Former Heisman winner Lamar Jackson once shared his favorite QB pick: "I always watched him play"
Former Heisman winner Lamar Jackson's college career with Louisville had all the ingredients to predict his success in the NFL. That stays true, as even though Jackson may not have won the Super Bowl yet, his professional football resume already includes three Pro Bowl selections and two NFL MVPs.
Jackson's best season with Louisville came in 2016, when the Ravens quarterback won the Heisman Trophy over big names such as Deshaun Watson, Dede Westbrook, Jabrill Peppers, and Baker Mayfield. After winning the Heisman, Jackson appeared in an interview on The Dan Patrick Show on Dec. 12, 2016.
The host asked Jackson which quarterback he admired the most. He answered, "Michael Vick."
"I have to say Michael Vick, you know. I always watched him play growing up since 2004 when he played for the Falcons. I was like, man, he's fast, you know, he's electric. I used to go out there and play, trying to be like him," Jackson said (4:00 onwards).
Michael Vick, who last played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2015, had his best years with the Atlanta Falcons (2001-08) and the Philadelphia Phillies (2009-13). Though he never won a Super Bowl, his athletic ability made him stand out.
Lamar Jackson shares his experience when his name got announced for Heisman
On the same show, Jackson, fresh off winning the Heisman Trophy, shared how he initially savored the moment when his name got announced for the 2016 honor.
"My heart was pounding—I thought I caught a heart attack. I was so shocked when he said my name. I was like, 'Man, no way.' You’ve got to call someone else up. You’ve got to call someone else up,'" Jackson told Patrick (0:20 onwards).
Jackson also shared what his reaction would have been if Deshaun Watson was the pick.
"I would have been clapping for him like I wanted it, you know? It would have probably been different for me. But to actually hear my name, I was like, 'No way,' because I wasn't thinking I was going to win this award with so many great guys. Going against them as finalists, man, I don’t know—I can’t even explain it," Jackson added.
Lamar Jackson was hands down the best college football player in the 2016 season. He started 13 games that season, throwing for 3,543 yards, a career-high 30 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Moreover, he also ran for 1,571 yards on 260 carries and added 21 touchdowns.