How long has lamar jackson been in the nfl

As of October 4, 2026, Lamar Jackson is currently competing in his ninth professional season in the National Football League. Selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Jackson officially began his career on April 26, 2018. Over the course of his tenure, which spans eight full seasons and the ongoing 2026 campaign, Jackson has established himself as one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in league history. Since entering the professional ranks, he has secured multiple NFL Most Valuable Player awards and consistently led the Ravens to postseason contention. His journey from a standout collegiate athlete at the University of Louisville to a veteran leader in Baltimore has been defined by his unique ability to impact games both as a passer and a record-breaking rusher. As he navigates the 2026 season, Jackson remains a central figure in the league, continuing to build upon a legacy that began when he first stepped onto an NFL field as a rookie in the autumn of 2018.