Lamar Jackson's Ongoing Battle with Illness
Since entering the NFL seven seasons ago, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has consistently faced an unexpected and unwelcome adversary: recurring illnesses. Despite his dynamic on-field performances, Jackson has been persistently sidelined by various ailments, missing at least one practice each season due to non-COVID-related illnesses since his 2018 draft.
Jackson's health struggles started almost as soon as he donned the Ravens' jersey. Just three days before his first NFL start in 2018, Jackson was hospitalized for severe stomach pains. Nevertheless, his resilience shone through when he led the Ravens to a 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in that debut game. Jackson made history, becoming the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for 100 yards in his first career start.
However, the recurring illnesses have been a constant thorn in his side. Jackson has missed a total of 12 practices over the years due to various ailments. The first week of this year's training camp was particularly challenging, as he missed four practices—another testament to his ongoing health battles.
Reflecting on his situation, Jackson shared, "Man, I'll be thinking that sometimes because, at Louisville, I never got sick. I never was sick, but it comes and goes." His words echo the frustration of an athlete who has shown moments of invincibility but has had to grapple with unforeseen physical setbacks.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has been vigilant about Jackson's health. "Lamar gets tested ... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you're sick. So, they look at every possibility," Harbaugh remarked, underscoring the comprehensive approach the team takes to ensure their star player is in optimal health.
The 2021 season saw Jackson miss three practices, and he missed one practice each in 2019 and 2020. The trend continued with him missing one practice in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Despite these absences, Jackson's performances on the field have been nothing short of spectacular. In his first six seasons, he has been named NFL MVP twice, a testament to his exceptional talent and resilience.
Jackson's perspective on his experiences reveals his determination and ambition. "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," he asserted, emphasizing his ultimate goal beyond individual accolades.
While the exact cause of Jackson's frequent illnesses remains a mystery, he candidly addressed the unpredictability of his ailments. "You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now," he said, reflecting a cautious optimism about his health.
Jackson's journey in the NFL is marked by a unique blend of triumphs and trials. His ability to excel on the field amid recurring health issues speaks volumes about his perseverance and dedication. As he continues to lead the Ravens, fans and teammates alike can only hope that the resilient quarterback will overcome these health hurdles and achieve his ultimate dream of becoming a champion.