no one had ever seen before. Whether it was juking defenders out of their cleats, hurdling guys over 6’0 into the end zone, or making throws that seemed impossible, we all knew the day would come when Lamar Jackson went onto the NFL.

Leading up to the draft, so called “experts” debated on whether a former Heisman Trophy winner, and player who passed for 9043 yards, and 69 (nice) touchdowns, while leading his squad to three straight 8+ wins each season, should move and play another position (SwaggyPConfusedFace.gif).

But after a strong combine, in which he didn’t run the 40 yard dash (on purpose), and even better pro day, Jackson began shooting up draft boards. On that first night of the draft, Jackson dressed in New York Jet green, waited patiently in the green room as four other quarterbacks were selected in front of him.

Right when it seemed like 2x ACC Offensive Player of the Year might have to come back for day 2 of the draft, the Baltimore Ravens traded back into the first round and nabbed the 32nd pick, using it to select our guy, Lamar Jackson.

It was easy to see that Jackson, who had been doubted his entire football career although it was obvious he was ALWAYS the most  talented guy on the field, was motivated; to say the least. “All year, every year. I’m happy to be a Raven. It don’t matter. They’re gonna get a Super Bowl out of me—believe that.”

Through several weeks of rookie mini camps, OTA’s, voluntary workouts, Jackson has already captivated the fan base in Baltimore, a group who needed a jolt after several mediocre seasons behind veteran QB Joe Flacco. Though Flacco hasn’t yet warmed up to Jackson, that hasn’t stopped the “Quarterback of the Future” from soaking up everything he can.

All that was left for the Ravens and Jackson, was to sign on the dotted line and make it official. That took place today, nearly a month and a half after the draft,  as the Ravens officially announced that they signed their first rounder to a rookie contract. That deal will keep Jackson in Baltimore for at least four years, while giving the Ravens the power to keep him for five based off his performance.

Though Jackson isn’t expected to play this season, Ravens fans have already put the pressure on the team’s front office, coaching staff, and even Joe Flacco to get #8 ready for that day, which may come sooner than later. Now that Jackson is officially under contract, I fully expect the coaching staff to spend every available second with him as they prepare for August’s training camp.

According to Spotrac.com, Jackson’s deal will be worth up to $9,542,319 total, while he will receive a projected signing bonus of $5,019,796.

Next: Ranking Louisville Football's 2018-19 Schedule

Now under contract, Jackson can officially take place in the team’s offseason OTA’s, which get back underway today, according to the Ravens website.