In a recent interview, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson made headlines by sharing his plans for retirement, revealing that he intends to step away from the NFL at the age of 35 or 36.
Known for his unique playing style, combining incredible mobility with a strong arm, Jackson has become one of the most dynamic players in the league. However, the 26-year-old made it clear that he has a vision for life beyond football, one that doesn’t extend into his late 30s or 40s like many other NFL stars.
Lamar Jackson has already achieved a remarkable amount during his relatively young career. As the youngest quarterback to win an MVP award (2019), Jackson has broken numerous records and proven himself as one of the most exciting players in the league. His ability to make plays with his legs and arm has redefined the quarterback position in the NFL. However, Jackson has always been aware of the physical toll football takes on athletes, which is why he has chosen to retire early.
In his interview, Jackson said, “I want to retire at 35 or 36. That’s when I’ll have given everything to the game and still be in a good place physically and mentally.” With the average career length of an NFL player being around 3.3 years, Jackson’s decision to retire in his mid-30s is a relatively short career compared to many other quarterbacks who play into their 40s.
The decision to retire at a relatively young age reflects Jackson’s desire to preserve his long-term health and quality of life after football. While many players strive for career longevity, often extending their time in the league through off-season conditioning and medical interventions, Jackson is focused on ensuring he walks away from the game before the wear and tear becomes too much.
“Football is a tough sport,” Jackson explained. “I don’t want to play so long that I’m struggling physically or mentally once it’s over. I want to be able to enjoy life after football without the damage that can come from playing too long.”
Another surprising aspect of Jackson’s plans is his financial strategy. The quarterback made it clear that his retirement goal isn’t about accumulating endless wealth. Instead, he has set a specific financial target for himself. “I’ll retire with nothing more than $700 million,” Jackson shared. “That’s all I need to live comfortably and do the things I want to do with my life.”
Jackson’s focus on a specific financial figure shows a level of maturity and financial literacy. At the age of 26, he’s already thinking about building wealth outside of football, ensuring his future after retirement is secure. While $700 million might seem like an extravagant amount to some, for an athlete of his caliber, it’s a modest yet attainable goal. It reflects his desire for financial independence and security, allowing him to pursue other passions and business ventures once his playing days are over.
While some NFL players see football as their sole purpose, Jackson has always been vocal about his desire to build something greater. In his interview, he mentioned plans to explore opportunities in other industries, including tech, business, and philanthropy. Jackson’s approach shows that he’s not solely focused on his career on the field but is also laying the groundwork for a successful post-football life.
“I want to be known for more than just football,” he said. “I want to build businesses, help my community, and do things that matter. There’s a lot more to life than just playing football, and I’m excited to see what else is out there.”
Jackson’s decision to retire at 35 or 36 may challenge the traditional narrative in the NFL, where players often push their careers into their 40s. His focus on health, wealth, and well-being after football could set a new trend for athletes, encouraging them to think more strategically about their futures.
Rather than playing until the body can no longer keep up, Jackson’s approach advocates for walking away at a point where he can still enjoy a healthy life and continue pursuing new ventures. This may encourage other young players to think about retirement not as an end, but as a transition to new opportunities.
Lamar Jackson’s decision to retire by the age of 35 or 36 and his focus on achieving financial independence with $700 million underscores a forward-thinking approach to his career and life after football. While his retirement timeline may seem early to some, it’s clear that Jackson values his long-term health and the opportunities that lie beyond the NFL. As he continues to redefine what it means to be a quarterback in the modern game, Jackson is also reshaping the way athletes think about life beyond their playing years.
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