Training camp is often where coaches learn as much about a player's leadership as they do his athletic ability. For Baltimore Ravens special teams coordinator Anthony Levine, Keondre Jackson continues to check both boxes.
A 2025 undrafted rookie who was waived, re-signed to the practice squad, and eventually played his way onto the rosterhas earned praise throughout camp for his effort and physical style of play. Still, Coach Levine believes the young defender's greatest strength may be something that doesn't appear on a stat sheet.
"His energy is contagious," Levine said. "He goes out there. He plays fast. He plays physical. He's a smart football player."
That's significant praise coming from Levine, a former Ravens captain whose NFL career was
defined by relentless effort, leadership, and special-teams excellence. Jackson's athleticism has certainly stood out during camp, but Levine's comments suggest the Ravens are seeing something even more valuable. Baltimore sees a player who demands accountability from themselves and often earns the respect to challenge teammates as well.
"He holds himself accountable. He also holds everybody else around him accountable, so when you have a player like that, [one who is] playing at a high level, what he does is he rises and makes everyone else rise to the occasion."
Those are qualities coaches can't always teach. Baltimore has long built its roster around players who embrace physical football while setting the tone through preparation and consistency. Levine's description of Jackson checks every one of those boxes.
Training camp competitions are ultimately decided by more than highlight plays. Coaches want players they can trust. Teammates want players they'll follow, and organizations value players capable of raising the standard inside the locker room.
If Levine's evaluation is any indication, Keondre Jackson is beginning to establish himself as exactly that kind of player. The tackles and splash plays will always attract attention. Inside the Ravens' building, however, it may be Jackson's contagious energy and unwavering accountability that ultimately leave the biggest impression.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Anthony Levine praises Keondre Jackson’s emerging leadership
