WATCH: “Finally got the deal done” – Lamar Jackson jokes about his $260 million contract drama with Ravens after winning 2nd MVP award

Jackson joked about Ravens giving him a contract despite rumors that they wanted to trade him in the offseason.

WATCH: “Finally got the deal done” – Lamar Jackson jokes about his $260 million contract drama with Ravens after winning 2nd MVP award

Lamar Jackson during the NFL Hall of Fame Class of 2024 press conference at Resorts World Theatre. (Image via IMAGO)

Even though Lamar Jackson fell short of his primary goal of leading the Baltimore Ravens to the Super Bowl, he did manage to accomplish a personal milestone. On Thursday night, Jackson bagged the 2023 NFL MVP award in Vegas.

This was the 27-year-old’s second Most Valuable Player award. His first one came after a 13-2 season in 2019 with the league-best 36 touchdowns, only 6 interceptions, 1,206 rushing yards, and 7 touchdowns.

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Jackson is now the youngest NFL player to bag the league’s best player twice, a title that was held by Patrick Mahomes (2018 and 2022). But Mahomes won the Super Bowl on both occasions, unlike Jackson. He will have plenty of chances in the future if he manages to transfer his regular season from the postseason, where he has only won 2 games in 6 attempts.

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Nonetheless, Lamar Jackson was a landslide winner, receiving 49 of the 50 first-place votes to fall one shy of another unanimous selection. During his award acceptance speech, Jackson decided to poke a little fun at his team.

I want to thank my organization, the Baltimore Ravens, for finally getting the deal done.

Nine months ago, the Baltimore Ravens gave Lamar Jackson a five-year, $260 million contract, earning him $52 million in one season. For a while, he was the highest-paid player in the NFL until the Chargers paid their quarterback Justin Herbert $53.3 million a year, which the Bengals topped by giving Joe Burrow $55 million a year.

Lamar Jackson thanked his offense and offensive line for the helping hand

In Cam Newton‘s eyes, Jackson is one of the few players who can single-handedly change the direction of a game. But for him to thrive every matchday, the players around him have to come together and be his pillars. Although the three-time Pro Bowler won the MVP award, he was surrounded by all-pro-caliber players.

WATCH: "Finally got the deal done" - Lamar Jackson jokes about his $260 million contract drama with Ravens after winning 2nd MVP award
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (image via IMAGO)

Whether it was Ronnie Stanley or John Simpson in the tackle positions or the catchers’ Mark Andrews, Zay Flowers, or Isaiah Likely, they all chipped in when called upon. Jackson thanked them for their helping hand.

My offense and offensive line—I can't thank them enough for what they've done. I'm not out there blocking, catching the ball, and doing everything. It's a team thing for these awards.

The only other first-place voter besides Jackson was Josh Allen. The Bills quarterback finished fifth on the final NFL MVP list. With two MVPs to his name, Jackson is now part of an elite group with Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Joe Montana, Jim Brown, Johnny Unitas, and Brett Favre.

It is an honor just to be among the greatest of all time. To do stuff like this is incredible. I never thought I'd be a two-time MVP.
Jackson said, per the Ravens website

Although two MVPs confirm a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, there is still one trophy that has alluded to Jackson till now. If he wants to be truly counted as one of the greatest players ever, he needs to win the Super Bowl.

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