Lamar Jackson’s Multi-Sport Ventures: Empowering Baltimore Youth through Horse Racing and NFL Synergy - (2026)

Updated: 25/02/2026

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is not only focused on winning championships on the football field but also in the world of horse racing. Jackson, who owns the Maryland Colts horse racing franchise in the National Thoroughbred League (NTL), has a strong vision for success in both the NFL and the NTL. His dedication to these sports ventures reflects a growing trend among active and retired NFL quarterbacks who are expanding their horizons into team ownership across various sports.

In 2024, Lamar Jackson acquired the Maryland Colts, situating the franchise in Baltimore, where the Colt moniker carried a legacy from a Super Bowl-winning NFL team. The NTL, with its innovative team-based concept for horse racing, has provided a platform for Jackson to pursue his passion for the sport while engaging in a new form of competition that resonates with his desire for success on and off the field. The Colts, along with other NTL franchises, compete and accrue points throughout the season, ultimately aiming for the NTL Championship.

One of Jackson's key motivations behind his investments in the Colts and horse racing as a whole is to effect positive change and create opportunities, especially for the youth in Baltimore. By hosting community events and initiatives that introduce young people to the world of horse racing and potential careers in the industry, Jackson aims to inspire and uplift the underprivileged communities around him. His commitment to giving back underscores a broader mission beyond just sporting achievements.

Joining a cohort of NFL quarterbacks turned sports team owners, such as Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson embraces a multifaceted approach to investment and impact. While some of his peers have diversified their ownership across various leagues and sports teams, Jackson is currently focused on leveraging his influence and resources through the Colts and the NTL to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who look up to him for guidance and hope in Baltimore.

As the NTL kicked off its 2025 season at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Lamar Jackson's presence and involvement extended beyond the competitive realm. Hosting a community day alongside the racing event, Jackson provided a platform for local youth to not only enjoy the excitement of horse racing but also to learn about the sport and the opportunities it presents. His strategic vision in investing in the Colts and participating in the NTL goes beyond mere financial gain; it embodies a deep-rooted commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse sporting landscape.

Reflecting on his upbringing in Florida, where his fascination with horses began, Jackson's journey from the football field to the racetrack encapsulates a narrative of passion, purpose, and drive. The convergence of his childhood intrigue with horses and his professional success in the NFL intertwines seamlessly in his ownership of the Maryland Colts, representing a realization of his lifelong interests in sports, competition, and community engagement.

The NTL represents just one facet of a broader movement to modernize and revitalize the world of horse racing. Major tracks like Churchill Downs, Pimlico, and Belmont Park, which host prestigious races like the Triple Crown events, are undergoing extensive renovation projects to enhance the spectator experience and attract a new generation of fans to the sport. These developments align with the ethos of transformation and growth that Lamar Jackson embodies through his ownership stake in the Colts and his active participation in shaping the future of horse racing in Baltimore and beyond.

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