“If We Win a Super Bowl, I’m Going No. 1,” Lamar Jackson Reveals Bold Plan

Lamar Jackson made it clear that a Super Bowl victory would mark a symbolic change in his career. The Baltimore Ravens quarterback revealed during an appearance on The Lounge podcast that he plans to switch his jersey from No. 8 to No. 1, but only if he delivers a title.

“If we win a Super Bowl, I’m going No. 1,” Jackson said. At the same time, Jackson emphasized that his immediate focus remains on achieving success in his current number. He reiterated his desire to maximize everything possible while wearing No. 8 before considering any change.

“I want to win a Super Bowl with No. 8 on—do as much as I can with No. 8 on,” he said, underlining his commitment to building his legacy with the number that has defined his career so far.

Once that goal is accomplished, however, Jackson envisions a new chapter. “Then come back and do the same thing with No. 1 on,” he added. “I’m dead serious. I want to retire No. 8 and No. 1.”

1. Why No. 1 Matters: Early Career Roots and Family Influence Behind Jackson’s Number Choice

Jackson explained that No. 1 holds deep personal significance, tracing back to his earliest days in football. “That’s my first number ever,” he said, recalling his childhood. He also shared a message from his father that continues to resonate. He said, “My dad told me, ‘Get No. 1 because that’s the best. You’re the best.’ That always stuck with me.” The switch to No. 8 came later, when Jackson arrived at the University of Louisville. The number was initially assigned to him. Later, he chose to keep it after his mother offered a meaningful perspective, explaining that eight symbolizes new beginnings in the Bible. That interpretation helped cement No. 8 as an integral part of his sporting identity. Jackson has worn No. 8 ever since, from college into the NFL, building an elite résumé along the way. He won the Heisman Trophy at Louisville and later became a unanimous NFL MVP, all while wearing the same number.

2. Postseason Record, Mindset Shift, and Jackson’s Focus on Weekly Execution

Despite his individual success, Jackson acknowledged that his postseason journey has been inconsistent. Reflecting on his early playoff experiences, he admitted that even his first postseason win didn’t feel fully satisfying. “I feel like it started over, like I didn’t really win,” he said, pointing to how quickly momentum can shift in the playoffs. That perspective continues to fuel his mindset. “I’m back like I have a lot more to prove,” Jackson said, reiterating that his ultimate goal remains reaching and winning the Super Bowl. Still, he stressed the importance of staying grounded in the present rather than looking too far ahead. “If we’re worried about the Super Bowl, these opponents are just hitting us in our face,” he said. Instead, Jackson is focused on a week-to-week approach. “We have to focus on the task at hand, the guys in front of us each and every week,” he added, even referencing specific opponents to highlight that mindset. He also made it clear he’s not interested in premature championship talk at this stage of the season. “I’m going to stand on that until we get it,” Jackson said, reaffirming his long-term promise to bring a Super Bowl to Baltimore—while keeping his attention firmly on the present.

3. From No. 32 Pick to MVP: Lamar Jackson’s Rise with the Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson entered the NFL as the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 draft by the Baltimore Ravens. He took over as the starting quarterback during his rookie season and quickly established himself as a dual-threat option. In 2019, Jackson delivered one of the most productive seasons by a quarterback in league history, throwing 36 touchdown passes and leading the Ravens to a 14–2 record. He was unanimously named NFL MVP, becoming only the second player to achieve that distinction. Since then, Jackson has remained central to Baltimore’s offense, consistently producing both through the air and on the ground. His playing style has redefined the quarterback position in terms of mobility and offensive structure. Despite regular-season success, postseason results have been mixed, with the team falling short of a Super Bowl appearance so far. Jackson signed a long-term contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, securing his position as the franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future.

• Tags:
• Lamar Jackson