In the realm of the NFL, few players are as dynamic and intriguing as Lamar Jackson. The Baltimore Ravens quarterback, now seven seasons deep into his professional career, has not only dazzled on the field but also faced a recurring battle off it—illness.
An Ongoing Battle
Since being drafted by the Ravens in 2018, Jackson has missed at least one practice each season due to non-COVID-related illnesses. This has amounted to him sitting out a total of 12 practices. Despite this, Jackson has continued to deliver stellar performances for his team.
"Man, I'll be thinking that sometimes because, at Louisville, I never got sick. I never was sick, but it comes and goes," Jackson reflected on his repeated absences due to illness. The quarterback's sentiment captures the unexpected nature of this peculiar hindrance he has faced since turning pro.
Ravens' head coach John Harbaugh acknowledged the puzzling pattern. "Lamar gets tested ... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you're sick. So, they look at every possibility," Harbaugh noted, emphasizing that the team takes every precaution to ensure Jackson's and the players' health.
Early Challenges and Triumphs
Jackson’s health struggles date back to his rookie season. Just three days before his first NFL start in 2018, Jackson was hospitalized for severe stomach pains. However, this setback did not deter him. In his first career start, he led the Ravens to a nail-biting 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, becoming the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for 100 yards in their debut.
Persistent Health Issues
Health challenges have persisted throughout Jackson's career. The Ravens star missed three practices in 2021 and one practice each year in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023. Most recently, Jackson missed four practices during the first week of this year’s training camp, once again highlighting the intermittency of his afflictions.
Despite these obstacles, Jackson has demonstrated resilience and determination. "You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now," he shared, displaying an unflappable attitude that has endeared him to Ravens fans and NFL enthusiasts alike.
Striving for Greatness
Jackson's career achievements thus far are nothing short of remarkable. He has been named NFL MVP twice within his first six seasons, a testament to his outstanding abilities and impact on the field. Still, Jackson's ambitions extend beyond personal 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. 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," Jackson expressed passionately.
The Journey Continues
As Jackson progresses in his NFL career, the dual narrative of his on-field prowess and off-field adversities continues to unfold. His ability to navigate both realms with grace and determination has solidified his status as one of the league's most compelling figures. The road ahead may hold more challenges, but if Jackson’s journey so far is any indication, the Ravens quarterback is more than capable of facing them head-on, with the ultimate goal of achieving greatness cementing his resolve.