Lamar Jackson’s NFL MVP Speech Takes Interesting Turn

The 2023-24 NFL Honors came and went seeing the best of the best in the NFL be awarded for their performances this past season. This included Lamar Jackson winning his second-ever MVP.

In his speech following being named the 2023 NFL AP Most Valuable Player, Jackson didn’t hold back on thanking everyone. He even thanked the Baltimore Ravens‘ organization for his contract. What did he say?

Lamar Jackson Thanks Organization in MVP Speech

While it felt inevitable for much of the latter part of the 2023 season, the NFL Honors award show made it official, giving Jackson the MVP award. He won it over fellow contestants Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers), Brock Purdy (49ers), Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys), and Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills).

“I want to thank my organization for finally getting this deal done,” said Jackson in his speech.

Prior to the beginning of the 2023 season, Jackson and the Ravens underwent a contract dispute. “Shout out to Eric [Decosta], you know. Steve [Bisciotti], coach [John] Harbaugh … I can’t thank them enough.”

Make that two MVP trophies for Lamar 🏆🏆

📺: #NFLHonors on CBS & NFLN
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/AlZ6adNg3P

— NFL (@NFL) February 9, 2024

Ultimately, the dispute resulted in a major deal between the two. The two sides agreed to a five-year, $260 million contract extension. The deal includes $185 million in total guarantees and a $72.5 million signing bonus. It also includes void years and will leave Jackson as an unrestricted free agent in 2028 when he is 33 years old.

Jackson’s contract details show it to be very back-heavy. In 2023, he made just $7.5 million in base salary. However, over the next four years, Jackson’s base salary will increase to $14.25 million in 2024, $20.25 million in 2025, and $51.25 million in both 2026 and 2027.

In 2023, Jackson played in 16 games and passed for 3,678 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Additionally, he rushed for 821 yards and five more scores.

All Jackson did was win. When he started, the Ravens had a league-best 13-3 record and earned the AFC’s top seed heading into the playoffs.

In the postseason, Baltimore defeated the Houston Texans 34-10 to advance to the AFC Championship Game for the first time in Jackson’s career. Unfortunately, they fell to the Kansas City Chiefs 17-10 the following week, ending their magical run.

MORE: 2024 NFL Awards Winners — List of 2023-2024 NFL Honors Results

Jackson has now played six years in the NFL, passing for 15,887 yards, 125 touchdowns, and 45 interceptions throughout his career. He’s also rushed for 5,258 yards and 29 touchdowns, as well as holding a 58-19 record as Baltimore’s starting QB during the regular season. His postseason record, however, is 2-4.

For his career, Jackson now has two All-Pros, two MVPs, and three Pro Bowls. After being drafted 32nd overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, Jackson had this to say:

“They’re gonna get a Super Bowl out of me. Believe that.”

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!