Introduction
Lamar Demeatrice Jackson Jr. has established himself as one of the most electrifying talents in NFL history. From his college stardom at Louisville to his dynamic dual-threat play for the Baltimore Ravens, Jackson’s journey is as compelling as it is record-setting. But how long has he actually been in the NFL? And what happens when sports, faith, and politics cross paths—as they did recently when Jackson reshared a message from conservative activist Charlie Kirk? Let’s dive deep.
I. Lamar Jackson’s NFL Tenure: A Timeline of Excellence
Draft & Rookie Year (2018)
Lamar Jackson entered the NFL as the final pick of the first round (32nd overall) by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2018 NFL Draft after winning the Heisman Trophy at Louisville. Immediately thrust into action following Joe Flacco’s injury, he became the youngest QB ever to start a playoff game at age 21.
Seasons to Date
By the 2024 season, Jackson has completed seven NFL seasons (2018–2024). Over this span, he has thrown for 20,059 passing yards and 166 touchdowns, was selected to four Pro Bowls, and clinched two NFL MVP awards.
Historic Records & Achievements
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He became the all-time leader in quarterback rushing yards, surpassing Michael Vick during his 102nd game—over seven years into his career.
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In the 2023–24 season, he achieved a rare dual milestone: 4,000+ passing yards and 900+ rushing yards in a single season, an NFL first.
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Jackson has secured two MVP awards—in his early breakout season (2019) and again in 2023.
Quick Recap
Lamar Jackson has been a dominant force in the NFL for seven seasons, marked by MVP honors, record-breaking rushing totals, and elite passing performances.
II. When Faith, Politics, and Sport Converged: The Charlie Kirk Retweet
What Happened?
On August 18, 2025, after a Ravens preseason win, Lamar Jackson reshared a brief message on X (formerly Twitter) from Charlie Kirk: “It’s all about Jesus.” While the phrase is explicitly spiritual, the post sparked controversy due to Kirk’s high-profile conservative activism.
Why the Backlash?
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Charlie Kirk is a well-known conservative commentator and activist, founder of Turning Point USA.
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Observers expressed concern that Jackson was promoting not just a faith-based message, but a figure associated with divisive political ideologies.
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Other voices defended Jackson, emphasizing his expression of personal faith rather than political alignment.
III. The Intersection of Sports, Faith & Politics
Athletes and Expression
Historically, professional athletes have faced scrutiny when they express personal beliefs that overlap with politics. Lamar Jackson’s retweet underscores that even seemingly apolitical messages can carry political weight depending on the source.
Social Media Amplifies Impact
A single retweet from a prominent athlete can instantly become a subject of national discussion, amplifying tensions surrounding ideological divides—even when the athlete’s intent may be purely personal or spiritual.
The Broader Implication
This instance highlights a growing discourse: athletes are public figures whose actions—even those rooted in faith or identity—can become entwined with political debate.
IV. FAQs
1. How many seasons has Lamar Jackson played in the NFL?
He has played seven seasons, spanning from 2018 to 2024.
2. What are Lamar Jackson’s key career achievements?
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Two NFL MVP awards (2019, 2023)
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All-time quarterback rushing yards leader
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First QB to record 4,000+ passing yards and 900+ rushing yards in a single season
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Four Pro Bowl selections, over 20,000 passing yards, and 166 passing touchdowns
3. Why was his retweet of Charlie Kirk controversial?
Because the post, while spiritual in content, originated from a conservative political figure—raising concerns about unintended political signaling.
4. Is Lamar Jackson politically aligned with Charlie Kirk’s views?
No public evidence suggests that Jackson subscribes to Kirk’s political ideology—his repost appeared to reflect a religious belief rather than a partisan stance.
5. How do athletes navigate expressing personal faith amid politics?
Cautiously: public reactions vary widely. Faith-based statements—even innocuous ones—can be interpreted politically depending on context and source, making authenticity and clarity crucial.
V. Conclusion
Lamar Jackson’s rise in the NFL over seven remarkable seasons has been nothing short of extraordinary. His speed, creativity, and leadership earned him MVPs and historic records. Yet a seemingly simple expression of faith—a retweet of “It’s all about Jesus” from Charlie Kirk—illuminated the fraught terrain where sports, religion, and politics intersect.
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