Lamar Jackson's Battle with Illness: An Ongoing Challenge
Since his debut in the NFL seven seasons ago, Lamar Jackson's talent has been undeniable, but his journey hasn't been devoid of hurdles. The star quarterback, who has led the Ravens with a mix of electrifying rushes and pinpoint passes, has frequently found himself sidelined by illnesses, affecting his practice schedule and sometimes raising concerns among fans and analysts alike.
Indeed, Jackson's struggle with health issues has been a recurring theme since he was drafted by the Ravens in 2018. Each season has seen him miss practice due to various non-COVID-related ailments, culminating in a total of 12 missed practices over his career. Despite these setbacks, Jackson's resilience and determination have often allowed him to bounce back stronger every time.
Reflecting on his unexpected vulnerability to illnesses, Jackson remarked, "Man, I'll be thinking that sometimes because, at Louisville, I never got sick. I never was sick, but it comes and goes." His observation underscores the unpredictability of his health challenges, especially considering his iron-clad record during his college years at Louisville.
Highlighting a critical moment early in his career, Jackson was hospitalized for severe stomach pains just three days before his first NFL start in 2018. Yet, in characteristic fashion, Jackson overcame this setback to lead the Ravens to a 24-21 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals and, impressively, became the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to rush for 100 yards in his debut start. This performance set the stage for what would be an illustrious, albeit rocky, journey in professional football.
The list of missed practices due to illness provides a glimpse into the ongoing nature of Jackson's health issues: one practice each in 2019 and 2020, three practices in 2021, and one practice in each of the last two seasons. This year's training camp was no exception, with Jackson sitting out four practices in the first week alone.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has always been vigilant about player health, particularly with his star quarterback. "Lamar gets tested ... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you're sick. So, they look at every possibility," Harbaugh detailed, emphasizing the comprehensive approach the team employs to ensure player well-being.
Reflecting a blend of candor and humor, Jackson commented on his recurring illnesses: "You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now." His ability to remain light-hearted and optimistic despite ongoing health challenges speaks volumes about his character and mental toughness.
Beyond these health concerns, Jackson's drive to succeed remains undeterred. With two NFL MVP titles under his belt within his first six seasons, his ambitions stretch further. "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 stated with conviction, reiterating his championship aspirations.
Jackson's journey, marred by unpredictable health issues, is a testament to his resilience and determination. While his absences due to illness certainly pose challenges, they have not overshadowed his remarkable achievements and potential. As he continues to navigate these obstacles, both Jackson and his legion of fans remain hopeful for a future where his health complements his undeniable talent on the field.