OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- During the second week of the Baltimore Ravens' organized team activities, one of the rookies asked quarterback Lamar Jackson if this is really his ninth NFL season.
"Yes, but I'm not an 'Unc' yet though," Jackson replied with a chuckle. "I just turned 29 in January."
For Jackson, he hasn't given much thought about growing older. The 10th-oldest quarterback projected to start this season, Jackson is more focused on moving past one of the most frustrating times of his career and beginning a new era.
He's laughing out on the practice field while learning a different system under first-year playcaller Declan Doyle. He's familiarizing himself with the newcomers at the skill positions and joking with the rookie draft picks at wide receiver (Jacobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt) and tight end (Matthew Hibner and Josh Cuevas).
The biggest change for Jackson and the Ravens has been at head coach, where Jesse Minter has replaced John Harbaugh after 18 years. Jackson said he was shocked when he learned of Harbaugh's firing in January and believes owner Steve Bisciotti did what was best for the team.
In his first media session this offseason, Jackson was asked about his first impression of Minter.
"Man, he's a cool dude," Jackson said. "I just told him on the field today, 'Every time I come in the building, you're always smiling.'"
Jackson added, "I can say it's a breath of fresh air."