Steve Young: Lamar Jackson can be 'greatest player' ever

Dec 5, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to pass the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Young: Lamar Jackson can be 'the greatest player in the history of the game,' but he's being 'held back' by Ravens

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 8/19/22

Former San Francisco 49ers legend Steve Young knows a thing or two about being one of the NFL's all-time greats, especially when it comes to mobile quarterbacks. The 60-year-old player-turned-analyst ranks fifth on the all-time rushing list for signal-callers and the person who's currently ranked seventh is on pace to shatter the top spot on the list, which is occupied by Michael Vick.

Young recently discussed Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and what the future may hold for him. The Hall-of-Famer and former two-time MVP feels the sky may be the limit for Jackson but there's a catch.

Steve Young: "@Lj_era8 can be the greatest player in the history of the game." - if the Ravens develop their passing offense.pic.twitter.com/SESBr4Qjw5
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 19, 2022

Despite having only played four seasons and 58 regular season games, the Ravens leader is already up to 3,673 rushing yards (one behind Fran Tarkenton for sixth place). Barring injury, Jackson should be able to surpass Young (4,239) for fifth place and that would only leave Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson ahead of him on the active list (4,689).

Randall Cunningham is currently third (4,928), while free agent Cam Newton is second (5,628) and Vick is first (6,109).

On Tuesday, ESPN and Pro Football Focus predicted that Jackson was a prime bounce-back candidate for the upcoming campaign. The 25-year-old former MVP was limited to a career-low 12 games last season due to an ankle injury, but is healthy as the preseason rolls on.

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