The Baltimore Ravens have always known they have something special in Lamar Jackson, and now one of the brightest young quarterbacks in football has confirmed it. Shedeur Sanders, the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, recently weighed in on the quarterbacks who have influenced him—and his words about Jackson hit differently.
“Joe Burrow. He just developed a work habit and work ethic that anybody can develop,” Sanders said on his 2Legendary podcast. “So he’s realistic vs. like a Lamar Jackson. I could try whatever I’d want to try and I could do all these workouts, and I could never be Lamar Jackson. He’s special. He has his own category.”
Translation? You can work hard enough to emulate Burrow, but Lamar Jackson? That’s a level of talent you can’t replicate.
The NFL has never seen a quarterback like Lamar Jackson
Sanders’ comments are a rare combination of respect and honesty. While players like Joe Burrow have shown that dedication and preparation can create elite success, Jackson operates on an entirely different plane. His blend of athleticism, vision, and improvisation is something the league has never seen before.
For Ravens fans, this sentiment isn’t new. Jackson’s 2019 MVP season proved he was a generational talent, and he’s spent every season since reminding the world of his unique gifts. Whether he’s scrambling for his life, stiff-arming defensive ends when the play breaks down, or firing a perfect strike into tight coverage, Jackson’s ability to dominate games has made him the centerpiece of Baltimore’s success.
For Sanders, who is already projected to be the face of an NFL franchise, to acknowledge Jackson’s greatness in this way says a lot. The son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Shedeur is no stranger to the spotlight, and his skill set at Colorado has scouts drooling. But even as he’s carving his own path, Sanders recognizes that some players—like Jackson—are simply on another level.
It’s a refreshing take from a young star who could have easily focused on his own talent. Instead, Sanders gave Jackson his flowers, showing not only humility but an understanding of what makes a player truly special.
Sanders’ words should hit home for Baltimore Ravens fans who’ve watched Jackson redefine what’s possible at the quarterback position. His ability to make plays with his arm and legs, often against impossible odds, has turned games—and seasons—on their heads.
Hearing Sanders say, “I could try whatever I’d want to try and I could never be Lamar Jackson,” validates what Ravens fans already know: Jackson is not just a great player. He’s a one-of-one talent.
As Shedeur Sanders prepares for his own NFL journey, his comments highlight an important truth about today’s game. While quarterbacks like Burrow provide a realistic roadmap to success, players like Jackson remind us that greatness can’t always be measured—or replicated.
For now, Baltimore Ravens fans can take pride in knowing their quarterback isn’t just influencing the league—he’s inspiring the next generation of players. As Sanders put it, anyone can be Joe Burrow, but there’s only one Lamar Jackson.
