Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is bringing his championship mentality to a new arena — the racetrack. As the owner of the Maryland Colts, a franchise in the National Thoroughbred League (NTL), Jackson is not only chasing titles but using his platform to drive opportunity and awareness in the city of Baltimore.
From the Gridiron to the Racetrack
Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP, purchased the Maryland Colts in 2024 and immediately grounded the team in Baltimore. The franchise revives the historic “Colts” name, once associated with the city’s NFL legacy. But the new team operates in a different sport under a fresh model — one that mirrors auto racing, with team points accumulating based on horse and jockey performance throughout the season.
“I just want to win a championship,” Jackson said. “I want to win one in the National Football League. I want to win one in the NTL.”
Investing With Purpose
Unlike many of his NFL peers expanding ownership portfolios across multiple leagues, Jackson says his focus is singular: building something impactful with the Maryland Colts. “When we are looking to invest, it has to be something meaningful,” he explained. “I have to see long-term goals when I’m doing something.”
Other NFL quarterbacks have entered ownership across sports. Tom Brady owns part of the Las Vegas Raiders. Peyton Manning holds a stake in the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies. Patrick Mahomes has invested in baseball, soccer, pickleball, and Formula 1. Jackson’s involvement in the NTL, however, is directly tied to his desire to create opportunity in Baltimore.
Community at the Center
To kick off the 2025 NTL season, Jackson hosted a youth-focused community day at Pimlico Race Course, introducing local kids to the sport and potential careers within it. “There are a lot of underprivileged kids in Baltimore, and they look at the football players for hope and guidance,” he said. “Giving back to the underprivileged — this is a no-brainer for me.”
The Maryland Colts placed third in their opening race weekend, but for Jackson, the bigger victory lies in giving youth something new to aspire toward.
A Personal Connection to Racing
Jackson’s interest in horse racing predates his NTL involvement. Growing up in Cypress, a neighborhood in Pompano Beach, Florida, he frequently saw horses and local racing events. Though he played college football just a mile from Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, he never attended the Kentucky Derby during his time there.
“I was always intrigued with horses,” he said. “There was always this horse track and horse racing going on in our area.”
NTL and the Future of Horse Racing
The NTL is part of a broader movement to modernize and revive interest in horse racing through team-based formats and community engagement. Major tracks are investing in renovations to support the shift. Pimlico, home of the Preakness Stakes, begins a $400 million renovation this year. Belmont Park is undergoing a $455 million overhaul, while Churchill Downs announced a billion-dollar plan before suspending it due to trade-related costs.
For Jackson, blending athletic ambition with community uplift is more than a project — it’s personal. And in a city that’s seen its share of struggle, the Maryland Colts may offer something more lasting than just a win column.
