When a new player walks into the Baltimore Ravens' locker room, it doesn't take long for them to notice something special about Lamar Jackson. It's not the MVP trophies or the highlight-reel plays that stand out first—it's the way he works.

New Ravens safety Jaylinn Hawkins has only been around the two-time NFL MVP for a few weeks, but he's already picked up on what makes Jackson such a respected leader. During a recent appearance on The Collective podcast, Hawkins shared his first impressions of playing alongside the quarterback who used to be the biggest threat on the opposing sideline.

"Man, real cool dude, real cool individual," Hawkins said. "The guy works hard, you know, a guy who leads by example, you can see it. Haven't spent too much time with the offense, but whenever I see the offense lifting and working out or whatever in the locker room, man, you just see his work ethic. You see him working hard, you see him in there joking with the guys and stuff like that. He seems like a great person, and I'm excited for him to be on our side of the ball for real."

For a defensive player like Hawkins, joining the Ravens means no longer having to game-plan against Jackson's unique skill set. That alone is a welcome change. But what's truly striking is how quickly Hawkins recognized the culture Jackson has built—not through grand speeches, but through daily consistency and preparation.

Jackson's leadership style has long been defined by action over words. Teammates past and present have echoed the same sentiment: he earns respect by showing up, putting in the work, and keeping the energy light while staying focused. Hawkins' observations only reinforce that reputation as the Ravens gear up for the 2026 season.

For fans and players alike, it's clear that having Lamar Jackson on your side means more than just elite quarterback play. It means having a leader who sets the standard every single day—and makes everyone around him better because of it.