When Lamar Jackson shared love to Louisville fans during his grand jersey retirement ceremony: "You guys never booed me"
Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson is one of the most prominent quarterbacks in the NFL. Before he was a leading QB in the NFL, Jackson made a name for himself as a quarterback with the Louisville Cardinals, his stellar performances leading to a Heisman Trophy win in 2016.
Jackson's No. 8 was retired by the Cardinals in 2021, becoming just the second player to have that honor in Louisville history, after Johnny Unitas.
During the retirement ceremony, before a game against the Syracuse Orange in 2021, the Ravens quarterback showed his appreciation to the fans. He thanked them for the support they gave him during his college football career despite throwing an interception in his first game in 2015 (9:15).
"I really didn't prepare a speech for this moment. Ever since I stepped on the field in Atlanta in 2015, we were playing against Auburn. My very first play of the game, I tried to make y'all happy, it didn't go to plan. I threw an interception. I know a lot of fans were probably saying, 'Who is this kid?' I'd just come from high school, going against No. 6, I think, Auburn was at the time. But you guys never booed me," Lamar Jackson said.
"To go from that to winning the Music City bowl game, then coming home with the Heisman in 2016, then in 2017 getting our payback with the Wildcats down in Lexington, there are so many memories. We beat Florida State. There's so much I can say about you guys but I appreciate y'all so much."
Lamar Jackson had a spectacular Louisville career
Lamar Jackson was rated as a three-star prospect coming from Boynton High School, Florida, and was heavily recruited by the likes of Auburn, Florida and Nebraska.
He ultimately chose to play for the Louisville Cardinals after coach Bobby Petrino promised his mother that he would play as a quarterback.
Jackson had the best year of his college football career in 2016, when he registered 3,543 yards resulting in 30 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also added 1,571 rushing yards on 260 carries resulting in 21 touchdowns.
For his efforts, he won the 2016 Heisman Trophy and became the youngest player ever to have gained the prestigious individual award (19 years, 337 days). He also led the Cardinals to a 9-4 season.
During his Cardinals career, Jackson registered 9,043 yards on 57% completion, resulting in 69 touchdowns and 27 interceptions. He also had 4,132 rushing yards resulting in 50 touchdowns.
Lamar Jackson was selected No. 32 overall in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens and has gone on to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league.