On a day when Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson claimed he wasn't even running at top speed, he still managed to clock over 21 mph. The reigning NFL MVP added yet another accolade to his already stellar career: becoming the all-time leading rushing quarterback in NFL history.
During a dominant Christmas Day performance against the Houston Texans, where the Ravens ran away with a 31-2 victory, Jackson etched his name in the record books. With 87 rushing yards on Wednesday, Jackson's career total reached an astounding 6,110 yards—surpassing Michael Vick's longstanding record by a single yard. The pivotal moment came during the third quarter when Jackson scrambled for six yards, setting up his one-yard touchdown pass to tight end Mark Andrews.
"It feels unreal, to be honest with you," Jackson shared after the game. "I'm grateful because that's a record that's been there for a long time. Michael Vick is one of my favorite players. That's just dope." His admiration for Vick made the achievement all the more special.
To put this into perspective, Vick held the record for 13 years after surpassing Randall Cunningham back in 2011. However, what stands out most about Jackson breaking the mark is the speed at which he did it. Vick needed 143 games over 13 years to set his record, while Jackson accomplished the feat in just 102 games over seven seasons. Talk about efficiency!
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh couldn't help but marvel at Jackson's achievement. "That kind of speaks for itself," Harbaugh said. "Sometimes, I just shake my head and say, 'That was really a great play. That was a great play.' I've seen a lot of great plays from Lamar Jackson. I told him I was proud of him. I'm not just proud of him just because he makes great plays. I'm proud of him for all the things that go into making great plays and also for all the things he's overcome along the way."
Highlighting his dominance, Jackson's 48-yard untouched touchdown run in the third quarter was a game-defining moment. Baltimore, leading 17-2 at the time, cemented its control thanks to Jackson's speed and vision. That run saw Jackson hit a maximum speed of 21.25 mph—the fastest top speed of his career as a ball carrier. However, Jackson's reaction to this stat was vintage Lamar. "For real? I was jogging," he said with a quizzical look.
Despite his brilliance, Jackson has faced some critique this season, even from his own mother. After a December 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, she called him out for not running more. It's worth noting that this season, Jackson has recorded his lowest number of rushing attempts, averaging just 8.4 carries per game. Yet, his ability to impact games with his legs remains undeniable.
On Wednesday, he reminded everyone of that fact, totaling 87 yards on just four carries. His 48-yard touchdown run was the third-longest of his career. Jackson now has four rushing touchdowns of 40 yards or more, tying Kordell Stewart for the most by any quarterback since 1950. That's an impressive statistic that cements Jackson's place as one of the most electrifying players in NFL history.
"I've never seen someone run the ball like Lamar at quarterback—or honestly any other position," said Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley. "The effortless nature of the way he runs the ball and makes these defenders not look as fast as they are, so I'm impressed by everything he does every day."
Vick's record stood as a monumental benchmark in the league. Yet, Jackson's unique blend of speed, agility, and football IQ redefines what's possible for a quarterback. The fact that he achieved this milestone while playing in fewer games and in an era of increasingly athletic defenses speaks volumes about his talent and adaptability.
While the Ravens moved closer to repeating as AFC North champions, Jackson's milestone served as the centerpiece of the day. Baltimore, now sitting at 11-5, needs just one more win to secure the division title. Jackson’s record-breaking performance also showcased his uncanny ability to balance focus with personality. Earlier in the week, Jackson had been asked about watching Beyoncé’s halftime show at NRG Stadium. Yet, he was nowhere to be found on the field during her performance. "I was locked in," Jackson explained. "I was in here in the locker room preparing for the second half."
This duality of focus and flair is what makes Lamar Jackson a phenomenon. He’s rewriting the rulebook for quarterbacks, showing that you can dominate with your arm and legs, all while remaining grounded and humble. Achieving 6,110 rushing yards in just seven seasons isn’t just breaking a record—it’s setting a new standard.
As the Ravens march toward the playoffs, Jackson’s accomplishments are a testament to hard work, resilience, and sheer talent. Whether he’s outrunning defenders or rewriting history, one thing is certain: Lamar Jackson isn’t done making headlines. So, sit back and enjoy the show, because this quarterback is just getting started.
Login