Lamar Jackson completes body transformation as new Baltimore Ravens plans confirmed

Despite being named NFL MVP for 2023, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has confirmed that he's lost weight since last season as he targets a fresh approach.

During Ravens OTA practice, Jackson was seen handing off to new running back Derrick Henry for the first time and throwing to a more familiar face in Zay Flowers, who is entering his second season as an NFL player. But one difference that stood out was Jackson's size. The 27-year-old looks leaner.

He was asked about the noticeable size difference after practice and hinted that his role would be adjusted. "I don't really know how many pounds I lost," Jackson said after his second OTA practice . "I'm like two-something [hundred pounds] right now. But I [will] just say it was important enough to be able to move around a little bit extra, that's all."

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The Ravens had the best regular season record in the NFL last year but were beaten by the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game. Jackson achieved career highs in completions (307) and passing yards (3,678) last season, throwing 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

But despite restoring his MVP status after first winning the award in 2019, Jackson feels "great" with his current physique. "It's been so long. We had COVID that happened to us; it slowed us down a little, but I feel great right now. I feel great," Jackson said.

The quarterback also isn't concerned about how it will impact his ability to take hits, as he added: "We sacrifice our body each and every game [and] practices. I believe it really doesn't matter about the weight."

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Jackson's weight has of course been a talking point around Baltimore's camp, with Flowers calling the quarterback "skinny" when seeing him for the first time. But if Jackson is able to dodge pass rushers even more efficiently it'll be a boost for the young wide receiver, and head coach John Harbaugh doesn't have an issue with his choice either.

"I mean, it's fine. I think that's Lamar. He's a pro. He knows what he's doing. He knows where he wants to be with that," Harbaugh said. "My concern is that he's in shape, best shape of his life, and he's working toward that.

"He's ready football-wise, all the details that go with that – mentally, physically, spiritually ready to go. That's kind of what I think about. I know he talks to the strength and conditioning people. He's got his own people. He talks to [director of sports nutrition] Sarah [Snyder] all the time. He's a pro. He knows what he's doing."