Since his arrival in the NFL seven seasons ago, Lamar Jackson has been a dynamic force and a subject of intrigue. The electrifying quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens has faced an unusual adversary throughout his career: frequent non-COVID-related illnesses that have kept him off the practice field. Examining Jackson's journey illuminates not only his resilience but also his exceptional achievements on the gridiron.
A Persistent Battle with Illness
From the outset of his NFL career in 2018, Lamar Jackson has had to manage health issues that go beyond the usual wear and tear of professional football. Remarkably, Jackson has missed at least one practice every season due to various non-COVID-related illnesses, accumulating a total of 12 missed practices. Despite the frequency of these setbacks, his performance on the field remains undiminished.
Reflecting on his unusual health challenges, Jackson himself noted, "Man, I'll be thinking that sometimes because, at Louisville, I never got sick. I never was sick, but it comes and goes." His coach, John Harbaugh, underscores the thoroughness of the team's approach to his health, stating, "Lamar gets tested ... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you're sick. So, they look at every possibility."
Early Challenges
The health concerns for Jackson began almost immediately upon his entry into the NFL. Just three days before his first start in 2018, he was hospitalized for severe stomach pains. Despite this rocky start, Jackson’s NFL debut was nothing short of historic. Leading his team to a 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, he became the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for 100 yards in his first career start, showcasing the dual-threat capabilities that make him uniquely effective.
As for his initial ailments, Jackson recalls, "You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now." His attitude remains unfazed, a testament to his tenacity and focus on the game.
Consistent Performer
The recurring illnesses have not significantly hampered Jackson’s trajectory. His ability to perform at a high level, despite missing practices, speaks volumes about his talent and preparation. For instance, in the 2021 season, he missed three practices but continued to deliver stellar performances. Similarly, he missed one practice each in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023. This year's training camp also saw Jackson miss four additional practices due to illness, yet his determination remains intact.
Off the field, Jackson's handling of his health issues is meticulous, ensuring he remains in peak condition to lead his team. Coach Harbaugh's remark, "They look at every possibility," reflects the comprehensive measures taken by the Ravens to support their star quarterback's health.
Legacy in Progress
Lamar Jackson's NFL career is already storied, marked by extraordinary achievements. He has been named the NFL MVP twice within his first six seasons, a rare feat that places him among the elite in the league. However, Jackson’s ambitions stretch beyond individual accolades. "It's been the first checkbox for me since 2018. I said that April 26th, whenever I was drafted, I said that, and I meant that," he asserted. "That's the highest level of this game we play. So, you got to go out a champion. That's what I want to be labeled as a champion -- not just MVP here and there. I want to be a champion."
This relentless drive underscores Jackson’s quest for greatness. Despite the recurrent health challenges, his goal remains clear: to lead the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl victory. Every missed practice is a testament to his resilience and commitment to achieving this objective.
In summary, Lamar Jackson's journey through bouts of illness and his incredible performance on the field is a narrative of determination and excellence. His unique combination of skill, fortitude, and vision continues to make him one of the NFL's most compelling players, poised not just for MVP titles but for the ultimate prize of a championship.