Lamar Jackson is basically a human cheat code. You’ve seen it—the way he makes elite NFL defenders look like they’re running in sand while he’s gliding on ice. But there’s a specific question that keeps popping up in every Ravens group chat and fantasy football forum: how much does lamar jackson weigh right now?
Honestly, the answer has changed more than a few times lately.
If you look at the official Baltimore Ravens roster as we head into 2026, you’ll see the number 205 pounds. He stands 6'2", which makes that weight look pretty lean for a guy who takes hits from 300-pound defensive linemen. But that 205 number isn't just a random stat. It represents a massive, intentional shift in how the two-time MVP approaches the game.
The Wild Seesaw of Lamar’s Playing Weight
To understand where he is now, you have to look at where he was. It's been a bit of a rollercoaster. Back in 2022, Lamar made a conscious decision to bulk up. He showed up to camp looking like a linebacker, tipping the scales at roughly 230 pounds.
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The logic back then was simple: "Action Jackson" wanted to be "Sturdier Jackson." He thought the extra 25 pounds of muscle would help him absorb the hits that come with being the most dangerous dual-threat QB in history. He looked massive. His arms were huge. He was definitely harder to bring down in the pocket.
But something felt off.
He wasn't quite as twitchy. That legendary "jump-cut-and-everyone-falls-down" agility seemed a tiny bit muted. By the time the 2024 season rolled around, Lamar decided he’d had enough of the bulk. He dropped back down to 205 pounds—a staggering 25-pound loss from his peak—and the results were terrifying for the rest of the league.
Why the 205-Pound Version is Different
- Speed is King: Lamar himself admitted that at 230, he felt a bit "fat" (his words, not mine). At 205, he says he doesn't get winded anymore.
- The Agility Factor: Dropping the weight wasn't about being "skinny." It was about reclaiming that 2019 MVP twitch.
- The Derrick Henry Effect: Since the Ravens added the "King," Lamar doesn't have to be the primary "bruiser" anymore. He can be the lightning to Henry's thunder.
How He Actually Lost the Weight (The Sausage Secret)
You’d think an NFL superstar with a multi-million dollar contract would be eating nothing but organic kale and wild-caught salmon.
Well, not exactly.
Lamar actually went on The Lounge podcast and dropped a bombshell about his diet. He was trying to cut fat fast, so he started skipping breakfast or eating very light. His go-to? Jimmy Dean sausage corn dogs. Yeah, you read that right.
He’d eat one or two of those in the morning, hit a heavy cardio session, and do a lot of running. While the Ravens' lead nutritionist, Sarah Snyder, probably wasn't doing backflips over the corn dog choice, the results were undeniable. He paired that "unique" breakfast with a lot of afternoon running and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to shed the bulk without losing his explosive power.
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Comparing Lamar to Other NFL Greats
It’s weird to think about, but 205 pounds is actually light for a modern quarterback. For context, let’s look at some other guys:
- Josh Allen: Usually plays around 237 pounds. He’s built like a tank and plays like one.
- Patrick Mahomes: Hovers around 225 pounds.
- Lamar Jackson (Current): 205 pounds.
He’s closer to the weight of a rangy wide receiver or a hard-hitting safety than a traditional pocket passer. But that’s the point. Lamar isn't a traditional pocket passer. He’s a weapon that relies on being faster than the guy chasing him. If he’s 205 and running a 4.3 or 4.4 forty, the defense is in trouble.
Does the Lower Weight Increase Injury Risk?
This is the big debate.
A lot of analysts worried that "Slim Lamar" would be more fragile. The "more weight equals more armor" theory is popular, but it’s not always true in football. Sometimes, being lighter means you can avoid the direct, bone-crunching hits altogether. If you’re fast enough to turn a direct hit into a glancing blow, you’re often safer.
Watching him play throughout the 2025 season, it was clear he felt more comfortable in this leaner frame. He was sliding more, getting out of bounds faster, and using that 205-pound frame to dance around defenders rather than trying to run through them.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Athletes
If you're looking at Lamar Jackson’s weight as inspiration for your own fitness, there are a few real-world takeaways here that actually matter.
First, functional weight is better than scale weight. Lamar realized that 230 pounds was "bad weight" for his specific job, even if it was muscle. If your goal is agility, don't just chase a high number on the bench press.
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Second, cardio is the differentiator. Lamar didn't just stop eating; he ramped up his running. If you want to lean out like a pro athlete, you have to find a balance between strength work and the kind of "wind-sprints" that burn fat while keeping your heart rate up.
Finally, listen to your body. Lamar felt sluggish at 230. He didn't wait for a coach to tell him to lose weight; he took the initiative because he knew his game better than anyone else.
The 2026 version of Lamar Jackson is fast, lean, and apparently fueled by the occasional breakfast sausage. At 205 pounds, he’s found his "sweet spot." It’s the weight that lets him be the best version of himself—and that’s a scary thought for the rest of the AFC North.
To keep track of his physical evolution, keep an eye on the official Ravens injury reports and roster updates throughout the season. Usually, weight fluctuations of 5-10 pounds are normal during the grind of a 17-game schedule, but as long as he’s around that 205 mark, expect the speed to stay elite.