Who Are Lamar Jackson’s Parents? The Family Behind the NFL Superstar
By Jason Bolton October 07, 2025 19:23
Lamar Jackson, the Baltimore Ravens’ electrifying quarterback and two-time NFL MVP, is a household name for his jaw-dropping plays and record-breaking career. But behind the dazzling runs and pinpoint passes is a deeply personal story rooted in family. Jackson’s parents, particularly his mother, Felicia Jones, and his late father, Lamar Jackson Sr., played pivotal roles in shaping the man and athlete he is today. Raised in Pompano Beach, Florida, under challenging circumstances, Jackson credits his parents’ sacrifices, grit, and guidance for his rise from a skinny kid with a football to one of the NFL’s brightest stars. Here’s a look at the parents who molded Lamar Jackson and the legacy they’ve left on his life and career.
Felicia Jones: The “Superhero” Mom and Guiding Force
Felicia Jones is the cornerstone of Lamar Jackson’s life, serving as his mother, mentor, and de facto manager. A single mother who raised four children—Lamar and his three siblings—in Boynton Beach, Florida, Jones is a figure of resilience and determination. After losing her husband when Lamar was just eight years old, she took on the dual role of provider and coach, working multiple jobs, including as a truck driver, to keep the family afloat. Her work ethic was relentless, often juggling 12-hour shifts while ensuring her kids stayed on track.
Jones wasn’t just a caregiver; she was Lamar’s first football coach. From age six, she trained him on the fields of South Florida, teaching him the game’s fundamentals with a no-nonsense approach. “She was my coach, my trainer, my everything,” Jackson has said, recalling how she’d run drills with him, emphasizing discipline and toughness. Her influence went beyond athletics—she instilled financial independence and a distrust of outsiders, shaping Jackson’s decision to forgo a traditional agent in favor of self-representation with her guidance. During his high-stakes 2023 contract negotiations with the Ravens, which resulted in a five-year, $260 million deal, Jones was his strategic partner, helping navigate terms that made him the NFL’s highest-paid quarterback at the time.
Described by Jackson as his “superhero,” Jones remains a constant presence, managing his business ventures like apparel lines and philanthropy while keeping him grounded. Her mantra—“Don’t let anybody take advantage of you”—has been a guiding light, especially in a league where players are often swayed by external influences. In 2025, as Jackson continues to chase a Super Bowl, Jones is still his rock, proving that her impact transcends the typical “football mom” archetype.
Lamar Jackson Sr.: The Father Whose Memory Fuels the Mission
Lamar Jackson Sr., Lamar’s father, was a significant figure in his early life, though his time with his son was tragically cut short. A former high school athlete, Jackson Sr. passed away in a car accident when Lamar was eight, on the same day Lamar’s grandmother died. The loss was a devastating blow to the family, leaving Felicia to raise Lamar and his siblings alone. Though Lamar’s memories of his father are limited, he has often spoken of Jackson Sr.’s athleticism and competitive spirit, traits that clearly passed down to his son.
While Jackson Sr. didn’t live to see Lamar’s rise, his legacy looms large. Lamar has shared how his father’s death pushed him to channel grief into purpose, using football as an outlet to honor his family. “I play for him, for my mom, for all of us,” Jackson said in a 2019 interview. The drive to make his father proud has been a quiet but powerful motivator, evident in Jackson’s relentless work ethic and refusal to back down from challenges, whether it’s silencing doubters or rewriting NFL record books.
A Family-First Foundation
The influence of Felicia Jones and Lamar Jackson Sr. goes beyond their individual roles—it’s the family unit they created that defines Jackson’s story. Growing up in a tight-knit household, Lamar learned early that family was his safe haven. After his father’s death, Felicia fostered an environment of unity, ensuring her children leaned on each other. Lamar’s siblings, though less public, remain part of his inner circle, and he often credits them for keeping him humble.
This family-first ethos extends to Jackson’s career choices. His decision to represent himself, with Felicia as his advisor, reflects a deep trust in family over industry insiders. It’s a bold stance in the NFL, where agents typically handle everything from contracts to endorsements. Yet, Jackson’s success—$135 million in guaranteed money and a growing off-field brand—shows the power of this approach. His philanthropy, like hosting youth football camps in Florida, also ties back to his roots, honoring the community his parents raised him in.
The Legacy of Lamar’s Parents
As of October 2025, Lamar Jackson continues to dazzle on the field, with his sights set on leading the Ravens to a Super Bowl. But his journey is inseparable from his parents’ influence. Felicia Jones’s hands-on guidance has turned her into a legend in her own right, redefining what a sports parent can be. Lamar Jackson Sr.’s memory, though tied to loss, fuels his son’s hunger to succeed. Together, they’ve given Jackson not just the tools to dominate the NFL but the heart to stay true to himself. In a league full of flash, Lamar Jackson’s story is a testament to the quiet strength of family—and the parents who made him a champion.
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