How Lamar Jackson's 'superhero' mom influenced his new contract — and whole life
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — It has been well-documented that Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson does not have agent.
Although he represents himself, Jackson doesn't act alone. There is one important person in his life who serves as a manager and sage: his mother, Felicia Jones.
“She’s my manager," Jackson said of his mom. "I feel like she was managing me really well.”
A five-year, $260 million contract with $185 million guaranteed could certainly be a signal of a job well done by the partnership.
Jackson said that while he negotiated with the Ravens brass, "me and her (were) piggybacking off of each other" to get the deal across the finish line.
"She's a huge influence on my life. Just by her raising the four of us, my younger brother, my two sisters."
Jackson is the oldest of the four children and after his father passed away at age 8, he watched his mother rise from bed and head to work every day without complaining
"Not wanting me to get a job, so I could (focus) on football," Jackson said, "and she could take care of everything."
Jones' work ethic left an impression on her eldest son.
"If she could do that, I could do anything," Jackson said. "She raised four kids on her own not asking for a handout, not reaching out to people."
Jones never missed a bill payment and never complained, Jackson said. She woke up early and came home late at night.
"Almost (like) a superhero," said Jackson.
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To be rewarded with generational wealth means a lot to his family, Jackson said.
"Another stepping stone if anything," he said.
Jackson already gifted Jones something for her efforts during the contract negotiation and joked that she might be satisfied – for now. With Mother's Day, there likely won't be anything special heading Jones' way, but Jackson will definitely buy her flowers.
They will be much-deserved.
Follow Chris Bumbaca on Twitter @BOOMbaca.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lamar Jackson praises his mother after new Baltimore Ravens contract
