It was just a short few years ago that a Florida kid, from Pompano Beach, graced the banks of the Ohio River with nothing short of divine athletic ability. This kid became known to everyone as Heisman Trophy winning quarterback, Lamar Jackson.
It was announced Monday that Lamar Jackson’s number eight jersey will be retired by the University of Louisville this Saturday against Syracuse.
Lamar is by far the most prolific football player to ever suit up in a Louisville Cardinals uniform. He had the razzle, the dazzle, and the speed to salsa past any defender who tried to tackle him. His moments against Florida State and Clemson rank right up there with some of the more iconic plays in college football history.
A career for the ages…
From 2015-2017, during his career Lamar passed for over 9,000 yards and 69 touchdowns. His legs were what made him a household name. This man rushed for over 4,000 yards and 50 touchdowns! Those rushing statistics alone are why so many people have dubbed him the greatest running quarterback of all-time, even ahead of Michael Vick.
In Lamar’s words, “Not bad for a running back.”
What truly made Lamar special was his ability to stick to what he did best. Often times talent evaluators criticize quarterbacks who possess the ability to run as well as other skill players. This is why we see so many “running quarterbacks” switch positions in college or the pros. Lamar was having none of it. Louisville was his greatest opportunity to showcase what he could do at the position, contrary to what other schools may have forecast his ceiling to be.
Since Lamar Jackson has left the Louisville campus, he’s gone on to win an NFL MVP and break countless rushing records for the Baltimore Ravens. Lamar Jackson will probably go down as one of the best NFL players of all-time if he is fortunate enough to continue this already illustrious career. I just hope Cardinal fans from everywhere will make it out and support this man’s enshrinement. He put Louisville right into the crosshairs of everyone’s mind for years to come. Everybody knows about “The Ville”!