Lamar Jackson has guided the Baltimore Ravens to a 2–1 start in the 2026 NFL regular season despite the team dealing with injuries to multiple teammates. For Ravens fans, Jackson remains an irreplaceable part of the team, while NFL commissioner Roger Goodell views him as one of the league’s rare and game-changing talents.
During a recent sideline interview at the Ravens’ Week 3 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Brazil, Goodell opened up about what Jackson brings to the NFL and explained why the Ravens quarterback has become such a special presence in the league.
“Well, you're not an MVP multiple times, you know, because you're not a superstar. But, you know, he just brings an excitement to the game that's just really explosive. And it's fun for everyone to be able to see it,” Goodell said.
“Nobody feels like they're out of a game when you have Lamar on your side, right? And so I just think that kind of talent, and he's changed the game. He's actually changed the way that position is played. And you can't say that about a lot of guys.”
During the NFL’s third game in Brazil and its first in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Jackson provided a performance that perfectly reflected Goodell’s assessment.
With the game entering its decisive final moments, Jackson connected with Zay Flowers on a crucial late completion before calling an alert timeout. The sequence gave Tyler Loop an opportunity to attempt a game-winning 56-yard field goal, which he converted as time expired.
According to ESPN Research, it marked the first game-winning drive of Jackson’s career that began with less than one minute remaining in the fourth quarter.
The two-time MVP produced that clutch performance while delivering an eye-catching statistical outing throughout the game. Jackson completed 15 of 20 passes for 186 yards and two touchdowns. He avoided both turnovers and sacks and finished the night with an outstanding 136.7 passer rating.