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Lamar Jackson has achieved nearly everything in his NFL career. He is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the game, having won the league MVP twice and being the face of the Baltimore Ravens.
Despite all his achievements, the Super Bowl is still the one milestone he has yet to reach. With another high-profile season approaching, the question is what the Ravens can do differently to finally help Jackson take that leap. Former NFL defensive back Robert Nelson Jr., who spent time in Baltimore, offered a candid perspective that’s likely to stir debate.
“Man, I played in Baltimore, and I won’t get into my personal issues with the organization—but a lot of people might disagree with me when I say this: I think the Ravens need a better leader at head coach. I just don’t believe he’s the guy everyone thinks he is,” Nelson said to RG.org recently.
Time for a Change in Leadership?
Nelson thinks that while the Ravens have given John Harbaugh plenty of opportunities and have had plenty of success during the regular season, it may be time for fresh leadership.
“Sometimes it’s just time for a change. It’s someone else’s turn—someone who knows how to fully tap into a unique athlete like Lamar Jackson,” Nelson explained.
Over the years, the Ravens have changed coordinators and roster pieces, but the postseason results have not changed. Nelson suggests that the missing piece isn’t talent but leadership, someone who can not only design schemes for Jackson but also maximize his mentality and hold the entire organization accountable.
The Burden of Perception
Nelson emphasized that perception is a significant factor in Jackson’s journey beyond coaching.
“Being a franchise quarterback isn’t just about talent—it’s about how you carry yourself. The image, the approach, the professionalism. You’ve got to look like a pro, move like a pro, and lead like a pro,” Nelson said.
While Nelson was careful not to call Jackson unprofessional, he stressed that image matters in the NFL. “Fans will nitpick—his style, his jewelry, his crew, his social media. But when you’re the face of the franchise, that stuff becomes fuel for criticism,” Nelson explained.
The Dangers of Transparency
Nelson highlighted Jackson’s tendency to share training footage on social media as a specific area. While it gives fans insight into his preparation, Nelson argued that it creates a scouting advantage.
“Don’t post your throwing mechanics or your workouts on social media. Because guys like me? We’ll study that. We’ll break it down frame by frame and use it to prepare against you,” Nelson said. “I know your footwork, your reads, your mechanics—I’m studying how you throw left, how you move right, and now I have an edge.”
Jackson’s competitive edge could be maintained by eliminating those extra windows into his preparation, which he thrives on unpredictability and improvisation.
Fighting Bias and Breaking Barriers
Nelson discussed Jackson’s experiences with bias throughout his career. Jackson faced resistance from ownership and front offices when negotiating his contract, even though he had received accolades such as an MVP award and a Madden cover.
“They didn’t want to pay Lamar what he deserved at first,” Nelson said. “Hesitated because of how he looked, who he was around, how he dressed. It didn’t like that his mom was involved in his contract talks. They’d rather pay someone who ‘looks the part,’ someone they feel more comfortable managing.”
Nelson believes that Jackson’s preparation, focus, and leadership cannot be undermined by those challenges.
The Path Forward
Nelson thinks that if the Ravens want to move forward, a two-pronged approach is needed: An organization willing to maximize Jackson under the right leadership, and Jackson himself ensuring that the only narrative surrounding him is his play on the field.
“So if Lamar really wants to make that leap, he’s got to control what people can see, stay locked in, and make it impossible for anyone to question his commitment or preparation,” Nelson said. “That’s the only way he’ll beat the system and win it all.”
A quarterback who has already overcome odds and redefined what’s possible at the position has a new challenge: to silence any lingering doubts and finally win the Lombardi Trophy.
