Lamar Jackson’s 2024 season was a rollercoaster of brilliance and heartbreak. Fresh off his second MVP, he shattered records, throwing 41 touchdowns and rushing for 915 yards. The Ravens soared, dominating the AFC with a loaded roster. Yet, playoff ghosts returned. A nail-biting loss to the Bills left Jackson stranded again, his postseason resume still craving that elusive Super Bowl shine. The spotlight shifted. Was his regular-season magic enough to silence doubters?

Then, the twist. On February 8, Jackson shared a prayer app’s “G.O.A.T.” graphic on Instagram, adding, “🙏🏽Nobody Greater.” “G.O.A.T. God Over All Things,” the original post read. This cryptic message dropped hours after Josh Allen edged him for MVP by 21 points—the closest race in decades. Allen’s 27 first-place votes narrowly topped Jackson’s 23, but controversy erupted.

Voter Jim Miller ranked Lamar Jackson fourth, behind Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, and Joe Burrow. “At the end of the day, this is a team sport, and he has won more than anybody. He’s 15-2 on the year, and I had to refrain myself… So I sleep very good with how I voted. A lot of people didn’t like it because Lamar is quite a player,” Miller shrugged, sparking outrage. Critics pounced.

Hall of Famer Jonathan Ogden called it a sympathy vote for Allen, noting, “I don’t want it to sound like I’m hating on Josh because the brother is a tremendous quarterback. But he didn’t have the year Lamar had.” Stats backed him.

Jackson outgunned Allen in passing yards (4,172 to 3,731), touchdowns (41 to 28). Except in QBR by decimals (77.2 to 77.3). He even had nearly twice the rushing yards (915 to 531) although Allen had more rushing TDs. Yet, Allen’s value argument swayed voters. “But value, and how much you impact your team, who you do it with, and who you do it against? That’s where I thought Josh Allen had the upper hand,” ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky argued, highlighting Buffalo‘s depleted roster.

Meanwhile, while Buffalo was licking its wounds from yet another playoff loss to the Chiefs, Jackson’s Ravens boasted nine Pro Bowlers. For whatever it’s worth. The plot thickened. Despite the snub, Jackson’s legacy burns brighter.

Jackson’s redemption arc: Baltimore’s unfinished business

Jackson made First-Team All-Pro; Allen didn’t—a rarity since 1987. Historically, All-Pro QBs win MVP. Not this time. “I was pretty surprised. Given what we know about how typically the voting goes, and Lamar was very deserving of this award as well,” Allen admitted. Analysts like Jeff Saturday mocked the logic: “Is this MVP of the league or of the Bills?” 

Teammates like Patrick Ricard vow, “It’s inevitable. [Lamar Jackson]’s going to win a Super Bowl, and I want to be a part of it. It just sucks that it hasn’t happened yet. I personally feel bad for him because he deserves it just because of how great of a player he is.” The Ravens agree.

They are eyeing Rams star Cooper Kupp to turbocharge their offense. Jackson’s growth—reading defenses, avoiding injuries—fuels optimism. Plus, Derrick Henry’s pledge to “retire a Raven” adds firepower.

Baltimore’s 2024 offense made history: 4,000+ passing and 3,000+ rushing yards. Yet, Barkley’s 2,005 rushing yards stole Offensive Player of the Year. Jackson’s response? Action. His Instagram post wasn’t bitterness—it was defiance. “God Over All Things” isn’t a concession; it’s a mantra.

Jackson’s story isn’t finished. With a revamped squad and a chip on his shoulder, 2025 looms large. Individual awards? Mere milestones. For Lamar, the real prize glimmers ahead—a Lombardi Trophy. As Ricard said, “I know everyone considers championships as the standard, and he’ll get it one day.” And Baltimore believes.