Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is one of the most sensational quarterbacks in the NFL. The former league-MVP has shattered many records and helped lead the Ravens to the playoffs in his first three seasons. His ability to be efficient at the quarterback position started before he entered the NFL Draft in 2018, and his collegiate team has made sure that his accomplishments at the NCAA level will never be forgotten.
On Saturday, the University of Louisville Cardinals announced that they will be retiring the No. 8 jersey of their former star quarterback. The ceremony will take place Nov. 13 when the Cardinals host Syracuse University.
Jackson joins former quarterback Johnny Unitas as the second player in Louisville history to have their number retired. Unitas’ No. 16 jersey was retired in 2003.
Upon finding out the news, Jackson became emotional.
“That’s unreal. You can’t really put that in words.”
“I ain’t gonna cry on camera though.” 😂@Lj_Era8 was emotional when he found out @UofLFootball was retiring his jersey number. @GoCards pic.twitter.com/FRuEb1l3DI
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 16, 2021
During his time at Louisville, Jackson put on monster performances through the air and on the ground. He threw for 9,043 yards and 69 touchdowns while rushing 655 times for 4,132 yards and 50 touchdowns. Despite playing for only three seasons, Jackson holds the team record for total yards in Cardinals history with 13,175. He also became the youngest player ever to win the Heisman Trophy, doing so at 19 years old.
A legend may not even need a name, but something far more simple…
A Number.
There will never be another #8.#GoCards x @Lj_era8 pic.twitter.com/BWJsz1mozJ
— Louisville Football (@UofLFootball) October 16, 2021
When Jackson fell to the Ravens at No. 32 overall in the 2018 draft, many argued that the team had gotten one of the biggest steals in draft history. From the performances he has put on in the NFL so far, maybe one day Jackson will have his No. 8 retired in Baltimore as well.