When the 2024 NFL season kicked off, Lamar Jackson, the electric quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens, was a sight to behold. Gone was the bulk that had somewhat slowed him down in previous years. In its place was a leaner, faster version of Jackson who reportedly weighed 200 pounds—15 pounds lighter than in 2023 and a full 30 pounds down from his 2022 weight.
But how did Lamar Jackson, the dynamic dual-threat QB who already boasted impressive speed, shed that much weight in such a short time? And why did he decide to make such a drastic change to his body?
A Personal Struggle: Feeling “Fat” and “Slow”
It was during a particularly frustrating moment in his career that Lamar Jackson realized a hard truth: he wasn’t as fast as he needed to be. Reflecting on his decision, Jackson admitted that he started feeling “fat” and “slower” on the field. “I wasn’t where I wanted to be,” he shared. “I’m supposed to be the fastest guy on the field, and I wasn’t. I wasn’t as agile as I used to be.”
Jackson’s playing style, which heavily relies on his ability to escape pressure and extend plays with his legs, means every pound counts. When he felt that he was no longer able to evade defenders as effortlessly as he had in previous seasons, he knew something had to change.
“I felt like I was getting bogged down. Like my body wasn’t moving how it used to. I knew I had to make a change.” Lamar Jackson confessed in a recent interview.
The Weight Loss Strategy: Discipline and Dedication
Shedding 30 pounds isn’t a simple task, and for an elite athlete like Jackson, the stakes are even higher. The weight loss process was not about crash diets or extreme shortcuts. Instead, it was a calculated, disciplined approach that involved both a revamped diet and intense training regime.
“I had to completely shift my mindset,” Jackson said. “It wasn’t just about looking good or feeling better. It was about improving my game. I wanted to get back to being the guy who could outrun anybody on the field.”
Here’s how Lamar Jackson approached his weight loss:
1. Cutting Unnecessary Calories
A key part of Jackson’s transformation came through adjusting his diet. No longer was he consuming high-calorie foods that were slowing him down. Jackson and his team of nutritionists focused on clean, whole foods that fueled his body for peak performance.
“I started eating smarter, cutting out the junk,” Jackson explained. “It was all about quality nutrition—lean proteins, vegetables, and cutting out all the excess carbs and sugars.”
2. Incorporating Targeted Workouts
Jackson worked closely with trainers to devise a workout plan that wasn’t just about burning calories but also maintaining his explosive strength. Given his unique playing style, agility, speed, and power were all essential components of the plan.
He incorporated more sprint work and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into his routine to help him build lean muscle while dropping fat. As he got leaner, his speed and agility on the field began to shine through once more.
“I wanted to feel lighter, but also more explosive,” Jackson shared. “It wasn’t just about getting smaller—it was about getting better.”
3. Tracking Progress and Staying Consistent
The weight loss didn’t happen overnight. It was a gradual process, with Jackson remaining focused and committed to the goal. He said that keeping track of his weight regularly and maintaining a consistent workout schedule helped him stay on course.
4. Adjusting Mentality: Health Before Performance
Perhaps one of the biggest shifts Jackson made wasn’t just physical—it was mental. Initially, his training regimen was performance-driven, with a focus on breaking records and winning games. But when he started the weight loss journey, he realized that health had to come first.
“I didn’t want to get too caught up in the numbers or the weight loss itself,” Jackson said. “It was about how I felt and how my body was performing. I knew I had to be the best version of myself to give my team a chance to win.”
The Results: A Faster, Leaner Lamar Jackson
The results were undeniable. When Lamar Jackson showed up for training camp in 2024, it was clear that the weight loss had made a significant impact on his performance. The Ravens QB was visibly leaner, quicker, and more agile than ever before.
“I feel like I’m 10 years younger,” Jackson said with a grin. “I’m faster, stronger, and more in control of my body. It’s like a whole new me.”
Jackson’s transformation wasn’t just about aesthetics. His performance on the field showed that the weight loss was improving his agility, his speed, and his ability to evade defenders. This shift has already started to make a huge difference in his game.
The Emotional and Mental Transformation
But weight loss is never just physical—it’s emotional and mental too. Jackson’s journey has been one of self-discovery, as he pushed through the challenges and embraced the process of change. He went from feeling slow and sluggish to feeling unstoppable, and the journey hasn’t been without its ups and downs.
“There were days when I didn’t think I could do it, but I had to keep going,” Jackson admitted. “It wasn’t just for me—it was for my team. I wanted to give them the best version of me, and I knew this was the way.”
The Impact on His Career: Regaining Speed and Agility
With his newfound agility, Jackson’s already impressive rushing ability has been supercharged. He’s faster on his feet, with more endurance to take on defenders head-to-head. The weight loss has also improved his arm strength, as he’s able to throw the ball more efficiently without feeling weighed down.
The results have already been noticeable in the 2024 season. Jackson’s increased speed allows him to escape pressure more easily and extend plays, leading to more explosive touchdowns and game-changing moments.
“I’m seeing the difference every time I step on the field,” Jackson said. “I’m quicker. I’m lighter. And most importantly, I’m playing my best football.”
Lamar Jackson’s Dedication to His Game
Lamar Jackson’s weight loss journey isn’t just about physical appearance—it’s about performance. He wanted to become the best version of himself for his team, and in doing so, he’s reinvented his game.
By shedding 30 pounds, Jackson has shown that even the best athletes are always looking to improve, always pushing to be faster, stronger, and more efficient. His commitment to this transformation speaks volumes about his dedication to his craft.
As Jackson continues to light up the field with his electrifying plays, fans can be sure that the slimmer, faster version of Lamar Jackson is here to stay—and he’s just getting started.
FAQ Section
1. How much weight did Lamar Jackson lose?
Lamar Jackson reportedly lost 30 pounds, dropping to 200 pounds for the 2024 NFL season. This is 15 pounds less than in 2023 and 30 pounds lighter than in 2022.
2. What made Lamar Jackson decide to lose weight?
Jackson admitted that he felt “fat” and “slow” and knew he had to shed weight to regain his agility and speed on the field, which are vital to his playing style.
3. How did Lamar Jackson lose the weight?
Jackson focused on a combination of smart eating and intense workouts, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and sprint drills, to shed fat while maintaining muscle.
4. How does Lamar Jackson feel after losing weight?
Jackson feels more agile, faster, and stronger, describing the transformation as feeling “10 years younger.”
5. How has Lamar Jackson’s weight loss affected his game?
The weight loss has improved Jackson’s speed and agility, allowing him to evade defenders more easily and extend plays, enhancing his already dynamic performance on the field.
6. Is Lamar Jackson’s weight loss permanent?
Jackson has committed to maintaining his leaner body through consistent diet and exercise, and he believes this new version of himself is integral to his success moving forward.