In his seven seasons in the NFL, Lamar Jackson's journey has been marked by both exceptional highs and some unexpected interruptions. Though he has showcased elite performance on the field, frequent non-COVID-related illnesses have periodically sidelined the star quarterback from practice sessions.
Jackson's health has been a recurring concern since his arrival in the league in 2018. He has missed at least one practice each season due to illness, amounting to a total of 12 practices over his career. Despite these setbacks, Jackson's resilience and remarkable talent remain undisputed.
An Unpredictable Pattern
The frequency of Jackson's absences from practice can be surprising, given his collegiate history. "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 sudden bouts of illness.
John Harbaugh, head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, provides assurance that the organization takes Jackson's health seriously. "Lamar gets tested ... all of our guys get tested thoroughly, especially when you're sick. So, they look at every possibility," Harbaugh stated. This thorough approach underscores the team's commitment to ensuring Jackson's well-being.
In 2021, Jackson missed three practices, while in 2019 and 2020, he missed one practice each year. The pattern continued into the 2022 and 2023 seasons, with Jackson sitting out a practice in each. Notably, he missed four practices during the first week of this year's training camp, raising some eyebrows and concerns within the Ravens' community.
Reflecting on a specific incident from his debut season, Jackson was hospitalized for severe stomach pains just three days before his first NFL start. Nonetheless, his subsequent performance was nothing short of spectacular.
A Stellar Debut
Jackson's resilience was on full display during his first career start, leading the Ravens 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 their inaugural start, setting the stage for a promising career.
In his time with the Ravens, Jackson has continued to set high standards and achieve remarkable milestones. His accolades include being named the NFL MVP twice within his first six seasons, a testament to his outstanding capabilities and impact on the game.
The Pursuit of Greatness
Jackson's aspirations go beyond personal achievements. He is focused on securing the ultimate victory in the sport. "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 affirmed.
Despite the recurring illnesses, Jackson's determination and drive continue to fuel his efforts. On occasion, these health setbacks serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of an athlete's life. "You really never know when the bug hits you, but I got hit with a bug. I'm good now," Jackson candidly acknowledged after one such incident.
The Baltimore Ravens and their fans remain hopeful that Jackson's health issues will diminish over time, allowing him to focus entirely on his performance and leadership on the field. As the team navigates the ups and downs of an NFL season, Jackson’s resilience and aspiration for greatness remain a beacon of hope and ambition.
Jackson’s journey is a compelling narrative of talent, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. Even with the health hurdles, his contributions on the field have redefined expectations for a quarterback and solidified his place among the elite in the league.