Lamar Jackson And His Passion For Horse Racing

We’ve seen many A-list celebrities sharing their passion for horse racing. Just because we talk about a prestigious sport, many people are drawn by the thrills, luxury, and networking chances. This also goes for athletes from different sports, including NFL stars.

For many years we’ve seen athletes like Tom Brady bringing his teammates to the Kentucky Derby, but as he is retired, we need another NFL star who should represent the sport on big horse racing events.

Lamar Jackson might fit the bill. From what we’ve seen, many factors point out that he is truly passionate about the sport.

That’s the thing about horse racing. You are drawn by the fuss around one event like the Kentucky Derby, and once you watch it there is no getting out. You are suddenly a die-hard horse racing enthusiast looking for a way to enter the business side of the sport.

Currently, Lamar Jackson is only a spectator. But only time will tell if he dives deeper into the horse racing industry.

About Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson, just like any other football player, began his football journey from his high school days playing in Pompano Beach, Florida. His talent for the sport was instantly noticeable even from a young age, especially after he started showcasing his dual-threat capabilities as a quarterback.

Jackson earned a scholarship to the University of Louisville and quickly became a standout player as he won the Heisman Trophy.

His professional NFL career started when Jackson was drafted and selected 32^nd overall by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018. There was a lot of pre-draft skepticism surrounding his name, but after he entered the big league, he proved everyone wrong.

Jackson took over as the Ravens’ starting quarterback midway through his rookie season in 2018, and as a starter he posted a 6-1 record, helping them secure a playoff berth. He has some impressive rushing ability and managed to set the NFL record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a season.

The biggest year for Jackson was 2019, as he led the league in touchdown passes (36), and managed to beat his own personal record setting a new rushing record for a quarterback with 1,206 yards. He also won the MVP award at only 22 years old, making him the youngest quarterback ever to get it.

How It All Began

We are quite familiar with his NFL career, but what about horses? Where did the passion for these animals start?

Well, Jackson’s love for horses goes back to his early childhood. He grew up in Florida, which is a state known for its rich history in horse racing. He said that his family went on a horse racing trip to nearby racetracks, where he was truly inspired by the overall atmosphere of the events.

Lamar Jackson also went to the University of Louisville, Kentucky, and there isn’t a place in the US that screams more horse racing than Kentucky. After all, Louisville is the home of the Kentucky Derby which probably made him even more passionate about horses.

The Kentucky Derby Experience

We talked about the Kentucky Derby and the connection to Lamar Jackson, but there is more to talk about. This is a race often referred to as ”The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” and it is an event that catches the attention of more than 150,000 spectators.

As you probably already guessed, Lamar Jackson is a regular at the Kentucky Derby, especially after entering the NFL and signing the contract. After all, this is the place where he spent most of his teen years, and there is something that draws him in, and it is not just the thrills of the Kentucky Derby. It feels more like a passion for the sport.

He said that the Kentucky Derby isn’t only about watching the races. It’s also about soaking in the entire experience, drinking some mint juleps, and getting into your finest attire.

If you find him on the Kentucky Derby red carpet, you’ll see that Jackson ticks all the boxes for being a die-hard horse racing fan.

What makes the Derby so special for Jackson?

Well, first we have the atmosphere, which is electric. It is a cultural phenomenon, where you have a blend of Southern charm, high-end fashion, meeting new people, and possibly placing some trifecta bets.

Lamar Jackson is quite familiar with all those things as he is a regular on the Kentucky Derby. He probably places a trifecta box bet every now and then.

But we also have the thrill of the races and the horses that compete in the race. Plus, many A-list celebrities and highly successful people attend the Kentucky Derby making it the perfect opportunity for some networking.

Jackson’s Involvement in Horse Racing

Jackson’s involvement in horse racing goes beyond being a spectator. He has expressed interest in owning racehorses, seeing it as a natural extension of his passion. Although he hasn’t yet made a high-profile purchase, insiders say it’s only a matter of time before he becomes a significant player in the racing world.

At the moment, he is all about soaking the action. After all, he is still young to make an investment. We’ve seen Lamar Jackson at many high-end horse racing events. For example, was seen hanging out with Jack Harlow and Drake at the Kentucky Derby. We also saw him hanging out with Zay Flowers and Ray Lewis at the 149^th Preakness Stakes rocking a pink suit.

In time, you just might hear about Lamar Jackson, the thoroughbred racing owner.

Provided the suit fits.

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