Lamar Jackson is rewriting the record books as he officially becomes the NFL's all-time leading rusher among quarterbacks. The Baltimore Ravens' quarterback surpassed Michael Vick's longstanding record during the Week 17 matchup against the Houston Texans, setting the bar at 6,110 career rushing yards.
Jackson entered the game needing just 87 rushing yards to break Vick's record of 6,109 yards. He achieved this feat early in the third quarter, marking another milestone just 41 games earlier than Vick, who played 143 games throughout his career. After the record-setting run, Jackson completed the match with four rushing attempts for 87 yards, alongside two passing touchdowns, helping guide his team to victory.
During his seven seasons with the Ravens, Jackson has established himself as one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen. He has consistently excelled on the ground, rushing for over 700 yards each season, save for his rookie year, where he rushed for only 695 yards due to starter limitations. With 33 rushing touchdowns to his name, he sits comfortably among the top rushing quarterbacks of all time.
Jackson's record-breaking moment not only cements his legacy but also positions him solidly among the greats of the sport. Following him on the all-time rushing chart are stars like Cam Newton, Russell Wilson, Randall Cunningham, and Steve Young, with only Wilson and the Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen being active players alongside Jackson within the top seven.
For the Baltimore Ravens, Jackson's ability to influence games with both his legs and arms has been integral to their success. Having won two MVP awards and being named to multiple All-Pro teams, Jackson's accolades extend beyond unique statistics. He currently holds the record for the most rushing yards by any quarterback within one season, accumulating 1,206 yards during the 2019 season.
Despite his dominance, there is room for growth within Jackson’s career stats. Many experts believe he could approach the unprecedented mark of 10,000 career rushing yards if he maintains his current pace. Unlike previous quarterbacks, Jackson has the longevity and skill set to redefine what is possible for mobile quarterbacks.
Interestingly, the discussion of Jackson's rushing prowess naturally includes comparisons with other prominent players. While Cam Newton leads the category for career rushing touchdowns among quarterbacks with 75, Jackson’s running style and effectiveness make him one of the best dual-threat players to date. He has yet to crack the top 10 for rushing touchdowns, primarily because of how touchdowns can be generated through shorter bursts or sneaks at the goal-line.
Despite these metrics, the awe inspiring moments on the field often stem from his ability to break free from defenders during games. His highest rushing total for one game is 152 yards, which ranks fifth all-time for quarterbacks. The excitement surrounding Jackson's style of play is underscored by his capacity for explosive runs, with fans consistently captivated by his agility.
Jackson's electrifying performances and unmatched consistency have undoubtedly made him the best running quarterback the league has ever seen, even as he begins to shift gears to protect his body as he ages. The Ravens coaching staff, led by John Harbaugh, continues to balance Jackson's rushing attempts as the team aims to maximize his effectiveness over time.
While Jackson acknowledges the significance of his latest record, he looks toward future challenges, focusing on helping the Ravens secure playoff success. Given his attributes and abilities, he not only seeks to increase his rushing totals but also to cement his reputation as one of the greats of the game.
Jackson's record-breaking run is more than just statistics—it symbolizes the evolution of the quarterback position and highlights the changing dynamics of the NFL. From Vick to Jackson, the history of rushing quarterbacks reflects the growing importance of mobility and dual-threat capabilities, redefining how future generations will understand and approach the position.
