Lamar Jackson lauds 'unstoppable' Vick in Madden 2004, pumped to be 'one of a kind' on '21 cover
Channel: ABD AST
Date: 2020-06-16

Lamar Jackson lauds 'unstoppable' Vick in Madden 2004, pumped to be 'one of a kind' on '21 cover

MADDEN 21: FECHA DE ESTRENO, TRÁILER Y TODOS LOS DETALLES

Ask anyone who played Madden during the early-to-mid 2000s about their experience with the video game franchise, and the 2004 version will almost surely come up. 

Michael Vick, then with the Atlanta Falcons, graced the cover. The southpaw quarterback was the closest thing to a cheat code Madden has ever seen. 

Lamar Jackson was in elementary school when that game hit shelves, and he recalls playing with Vick and the Falcons all the time. 

“Oh! Michael Vick, 2004," the Baltimore Ravens quarterback told USA TODAY Sports when asked about his favorite Madden memories. “I remember chucking the ball up there, running around. It was so different. No one could keep up with Mike.

"He was unstoppable." 

Coming off his dynamic 2019 season which resulted in a Most Valuable Player trophy, Jackson now joins the same company as Vick: Madden cover athletes (although Tuesday's announcement was mostly anticlimactic since Jackson's presence on the cover was revealed in April). 

"I was pumped," Jackson said of his reaction to hearing he'd be on the '21 cover. "I’m not even going to lie to you. I was starstruck. I was ecstatic. I was everything in the book. I went crazy because it was one of a kind. Everyone is not able to get on the cover of Madden. I’m just happy to be one of the ones who was chosen.

"As a kid, that’s everyone’s dream,” Jackson said. “But to actually get on there? That’s crazy.”

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter of the AFC Divisional Round matchup.
If gamers in the future end up comparing '04 Vick vs. '21 Jackson, who will have the upper hand? 

"I hope it’s me. Honestly, I hope it’s me," the 23-year-old said. "I don’t know yet." 

Jackson has yet to play a demo of the Madden 21, but EA Sports said among the new or enhanced features are: improved ball-carrier mechanics for receivers and running backs; defensive line mechanics that add a new control to make the pass rush positions more responsive; realistic open-field tackling and player-controlled celebrations after each game changing play

Jackson normally plays as himself and the Ravens. His favorite play? They’re all his favorite plays.

“I just go out there and cut it up,” he said. 

It sounds a lot like his playing style. Jackson did plenty carving in 2019, completing more than 66 percent of his passes, averaged nearly seven yards per rushing attempt, and had a 36:6 touchdown-to-interception ratio. 

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A first-round playoff loss to the Los Angeles Chargers the previous January preceded the fireworks Jackson displayed last year. After falling to the Tennessee Titans during this past season's divisional round, advancing through the playoffs and winning the Super Bowl remains Jackson’s primary goal.

“It’s definitely motivation," Jackson said of the Titans loss. "Fuel to the fire.”

Ahead of 2020, despite a global pandemic limiting offseason training time with his team, Jackson is still finding ways to connect with them and the Ravens coaching staff. 

“Oh yeah, we got workouts in the mornings and just have meetings (in the afternoon)," he said. "I work out with (Baltimore receiver) Marquise (Brown). I have my guys with me. Sometimes I’m solo." 

Jackson plans on organizing more throwing opportunities to his teammates. He trusts that the NFL is going to do what’s safest for players and staffs, and isn’t fazed by the prospect of playing games in front of reduced crowds.
“We’re going to be ready to go," he said. "Of course. I’m ready to start ASAP.”
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