How Long Lamar Jackson Been In The Nfl

Let’s be honest: keeping track of time is hard. You blink, and suddenly your favorite coffee shop has a new name, or your “baby” cousin is driving a car. In the fast-moving world of the NFL, it feels even harder. So when someone asks, “How long has Lamar Jackson been in the league?” you might draw a blank. The good news? It’s been just long enough for him to feel like a household name, but short enough that he’s still got plenty of magic left.

From Rookie to Superstar in a Flash

Lamar Jackson was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018. That means, as of the 2025 season, he’s been in the NFL for about seven years. Think about that: seven years ago, you probably had a different phone, a slightly different haircut, and definitely a different take on what makes a great quarterback. Jackson arrived as a wiry, smiling kid from Louisville, and everyone said he was “too risky” as a passer. Well, look at him now.

Compare it to your own life. Remember when you started a new job or moved to a new town? The first year was all about proving you belonged. That was Lamar’s 2018 season—he played in a few games, flashed his lightning speed, and made people nervous. Then came 2019, his first full year as a starter. He threw for 36 touchdowns, ran for over 1,200 yards, and won the MVP award. It was like your second year at that new job, when you finally got a handle on the coffee machine and became the office hero.

Why Seven Years Feels Like Yesterday and Forever

Seven years is weird. It’s long enough to buy a house, raise a puppy into a lazy old dog, or binge-watch a show so many times you can recite the lines. But for Lamar, those seven NFL seasons have been a rollercoaster. He’s had incredible highs—like becoming the youngest quarterback ever to win the MVP in 2019. He’s also had the frustrating lows—like those playoff exits where you could feel the whole city of Baltimore sigh through your TV screen. That’s just life, right? You can’t have the joy of winning board game night without the heartbreak of losing a Monopoly hotel.

And here’s the fun part: we’re watching history, whether we realize it or not. Lamar Jackson isn’t just “been around a while.” He’s reshaped the position. Before him, running quarterbacks were seen as gimmicks. Now, every young quarterback wants to be a dual-threat. It’s like when your buddy bought the first smartwatch in 2015, and everyone laughed. Now you can’t find a wrist without one. Lamar made being a running quarterback cool—and legitimate.

So, Why Should You Care?

Maybe you don’t follow football obsessively. Maybe you just watch the Super Bowl for the snacks. That’s fine—grab the chips. But caring about Lamar Jackson’s journey is like caring about that one friend who always surprises you. Remember in school when the quiet kid in the back of class suddenly aced the final exam? That’s Lamar, but he does it on national television against guys who are paid to tackle him. He’s proof that being different isn’t a weakness—it’s your superpower.

Former NFL Star Rips Anyone Blaming Lamar Jackson For Sunday Night's

Plus, his contract saga in 2023 was pure drama. He played a whole season on the franchise tag, which is like working at your office without a contract, hoping your boss gives you a raise, while millions of people watch your every move. It was tense. Then he signed a massive deal, proving that sticking to your values pays off. We all love a good underdog story, especially when the underdog wears purple.

The Best Part? He’s Not Done Yet

Here’s the kicker: seven years in the NFL is a solid career, but not an old one. Lamar Jackson just turned 28. In quarterback years, he’s practically a spring chicken. Tom Brady was winning Super Bowls at 43. If Lamar stays healthy and keeps evolving, he could be dazzling us for another decade. That means you’ve got time to buy a jersey, learn his signature “toosie slide” dance, or just appreciate a guy who makes throws look like poetry and runs look like a kid escaping a bedtime curfew.

So the next time someone asks you, “How long has Lamar Jackson been in the NFL?” you can smile and say, “Since 2018—about seven years.” And if they seem confused, just tell them this: he’s been here long enough to become a legend, but not so long that he’s stopped being fun to watch. That’s the sweet spot, right where you want your favorite player to be. Grab some popcorn, because the show is just getting good.