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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson reported to training camp 30 pounds lighter than in 2022, now weighing in at 200 pounds.
Jackson, the reigning NFL MVP, explained, "I felt like I was fat," after watching old footage and not liking how he looked or ran.
In an interview with CBS Sports, Jackson said, "I just saw a video from two years ago [against] the Browns and I looked out of shape. But I was in shape."
Jackson noticed a drop in his speed, with his average speed crossing the line of scrimmage last season being the lowest of his career at 12.47 mph.
From hitting a max speed of 20 mph nine times in his first three seasons, Jackson managed just one such run in the past three seasons.
Despite leading the NFL with 5.5 yards per carry last season, Jackson's four runs of 20-plus yards were the fewest of his career.
Jackson emphasized wanting to move around "without getting fatigued" and avoiding being caught if he decides to run.
At 27, Jackson dismissed age as a reason for slowing down, asserting, "I'm still young. It definitely don't have anything to do with age."