Lamar Jackson, the star quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens, is not just focused on winning championships on the football field. He also has his sights set on victory in the horse racing world as the proud owner of the Maryland Colts franchise in the National Thoroughbred League (NTL). Jackson expressed his ambition to CNBC, stating, “I just want to win a championship. I want to win one in the National Football League. I want to win one in the NTL.”
Jackson acquired the Maryland Colts in 2024 and chose to base the team in Baltimore, a city with a rich sports history. The franchise is part of the NTL, which employs a unique team-based format for horse racing competitions. Teams accumulate points based on the performance of their horses and jockeys in each event, similar to the scoring system in auto racing. At the end of the season, the total points determine the winner of the prestigious NTL Championship.
In a growing trend among active and retired NFL quarterbacks seeking ownership in sports teams, Jackson joins the likes of Tom Brady, who holds a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, and Peyton Manning, a minority owner of the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. Patrick Mahomes, the current quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, has diversified his investments across various sports, including Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, and even pickleball. Jackson, however, remains focused on meaningful investments with long-term goals in mind. “When we are looking to invest, it has to be something meaningful,” he stated. “I have to see long-term goals when I’m doing something. That’s how I move when I’m in the investing space.”
Beyond his ownership of the Colts, Jackson aspires to make a positive impact on the community, particularly the youth in Baltimore. To kick off the 2025 NTL season at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Jackson hosted a community day where young individuals were invited to learn about horse racing and explore career opportunities in the industry. Reflecting on his involvement in the NTL, Jackson emphasized the importance of giving back to underprivileged youth in the city. “The reason I got involved in the NTL is I saw the vision. Giving back to the underprivileged, this is a no-brainer for me,” he explained. “There are a lot of underprivileged kids in Baltimore, and they look at the football players for hope and guidance.”
Despite not attending the Kentucky Derby during his college years at the University of Louisville, which is located near Churchill Downs, Jackson’s passion for horses traces back to his upbringing in Florida. Growing up in Pompano Beach, Jackson was always fascinated by horse racing in his community. He recalled, “I was always intrigued with horses. I’m from Cypress, a small town in Pompano Beach. There was always this horse track and horse racing going on in our area.”
The NTL represents a modernization effort in the horse racing industry, aligning with similar initiatives at major tracks like Churchill Downs, Pimlico, and Belmont Park. These venues have undertaken substantial renovation projects to attract new fans and enhance the overall racing experience. Churchill Downs, for instance, announced a nearly $1 billion renovation plan, while Pimlico is set to begin a $400 million renovation following the Preakness. Additionally, Belmont Park is undergoing a more than $455 million renovation to elevate its facilities and appeal to a broader audience.
