Ravens Star Stuns in Acting Debut

As far as quarterbacks go, few are as versatile as Baltimore Ravens phenom Lamar Jackson.

His game is defined by game-breaking athleticism that makes him a one-of-a-kind talent. He’s grown into one of the game’s best passers, too, winning from the pocket, within structure as often as anyone else in football. His mere presence boosts the run game, and when he’s tasked with faking out defenders as a ball carrier, at the mesh point, or on a play-action pass, Jackson has been just as effective.

Now, he’s taking those acting skills off the field and adding another skill to his toolbox.

The Ravens quarterback stunned in his acting debut, showcasing his talents in “Power Book III: Raising Kanan.”

Jackson spoke about the experience with PEOPLE’s Julia Moore.

"I was really shocked with that part," Jackson said. "When I got to the dressing room, they were like, 'You know what you're going to be doing?' I'm like, 'Nah, no one told me anything.' They were like, 'Yeah, you're going to be killing a guy at the club.' I'm like, 'What?'

"I hope the world don't think anything different of me, but it is what it is, we're just acting, it's fun. I'm ready to see what people think of my acting skills."

Interestingly enough, Jackson’s part isn’t just a run-of-the-mill cameo. His character, E-Tone, kills a man.

Jackson is used to the big moments, having played in countless prime-time games and eight postseason affairs. According to the quarterback, this was a unique kind of pressure.

"I'm around Joey Bada$$ and these guys, I don't want to mess up the line and have those guys redoing it. They've been here, they're professional, that's their job," he said. "I just didn't want to mess up and have them redo it. And I don't think I really did, to be honest."

Jackson is probably more likely to win his third MVP award than an Oscar, but the experience seems to grow his respect for the profession and the difficulties that come with it.

"I tip my hats off to those actors and actresses because man, that's a different type of world. Not just football — putting on pads and going out there and doing something physical — you got to really memorize and articulate your words and do something this way just to make the scene much better. A lot goes into it, so I tip my hats off."